Daisies Leaves ITV1 Smelling Of Roses

ITV1’s decision to screen a US import in a primetime slot for the first times since late 90’s paid off with impressive ratings for its opening episode. Centering on a pie maker who has the power to bring the dead back to life, the first edition of the comedy drama Pushing Daisies pulled in 5.2 million adult viewers.

However there might be some cause for concern within network centre, as quarter hour analysis of the programme saw the audience decline throughout the hour (starting with an initial 5.8 million and finishing with 4.2 million for the final fifteen minutes).

Earlier on Saturday evening the return of Britain’s Got Talent to ITV1 easily saw off BBC1’s I’d Do Anything.

The Simon Cowell fronted talent show attracted an average audience of 7.8 million, with a 35.8% share of viewing across the programme’s 90-minute duration.

On I’d Do Anything, five million viewers tuned in to see Tara Bethan be told she wasn’t Nancy, 1.2 million down on the previous Saturday’s viewing total.

Also doing well for ITV1 on Saturday evening was the return of vintage quiz show Mr And Mrs (renamed All Star Mr And Mrs).

Hosted by This Morning presenters Phil Schofield and Fern Britton, the show featured celebrities Wendy Richard and Phil Tuffnell battling it out to win £30,000 for charity. It pulled in a healthy 5.9 million adult viewers and a 29.6% share.

The big ratings winner on Sunday night was the return of WWII drama Foyle’s War, which was watched by seven million viewers. Elsewhere BBC2’s coverage of the US Masters held a steady 2 million throughout the night, with an average of 2.3 million seeing South African golfer Trevor Immelman win his first green jacket from the world famous Augusta National Golf Club.

Channel 4’s network premiere of comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story attracted 1.8 million viewers last night, while Five’s premiere of action drama The Legend of Zorro was seen by 1.2 million.

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