DOCTOR WHO: THE STAR BEAST OVERNIGHT RATINGS REVEALED

Doctor Who returned to screens last night with the first of three special episodes to celebrate its 60th Anniversary, starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate.

The Star Beast sees The Doctor caught in a fight to the death as a spaceship crash-lands in London. But as the battle wreaks havoc, destiny is converging on the Doctor’s old friend, Donna.

Overnight figures show The Star Beast had an average audience of 5.08m from 6:30pm on BBC One. It was the second most-watched programme of the day across all channels, behind Strictly Come Dancing.

Posting figures any TV drama could only wish for in 2023, Doctor Who beat ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and became the biggest drama launch of the year. Figures were posted on X by BBC correspondent Lizo Mzimba.

These figures was UK only, and do not include those who watched on iPlayer. Consolidated ratings, which will include 7-day catch-up and iPlayer, are expected to be released on Monday 4th December.

Doctor Who is available as part of The Whoniverse on BBC iPlayer.