New Tricks beats ITV1 biopic with 7.1m viewers

by Staff, Brand Republic 26-Aug-08, 11:00

LONDON - BBC One crime drama 'New Tricks' came up trumps in the primetime slot last night with a hefty 7.1m viewers, almost double the number watching ITV1's executioner biopic 'Pierrepoint'.

'New Tricks', which stars Dennis Waterman and James Bolan, captured a 31.2% share of the audience in the 9-10pm slot.

ITV1's 'Pierrepoint', which told the story of one of Britain's most notorious hangmen Albert Pierrepoint, scored a lowly 3.6m viewers and a 15.7% share in the 9-10.50pm slot, despite having the pulling power of lead actor Timothy Spall.

The latest instalment of 'Big Brother' brought Channel 4 2.8m viewers and a 14.5% share between 10-11.05pm.

The ratings increased to 3m viewers and a 15.5% share when Channel 4+1 is included.

Earlier in the evening Channel 4's 'Wogan's Perfect Recall', the Terry Wogan-presented game show in which four contestants battle for the chance of winning a big cash prize, was watched by an impressive 1.7m viewers and a 12.9% share in the 5-5.30pm slot.

Including viewers on Channel 4+1, it had 1.7m viewers and a 4.8% share.

Comments

Keith Geddes - 26/08/2008

Wogans new show wasnt bad.. New Tricks is very well made and popular so of course the BBC scored... whatever is on at 9pm opposite a known high rated programme will suffer. Bit obvious really.. I get fed up with programmes clashed deliberately.. we are PAYING to be entertained, not be the victims of a ratings war, when the figures are debatable anyway. TV is in enough trouble already without losing more viewers through stupid scheduling.