Mercedes McQueen's mysterious exit storyline continued to pay off for Hollyoaks on Friday evening (November 21) as E4's first look screening hit the 1 million mark, overnight figures show.
1.01m (5.2%) tuned in at 7pm on E4 to see the aftermath of Freddie's arrest on suspicion of Mercy's murder, up 215k week-on-week and making Hollyoaks the most-watched multichannel programme of the day.
Earlier, 862k (4.6%) caught the traditional 6.30pm showing on Channel 4 as the McQueens heard that Mercedes could be dead.
Coronation Street was the most-watched soap of the day, bringing in 7.31m (35.6%) at 7.30pm on ITV as Steve's strange behaviour pushed Michelle too far, while 7.07m (32.0%) returned at 8.30pm to see what the consequences would be for their relationship.
EastEnders managed 6.49m (30.1%) at 8pm on BBC One as newcomer Buster was revealed to be Mick's father as well as Dean's. BBC Three's repeat screening secured 241k (1.5%) at 10.30pm.
Emmerdale attracted 5.79m (30.0%) at 7pm on ITV and 178k (0.8%) on +1 as the White family dealt with the aftermath of the Home Farm raid.
Neighbours appealed to 604k (7.9%) at 1.45pm and 759k (4.8%) at 5.30pm on Channel 5 as Sonya's unknown enemy continued to cause havoc.
Home and Away grabbed 256k (3.3%) at 1.15pm and 615k (3.4%) at 6pm on Channel 5, while 5*'s first look had 385k (2.0%) at 6.30pm.
Elsewhere, Doctors was seen by 1.44m (18.8%) at 1.45pm on BBC One.
