New Doctor a ratings hit: Jodie Whittaker debut the most watched episode of the sci-fi series in a decade

The first episode of the new series of Doctor Who starring newcomer Jodie Whittaker drew the programme’s biggest launch viewing figures in ten years. Whittaker also managed to tempt more viewers than predecessors Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith and David Tennant did for their debuts. An average of 8.2 million tuned in to watch the actress as the first female Doctor, with a peak of nine million and an audience share of 40.1 per cent. This makes the broadcast the most-watched, according to overnight ratings, since the 2008 series opened with 8.4 million.