COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Strictly Come Dancing enjoyed a new series high last night (October 17) as it neared 10 million viewers, according to overnight data.

The BBC One dancing competition rose to 9.66 million (45.7%) from 6.30pm, with a peak of 10.6 million (47.2%) at 8pm.

Doctor Who followed with its own series high, as 'The Girl Who Died' with Maisie Williams averaged 4.63 million (22.2%) from 8.20pm.

Casualty treated 4.61 million (23.1%), and The National Lottery Live was watched by 4.09 million (23.1%).

On BBC Two, a Dad's Army repeat entertained 1.62 million (7.8%) and QI XL earned 885k (4.3%).

ITV's coverage of the Rugby World Cup match between New Zealand and France averaged 4.01 million (19.6%) from 7.30pm, before the new series of The Jonathan Ross Show debuted with 1.71 million (12%).

Over on Channel 4, supernatural thriller Beautiful Creatures appealed to 618k (2.9%) from 6.45pm, and It Was Alright In drew 856k (4.3%).

Channel 5's Now That's Funny! amused 741k (3.5%) in the 7pm hour. Football League Tonight later had an audience of 473k (2.5%).

The multichannels were topped by ITV3's Midsomer Murders, which was watched by 680k (3.3%) from 8pm.