|
ITV
Programme Tops Christmas Viewing
ITV1's Downton Abbey was the most watched TV programme at
Christmas, final viewing figures have revealed.
Initial overnight figures put EastEnders in the top slot, but confirmed
figures compiled by Barb showed that Downton Abbey had 11.59 million
viewers, compared to EastEnders' 11.33 million.
The final total varies because it includes HD viewers, and those who
recorded shows to watch later.
However, it does not take into account viewers who tuned into repeats or who
watched the programmes on the BBC iPlayer or ITV player, or other catch-up
services.
The confirmed figures show the BBC's Doctor Who came third, with 10.77
million viewers, while ITV1's Coronation Street was close behind with 10.56
million.
Absolutely Fabulous, starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, was fifth
with 9.07 million.
With EastEnders coming out top in "real time" on Christmas Day, there may be
implications for ITV in terms of advertising - viewers watching a recorded
version of Downton Abbey could have just skipped over the commercials.
January
03
2012 - waveguide.co.uk
Click
here to comment on this story
Simon Cowell
Returns To BGT
Simon Cowell is to return to Britain's Got Talent.
The 52-year-old music mogul - who quit the audition process of the TV talent
show last year before returning to judge the live shows - will once again
join the panel alongside show veteran Amanda Holden and newcomers David
Walliams and Alesha Dixon.
As well as Simon returning, the winner's prize money has been increased to
£500,000
Cowell said: "I miss Britain and I miss the British public and I miss
judging them. I want to find the next generation of talent in 2012.
Different and new acts, younger and better talent.
"You want someone who can be a star all over the world and by coming back in
2012, it's the year of the Olympics, it's a big year for Britain, we are
going to be in the world's spotlight and I want this show to be back in the
world spotlight.
"This year I really felt that I've got to put my money where my mouth is, so
I'm personally putting up £250,000, so that's £500,000 cash to the winner,
so that's a big incentive."
Elaine Bedell, ITV director of entertainment and comedy said: "We all really
missed Simon during the BGT auditions last year, so I'm very pleased he's
back this year for the whole run.There's no Head Judge quite like Simon
Cowell.
"And I'm delighted David and Alesha will be joining Simon and Amanda on the
panel. David is one of the country's top entertainers and a big fan of
Variety, and Alesha's career in showbusiness has already taken in both pop
music and TV entertainment.
"I expect all those acts waiting in the wings to audition in 2012, are as
excited with this panel of judges as we are."
January
03
2012 - waveguide.co.uk
Click
here to comment on this story
Dancing
On Ice Contestants Named
EastEnders actress Laila Morse is in training to take part in
ITV1's Dancing On Ice.
Morse, 66, who plays Mo Harris in the soap, is the oldest contestant this
year, said her family thought she was "mad" to take part but she was looking
forward to it.
She said: "I can't wait for all of it - the sparkles, false eyelashes and
tans. It's like being pampered. We'll be skating out each Sunday looking
like we've been Tangoed."
There is no return for controversial judge Jason Gardiner with two new
judges - former Olympic champion Katarina Witt and choreographer Louie
Spence - joining Robin Cousins on the panel.
Among the other celebrities taking part in the show, hosted by Phillip
Schofield and Christine Bleakley, are Dallas actress Charlene Tilton, 1980s
actor Corey Feldman, Sugababe Heidi Range and singer Chesney Hawkes.
The One And Only hitmaker got a shock when he turned up to training and
spotted his wife's friend, the skier Chemmy Alcott.
He said: "Chemmy and I are mates, she's friends with my wife. Obviously
we're not allowed to say anything, so my first day at the rink I saw Chemmy
and I said: 'What are you doing here?' and she said: 'What are you doing
here?'.
"We often banter about who is going to win. Chemmy jokes that it's going to
be her but she doesn't realise the power of the Hawk."
Also appearing in this series are fitness guru Rosemary Conley, children's
TV presenters Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes, actress Jennifer Ellison, TV
presenter Andy Akinwolere, Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden, Hollyoaks star
Jorgie Porter, founder of freerunning Sebastien Foucan and Coronation Street
star Andy Whyment.
January
03
2012 - waveguide.co.uk
Click
here to comment on this story
Next
Previous
|
