BBC Two eco drama Burn Up debuts with 2.4m

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 24-Jul-08, 10:50

LONDON - BBC Two's two-part topical eco thriller 'Burn Up', starring 'Spooks' actor Rupert Penry-Jones and Hollywood actress Neve Campbell, debuted with 2.4m viewers last night, according to unofficial overnight figures.

'Burn Up' follows clashes between oil company executives, environmental activists and politicians, in the battle between economic success and ecological responsibility.

The first show, which sees activist Campbell make oil company boss Penry-Jones rethink his philosophy, netted an 11.5% share of the 9pm-10.30pm audience for BBC Two.

The second part will screen on BBC Two on Friday night at 9pm.

BBC One's final part of its 'Cars, Cops and Criminals' documentary won the primetime slot with 4.6m viewers and a 22.1% share of the audience from 9pm-10pm.

It beat ITV1's final part of 'Marco's Great British Feast', in which Marco Pierre White concluded his six month journey to compile a menu of great British food.

The chef attracted 2.9m viewers and a 13.6% share of the 9pm-10pm audience for ITV1.

The final part of Channel 4's 'Personal Services Required' four-part reality series, in which individuals or families test out candidates to provide domestic help, pulled in 1.7m viewers and an 8% share of the 9pm audience. Including Channel 4+1 it managed 1.74m and an 8.3% share.

It narrowly beat Five's 'The Rainman Twins: Extraordinary People' documentary, which drew 1.6m viewers and a 7.7% share of the 9pm-10pm audience.

'Big Brother' attracted 2.9m viewers on Channel 4 and a 16.6% share of the 10pm-11pm audience. Including Channel 4+1 ratings it managed 3.1m and a 17.5% share.