More Than 10.2 Million Share England’s Dismal Defeat

England’s dismal failure to qualify for the European Championship last night was watched by an average of more than 10.2 million adults, giving BBC One a 43.2% viewing share over the game’s coverage between 7.30pm and 10pm.

As Croatia revelled in their 3-2 victory, taking them to the top of the group, a nation was heartbroken, and Steve McClaren’s fate was sealed.

Despite numerous lucky chances to stay in the competition, England once again fell at the last hurdle with yet another sloppy performance. BBC One’s ratings may have been impressive, but England’s failure to go through could cost the UK economy around £1 billion, with retailers, advertisers and football sponsors among the biggest losers.

The UK advertising industry alone was estimated to have spent over £300 million during last year’s World Cup, and the lack of interest in Euro 2008 will have a serious impact on ITV.

During the match, over on ITV, The Bill managed to attract more than 3.8 million adults, a 16.1% share, whilst camp side Casanova Marc Bannerman’s shock exit from I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! lured just over 5.2 million adults, giving the channel a 22% share between 9pm and 10.30pm.

Meanwhile, Channel 4’s Gok Wan pulled just over 2.4 million adults for How To Look Good Naked (10.2%), whilst Secret Millionaire banked just over 1.7 million viewers (7%).

Coronation Street had an adult audience of more than 8.6 million (40%) during the football’s preamble.

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.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com