Sitcom return trounces ITV

The return of Absolutely Fabulous has proved a ratings success for the BBC.

Friday night's new episode attracted 7.5million viewers to BBC1, easily beating ITV's special spin-off from The Bill, Beech Is Back.

The Jennifer Saunders comedy was watched by 35 per cent of the audience, according to unofficial overnight figures reported on Mediaguardian.co.uk

It was the second BBC1 sitcom of the night to trounce ITV. My Family, which preceded Ab Fab, attracted 6.4million - 700,000 more than ITV opposition Holiday Airline.

Published: 3 Sep 2001