Emmerdale tops Tuesday's soap ratings

Emmerdale topped the soap ratings on Tuesday evening (January 20) with the shock twists at Charity Dingle's trial, overnight figures show.



6.14m (28.4%) tuned in at 7pm on ITV and 414k (1.9%) on +1 as an hour-long episode saw Gemma Oaten make a surprise return as Rachel Breckle and Emma Atkins make a temporary departure as Charity received a two-year prison sentence.

Clashing with Emmerdale and losing out due to the rival soap's head start, EastEnders dipped to 5.56m (24.3%) at 7.30pm on BBC One as Linda reported Dean to the police. BBC Three's repeat screening later saw a boost with 643k (4.6%) watching at 10.30pm - the highest catch-up figure since September 23.

During the 30-minute period when both soaps went head-to-head, Emmerdale had 5.95m and a 26.0% share.

Holby City attracted 4.64m (21.2%) at 8pm on BBC One with a surprising storyline for Fletch and his ex-wife.

Hollyoaks interested 931k (4.7%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 with Dodger's final episode, while E4's first look followed with 781k (3.8%) at 7pm and 135k (0.6%) on +1.

Neighbours entertained 641k (8.6%) at 1.45pm and 819k (5.1%) at 5.30pm on Channel 5 as Gary made a confession to the police.

Home and Away appealed to 280k (3.7%) at 1.15pm and 624k (3.3%) at 6pm on Channel 5, while 5*'s first look managed 382k (1.9%) at 6.30pm.

Elsewhere, Doctors continued with 1.59m (21.3%) at 1.45pm on BBC One.