Stacey Branning's mysterious key helped EastEnders to top the ratings on Thursday (December 17), overnight figures show.
The Walford soap pulled in 5.82m (29.6%) at 7.30pm on BBC One as Stacey finally learned the secret behind the intriguing item - her late father Brian had another family. BBC Three's repeat added 415k (2.3%) at 10pm.
Emmerdale attracted 5.78m (30.8%) at 7pm on ITV and 93k (0.4%) on +1 as Emma paid a surprise visit to Charity in prison, while 5.64m (27.2%) returned at 8pm and 112k (0.6%) on +1 for baby Moses's medical scare.
Coronation Street had a rare night in third spot, claiming 5.55m (25.6%) at 8.30pm on ITV and 193k (1.0%) on +1 as a one-off Thursday airing saw Tracy's lies infuriate Rob.
Hollyoaks appealed to 758k (4.2%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 and 101k (0.5%) on +1 as Lindsey prepared to strike again, while 641k (3.4%) were lured over to E4's first look to see the outcome (+1: 77k / 0.4%).
Neighbours entertained 770k (11.6%) at 1.30pm and 643k (3.8%) at 6pm on Channel 5 as Toadie was threatened by Belinda in the penultimate episode of the year.
Elsewhere, Doctors aired to 1.35m (21.3%) at 1.45pm on BBC One as Jimmi lost his temper over The Mill's calendar.
