BBC wins primetime despite Ashes to Ashes ratings drop

by Darren Davidson, Brand Republic 29-Feb-08, 10:50

LONDON - It was dust to dust for the BBC as the much-hyped 'Life on Mars' spin-off 'Ashes to Ashes' continued to lose viewers, pulling in 5.8m viewers last night, the lowest audience of the series so far last night but enough to beat ITV1 in the prime time battle.

The fourth episode of the series, which is set in 1981, drew a 24.8% share of the audience, enough to win the 9pm slot.

The series, starring former 'Spooks' star Keeley Hawes as the time shifted policewoman from 2008 alongside Philip Glenister's DCI Gene Hunt, debuted with 7m viewers, but since its promising start has sunk below the 6m mark.

However, despite the fall off the BBC show did enough to beat ITV1's crime drama 'Trial and Retribution'. That pulled in 4.7m viewers and a 20.1% share at 9pm for the final of a two-part story.

A 'Cutting Edge' documentary called 'The Girls Who Were Found Alive', which tells the story of two girls who were abducted by a predatory paedophile, netted an impressive 2.9m viewers and a 12.2% share at 9pm. The figures include the audience on Channel 4+1.

'That Mitchell and Webb Look', BBC Two's new comedy show starring comedians David Mitchell and Robert Webb from Channel 4's 'Peep Show', brought 1.7m viewers and a 7.2% share at 9pm.

Earlier in the evening, Channel 4 aired a double episode of Jamie Oliver cookery programme 'Jamie at Home'.

The first instalment earned 1.9m viewers and an 8% share at 8pm, while the second episode bettered the first with 2m viewers and a 7.9% share. The figures including Channel 4+1.

The final of BBC Two's cookery series 'Masterchef' bowed out on a high with 5.3m viewers and a 21.2% share tuning at 8pm, more than enough to win its slot.

Comments

Lucy Heather - 29/02/2008

Do viewing figures now include iPlayer downloads? I've noticed that Ashes to Ashes episode 1 & 2 has been the number one on their chart for the last two weeks. Personally, Thursday is pub night and I save my episode for dull Sundays.

Mark Doherty - 29/02/2008

Ashes to Ashes is a bit of a come down from Life On Mars. I feel this is partly due to the fact that the Female is not as convincing, the story line not as excitingly intricate, and appears a bit limp. Although I will still watch it, I am betting the overnights will reduce further. Mark Doherty

Gordon Macmillan - 29/02/2008

I watched the first two episodes, but did not make even half way through the third. It isn't a mystery anymore. She has taken a bump on the head. Also does she have to continue to dress like a 80s hooker? I thought she was meant to be a senior female detective, but she walks around like she's on her way to those discoteques.