Nail Biting Semi-Final Lures Millions To ITV1

Last night’s thrilling UEFA Champions League battle between Chelsea and Liverpool peaked with almost 11 million viewers for ITV1 during the nail biting penalty shoot-out, giving the broadcaster a 50% viewing share at around 10pm.

Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt sought revenge on the Blues, nailing the winning penalty after the dubious decision to disallow his earlier goal, which would have effectively sealed the deal for the Scouse side in extra time.

An average of almost 8.3 million (34%) watched the entire game, making the match the most watched programme of the evening.

More than six million adults on average tuned in for EastEnders during the second leg of the semi-final, with Dot’s escalating descent into madness and Bradders’ new-found Casanova-like status giving BBC One a 34.6% audience share between 7.30pm and 8pm.

Hospital drama Holby City followed, with its viewing figures apparently affected by the football. The programme gained an average adult audience of more than 4.8 million, equating to a 23% share.

Meanwhile, the new series of How To Look Good Naked on Channel 4 saw fashion stylist Gok Wan strip down Liz Marlow’s insecurities, helping her to accept her curvaceous body. More than 2.2 million adults on average tuned in for the now hour-long show, gaining the channel a viewing share of 10.8%.

Crimewatch rated well for BBC One during the European Cup game, netting almost 3.5 million viewers (15%), whilst the Ten O’clock News was also seen by around 3.5 million (16.6%), presumably also affected by the pitch-side drama on ITV1.

Meanwhile, Five’s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation lured 2.5 million adults (11%) to the channel between 9pm and 10pm.

Overnight data is available each morning in mediatel.co.uk’s TV Database, with all BARB registered subscribers able to view reports for terrestrial networks, ITV2 and Sky One.

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv