Coronation Street topped the ratings on Friday (August 21) with X Factor winner Shayne Ward's first episodes as Aidan Connor, overnight figures show.
The Weatherfield soap brought in 6.55m (35.8%) at 7.30pm on ITV and 121k (0.6%) on +1 as Aidan arrived on the Street to discuss investing in the factory. The audience remained steady as 6.55m (32.7%) returned at 8.30pm and 256k (1.4%) on +1 to see Carla agree to do a deal with the new arrival.
Both episodes also dealt with the continuing aftermath of Jason Grimshaw's attack at the hands of Callum Logan and his heavies, which has left him in a bad way at the hospital.
Emmerdale attracted 5.34m (32.7%) at 7pm on ITV and 126k (0.7%) on +1 as the hunt for Ross took a sinister turn with the discovery of a body.
EastEnders appealed to 5.31m (28.4%) at 8pm on BBC One as Sharon and Ian followed Phil as he went off to meet Kathy and Paul Nicholas made his first appearance as Kathy's husband Gavin Sullivan. BBC Three's repeat screening secured 414k (2.5%) at 10pm.
Hollyoaks interested 743k (4.9%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 as Maxine tracked down Patrick after fears mounted over his disappearing act (+1: 70k / 0.4%), the show's best Friday rating since April 17. E4's first look topped a quiet day for the multichannels with 493k (3.0%) at 7pm and 100k (0.5%) on +1.
Doctors claimed 1.31m (17.8%) at 1.45pm on BBC One as Rob's past was explored when he finally interviewed Weston.
Neighbours mustered 626k (8.4%) at 1.45pm and 546k (4.6%) at 5.30pm on Channel 5 as Paul once again feared that he could be losing Amy.
Home and Away entertained 195k (2.6%) at 1.15pm and 522k (3.8%) at 6pm on Channel 5, while 5*'s first look had 257k (1.7%) at 6.30pm.
