Emmerdale was ahead of EastEnders in Tuesday's ratings (March 4) but both soaps were dented by their latest scheduling clash, overnight figures show.
Emmerdale's hour-long episode, which featured the tragic death of schoolgirl Gemma Andrews, averaged 6.19m (29.8%) from 7pm on ITV and 286k (1.3%) on +1.
Losing out due to Emmerdale's head start, EastEnders attracted 5.56m (25.4%) at 7.30pm on BBC One as Sharon wondered whether to report Ronnie's crime to the police.
During the 30-minute clash period itself, Emmerdale was ahead of its BBC rival with 5.95m (27.3%). Later, BBC Three's repeat screening of EastEnders saw a boost with 652k (4.7%) watching at 10.30pm.
Elsewhere, Holby City appealed to 4.85m (22.6%) at 8pm on BBC One as Dominic continued his attempts to prove himself.
Hollyoaks interested 917k (4.9%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 as baby Rose went missing, while E4's first look followed with 726k (3.7%) at 7pm and 181k (0.9%) on +1.
Over on Channel 5, Neighbours continued with 619k (9.8%) at 1.45pm and 821k (5.4%) at 5.30pm, while Home and Away entertained 269k (3.9%) at 1.15pm, 666k (3.9%) at 6pm and 499k (2.7%) with 5*'s first look at 6.30pm.
Elsewhere, the latest episode of Doctors was seen by 1.61m (25.4%) at 1.45pm on BBC One.
