Soaps

'EastEnders' murder plot climax watched by 7.4m

Published Saturday, Aug 18 2012, 11:00 BST | By Daniel Kilkelly | 11 comments

EastEnders claimed 7.4m viewers on Friday evening (August 17) as the Heather Trott murder storyline reached its long-awaited climax, overnight figures show.

The Walford soap pulled in 7.36m (34.9%) at 8pm on BBC One as Shirley had to decide whether to help the police or protect the Mitchells. At 9pm, 6.89m (31.7%) watched as Ben was finally charged with murder.

Phil Mitchell faces a race against time in EastEnders

BBC Three's repeat screenings of EastEnders secured 531k (3.3%) and 715k (5.9%) at 10.30pm and 11pm respectively.

Coronation Street, meanwhile, pulled in 7.13m (36.4%) at 7.30pm on ITV1 and 127k (0.6%) on +1 with the drama at baby Joseph's christening. Izzy's decision to cut ties with dad Owen was later seen by 7.13m (32.7%) at 8.30pm and 230k (1.1%) on timeshift.

At 9pm on ITV1, the first part of Corrie Goes To Kenya mustered 1.77m (8.4%), with 108k (0.6%) watching on +1.

At Joseph's christening, Owen confronts Gary about his visit to Carter's surgery

Emmerdale 6320: There is a frosty atmosphere between Zak and Lisa as she tells him she went up to check on him at Home Farm last night and overheard him talking openly to Megan. Later, Megan is concerned and tries to talk to Zak about Lisa. Megan, suggests that Zak and Lisa should go away to the coast and spend some time together, but Zak is uncomfortable with the conversation and leaves. Later, Lisa panics as Zak suggests they go for a drink and talk. She assumes he is only there because Megan sent him and goes, leaving Zak left feeling hopeless. At home, the pair feel as though they've reached the end of the line and Zak says it is clear she can no longer stand the sight of him. He suggests he go away to Ireland on his own for a while and Lisa realises he is leaving her.

Emmerdale interested 5.77m (32.3%) at 7pm and 133k (0.6%) on +1 with more troubles for Zak and Lisa, while Hollyoaks managed 749k (4.4%) at 6.30pm on Channel 4 and 470k (2.6%) for E4's first look at 7pm.

Over on Channel 5, Neighbours appealed to 543k (7.0%) at 1.45pm and 764k (5.6%) at 5.30pm, while 5*'s classic Home and Away episodes entertained 175k (1.1%) and 189k (1.1%) at 6pm and 6.30pm respectively.

Elsewhere, the latest episode of Doctors - titled 'Good Citizens' - had 1.27m (16.4%) at 1.45pm on BBC One.

BARB ratings data supplied by Attentional

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