A feature length episode of Wire In The Blood drew more than 5.9 million adults on average to ITV1 last night, giving the channel an audience share of 27% between 9pm and 10.30pm.
The show, which whet the appetite of fans ahead of the new series, of course starred the indefatigable Robson Green as eccentric clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill, taking the character from the familiar streets of Bradfield to the harsh surrounds of Texas.
Over on BBC One, an examination of Road Rage on Britain’s increasingly congested streets lured an adult audience of more than 3.9 million on average, equating to a 17.3% share.
Meanwhile, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s new series, Hugh’s Chicken Run, part of Channel 4’s ‘The Big Food Fight’ month, gave C4 a 13.5% viewing share. The first programme, which saw Hugh set up his own intensive chicken farm, attracted the attention of almost 3.1 million adult viewers on average.
Earlier, ITV1’s stellar soap, Coronation Street, almost broke the 10 million mark, giving the channel a 42.6% share between 8.30pm and 9pm, whilst BBC One’s Panorama investigation into online grooming via social networking sites, was watched by almost 3.1 million (13.2%).
Between 8pm and 8.30pm on BBC One, the Christmas and New Year fallout continued for the EastEnders crew, with more than 9.3 million (41%) tuning in to the misery.
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