'Coronation Street' Karl arson seen by 8.6 million

Coronation Street's Friday double bill topped the soap ratings last night (March 8).



Some 8.64 million, a 38.3% share of the available audience, watched a warped Karl Munroe set fire to Jason Grimshaw's car at 7.30pm, as well as 200,000 on ITV +1.

The aftermath, which saw an angry Jason questioned by police, attracted 8.34m (34.3%) at 8.30pm and 248k on timeshift.

The Liam Butcher gang storyline kicked off on EastEnders with a decent 8.02m (34.2%) for BBC One at 8pm, while BBC Three's 10.30pm repeat took 424k (2.5%).

Emmerdale's 7pm instalment mustered 6.67m (32%) and 146k on ITV +1 as Brenda coped with the news of her brain tumour.

Meanwhile, Channel 4's Hollyoaks entertained 983k (5%) at 6.30pm, then E4's first look grabbed 506k (2.4%).

Neighbours interested 860k (10.7%) at 1.45pm and 997k (5.9%) at 5.30pm for its latest standalone instalment, while Home and Away nabbed 762k (4.1%) at 6pm and 452k (2.3%) for 5*'s first look.

Finally, Doctors averaged 1.65m (20.5%) for a story titled 'Fifty Shades of Beige'.