Strong return for Doc Martin

Martin Clunes returned to ITV1 for a new series of comedy drama Doc Martin last night with over 8 million viewers.

According to overnight figures the season five premier of Doc Martin opened with an impressive 8.4 million viewers. That’s up considerably on the average 5 million viewers for the slot so far this year.

It’s also the second best launch for Doc Martin so far with only the very first episode beating it. Up against Doc Martin on BBC One was The Queen’s Palaces on BBC One, fronted by Fiona Bruce, which entertained 3.8 million viewers.

Elsewhere last night University Challenge had 2.8 million viewers for BBC Two at 8pm followed by 1.8 million viewers for Antiques Master at 8.30pm.

Dispatches: The Truth About Drugs in Football was seen by 1.1 million viewers at 8pm followed by Embarrassing Bodies at 9pm with 1.7 million viewers.

Channel Five didn’t have the best of nights with only Big Brother managing over 1 million viewers but the reality series is still under performing, see more here >>