2.3million tune in

Channel 4’s Comedy Gala proved a ratings hit on Friday night – attracting an average of 2.3 million viewers.

The overnight figure is more than twice the average Channel 4 usually draws after 9pm on a Friday night, and was boosted by another 300,00 on the +1 service and digital recordings.

The 2h 45min show, recorded at London's O2 Arena, featured stand-up from a huge raft of star comics, including Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre, Sean Lock and Dara O’Briain.

Alan Carr and Jimmy Carr also took over the adverts in the breaks, while Rich Hall sang Channel 4 weather forecast earlier in the evening.

The show is the second such gala held in aid of Great Ormond Street children's hospital. Last year's event raised more than £800,000 for the cause.

Published: 13 Jun 2011