Coronation Street hit the 8 million mark for the first time since September on Monday evening (January 4), while Emmerdale had its highest rating in over a year, overnight figures show.
Corrie was the most-watched programme of the day, claiming 8.07m (35.3%) at 7.30pm on ITV and 164k (0.7%) on +1 as Carla lost patience and decided to expose Johnny's big secret, while 7.81m (32.3%) returned at 8.30pm and 182k (0.8%) on +1 to see how Aidan and Kate reacted to the news that Carla is their sister.
The Weatherfield soap had its highest ratings since September 23, when Callum was killed off in an hour-long live episode.
Earlier, Emmerdale brought in 6.97m (32.1%) at 7pm on ITV and 204k (0.9%) on +1 as Emma told Ross to take baby Moses - the show's best figure in just over 14 months. Emmerdale hasn't been as high since October 20, 2014.
EastEnders still managed to take second spot, though, attracting 7.27m (30.6%) at 8pm on BBC One as Kyle was revealed as Stacey's brother. BBC Three's repeat added 442k (2.3%) at 10pm.
Hollyoaks also did well, airing to 1.08m (5.2%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 with the launch of Patrick's exit week (+1: 90k / 0.4%). This was the show's highest audience since January 26 last year, while E4's first look followed with 695k (3.2%) at 7pm (+1: 62k / 0.3%).
Neighbours returned from its Christmas break with 731k (7.9%) at 1.45pm and 793k (4.6%) at 5.30pm on Channel 5 as Sonya's paranoia over Belinda had dire consequences.
