5.3m bovver to watch BBC2 show.

More than five million viewers watched the Catherine Tate Christmas Show last night – making it the most-watched show at the time.

Her festive special attracted 5.3 million viewers, or 23 per cent of the entire audience, giving BBC Two a rare victory.

It knocked ITV1 into second place, with its celebrity Abba karaoke show attracting 4.6 million. Five’s CSI Miami, also on at 9pm, had 3 million viewers, while BBC One’s Shipmates trailed fourth with 2.8 million, according to the unofficial overnight figures.

After Little Britain, Tate has been one of the comedy success stories of 2005, growing her cult audience into millions – thanks in some part to memorable appearances on Children In Need and the Royal Variety Show.

Published: 21 Dec 2005