Friday ratings: 'Home and Away' hurt by Channel 5 scheduling

Home and Away's inconsistent scheduling hurt its ratings on Friday (March 16) evening, early viewing figures indicate.



While 782k (4.4%) watched the postponed episode from Thursday (March 15) evening due to football, only 633k (3.3%) stayed at 6.30pm for the second in a double bill, and just 160k (0.8%) watched 5*'s first look at the later time of 7pm.

Neighbours, also moved out of the schedule to make way for football, claimed 617k (4.5%) at the earlier time of 5pm, after which 944k (5.9%) tuned in for another edition half-an-hour later. At 6.30pm, 110k (0.5%) watched a catch-up of the latter 5.30pm edition.

Soap fans will be relieved by Manchester United's exit from the Europa League, as scheduling will return to normal from now on.

Coronation Street retained its Friday night crown with 8.47m (38.1%) at 7.30pm (+1: 158/0.7%) as Peter confessed to Frank's murder in court and 8.7m (36.7%) at 8.30pm (+1: 210k/0.9%) for Sally's murder weapon discovery.

On the eve of a hectic week in Walford, big decisions for Heather and Ian on EastEnders were seen by 7.58m (35.4%) at 8pm. BBC Three's 10pm repeat had 716k (3.8%).

Seemingly dented by Thursday's football, 7pm's Emmerdale climbed to 6.84m (33.7%), adding 158k (0.7%) on ITV1 +1.

Channel 4's latest Hollyoaks grabbed 775k (4.1%) and for E4's first look fetched 487k (2.4%), while Doctors averaged 1.58m (21.6%) at 1.45pm.

Home and Away can watched online here by anyone who missed it on Friday.