Once again ITV saw a chance to capture Monday’s already physically and emotionally fraught audiences and beat them into gentle submission with the manipulative and contrived hit show Long Lost Family (9pm).

The penultimate episode of the theatrical retelling of history, The White Queen (BBC One, 9pm) brought in 3.2 million viewers who tuned in for some political wrangling and rumpy pumpy by candlelight.

ITV dominated Wednesday’s soapy proceedings and the day’s viewing in general. Emmerdale at 7pm on ITV saw unhinged factory worker Laurel step up her crusade of vigilance.

After a series of surprise beatings by its commercial rival, Tuesday night saw EastEnders (BBC One, 7:30pm) rally up its best scrapping face (just think of Kirsty’s perma-growl) and finally happy slapped Emmerdale (ITV, 7pm) into submission.

It’s been at least a couple of weeks now since something caught fire or exploded in Weatherfield, so last night’s stunt episode must have come to some relief for Coronation Street’s (ITV) itchy fans.

As the summer finally got under way across the country internet users turned away in droves, meaning June’s UK internet universe was at its lowest since June 2010.

As the summer finally got under way across the country internet users turned away in droves, meaning June’s UK internet universe was at its lowest since June 2010.

EastEnders (BBC One, 7pm) took another blow last night as the heat drove some viewers away from their TVs – with a few others seen heading towards the Dales.

5 million viewers tuned in to see Nigel squeal in delight to find out that his great great grandfather was a commoner (in Nigel’s eyes only – Gramps was loaded), resulting in a 23% share.

The old dogs dusted off their mystery-solving magnifying glasses, cleansed their catheters and returned with that fresh feeling for the tenth series of retrospective crime resolving.