Ratings: 'Emmerdale' crash drama beats 'EastEnders'

Emmerdale was the most-watched soap on Thursday evening as John Barton lost his life in dramatic circumstances, overnight figures show.



Emmerdale's emotional episode, which saw John and wife Moira have a horrific road accident, averaged 7.21m (30.3%) across its hour-long slot from 7pm. A further 351k (1.5%) watched an hour later on ITV1+1.

EastEnders, meanwhile, attracted 5.64m (22.7%) at 7.30pm as Whitney, Tyler and Fatboy's love triangle came to a head. However, BBC Three's 10pm repeat screening added an impressive 1.28m (6.3%).

During the 30-minute clash period when both soaps went head-to-head from 7.30pm, Emmerdale had 6.93m and a 27.9% share.

Hollyoaks pulled in 977k (4.7%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 with the fallout from Joel's surprise return to the village, while E4's first look screening appealed to 617k (2.7%) at 7pm and 108k (0.5%) on +1.

Over on Channel 5, Home and Away managed 333k (4.0%) at 1.15pm, while Neighbours took 738k (9.1%) at 1.45pm. The Australian soaps did not air at teatime due to football coverage, but 5*'s first look screening at events in Summer Bay grabbed 467k (2.2%) at 6.30pm.

Elsewhere, the latest episode of Doctors - titled 'Naqam' - was seen by 1.68m (20.9%) at 1.45pm on BBC One.

TV Guide