As Warren and Alan Partridge audiences tumble

The return of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag attracted 1.5million viewers to BBC One last night.

But the figure was actually 25 per cent down on the average for the 10.35pm slot, despite the dark comedy attracting widespread critical acclaim.

It was, however,  substantially up on the audience for the audience for the opening episode of the first series in 2016,  which attracted 875,000 in a 10pm Sunday slot on BBC Two.

Immediately after Fleabag last night, Tim Renkow’s new sitcom Jerk attracted 600,000 viewers.

And earlier in the comedy-dominated evening on BBC One, both Martin Clunes’ Warren and This Time With Alan Partridge lost a hefty 1.4million viewers each – which trade website Broadcast ascribed to the return of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? on ITV, seen by 4.3million.

Warren was seen by 2.4million at 9pm, with Steve Coogan’s magazine spoof attracting 1.9million.

Read our review of Fleabag here.

Published: 5 Mar 2019