BBC one records highest share since 2005

BBC One has had its best start to the year in a decade, according to final consolidated data released this week.

In the first quarter, BBC One took the highest share since 2005 in all hours and in peak, with a 23.3 per cent share in all hours and 25.2 per cent in peak.

“It’s been an outstanding start to the year for programme-makers on the channel and their ambition has been in evidence throughout,” said Charlotte Moore, controller of BBC One. “I’ve been proud to watch a BBC One at the top of its game, bursting with creativity and modernity, which has brought the nation together and sparked the national conversation.”

The BBC cites the 30th anniversary of EastEnders, the return of the FA Cup to the channel and the Six Nations as some of the top rated draws to the channel.

Dramas Last Tango In Halifax, Silent Witness and Death In Paradise have all been their most successful series ever to date; while Call the Midwife is the most watched drama series of the year so far across all channels.

“I want to make sure viewers feel BBC One is part of their lives and that’s about making sure there is something on BBC One for everybody,” added Moore.

“We aim to maintain that momentum and continue to move with the times and bring audiences a range of distinctive, high-quality programmes that feel relevant and reflect the diversity of modern Britain.”

The BBC also announced that hit show Poldark has been commissioned for a second series. Aidan Turner will return as Ross Poldark and Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza in a new eight-part series written by Debbie Horsfield that will cover books three and four of Winston Graham’s series.