EastEnders' Live Week got off to an impressive start on Tuesday evening (February 17) as the soap rose above the 9 million mark, overnight figures show.
9.03m (39.8%) tuned in at 7.30pm on BBC One as Peggy Mitchell returned to Albert Square, new cast member Richard Blackwood made his first appearance and Max accused his daughter Abi of being Lucy's killer.
The rating was the highest overnight figure for EastEnders in over two years. The show was last above 9 million on New Year's Day 2013, when 9.09m watched Sharon receive proposals from both Phil and Jack.
Last night's episode had a 5-minute peak of 9.6m, while 532k (3.7%) caught BBC Three's repeat screening at 10.30pm.
Elsewhere, Emmerdale continued with 6.19m (31.0%) at 7pm on ITV and 175k (0.8%) on +1 as Laurel lost her job at the factory.
Holby City attracted 4.78m (21.4%) at 8pm on BBC One as the Sacha and Rachel story continued.
Hollyoaks interested 808k (4.3%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 as John Paul decided to visit Finn, while E4's first look had 685k (3.4%) at 7pm.
Neighbours entertained 543k (7.8%) at 1.45pm and 777k (5.3%) at 5.30pm on Channel 5 as Brad considered his future.
Home and Away managed 283k (3.8%) at 1.15pm and 571k (3.3%) at 6pm, while 5*'s first look had 352k (1.9%) at 6.30pm.
Elsewhere, Doctors was seen by 1.4m (20.4%) at 1.45pm on BBC One.
Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 12:52 pm