Victoria reigns in the ratings war
NEW costume drama Victoria could become as big as Downton Abbey after it took Sunday night’s audience crown.
The lavish ITV drama, which cost £1million an episode, beat the BBC’s remake of Are You Being Served? when it went head to head at 9pm with the return of the comedy favourite.
Former Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman made her debut as the monarch in the opening featurelength episode which saw her inherit the throne at 18.
Victoria, which also stars Rufus Sewell as prime minister Lord Melbourne and Tom Hughes, who appeared in the BBC Cold War thriller The Game, attracted 5.7 million viewers and 6.1 million at its peak. Hughes plays Prince Albert.
It claimed a 30 per cent share of the audience while Are You Being Served? had 24 per cent.
The BBC show, which left both viewers and critics disgruntled, claimed five million viewers with a peak of 5.2 million. Porridge, another remake, which followed on BBC One at 9.30pm, was watched by 4.4 million viewers with a peak of 4.6 million.
Derren Litten, creator of comedy Benidorm, who penned the new Are You Being Served?, wrote on Twitter: “ITV’s Victoria was always the one to beat but she only just nicked it!”
The second episode of Victoria was screened last night.
However, next Sunday at 9pm is being seen as the real test when it goes head to head with the BBC’s hugely popular period drama Poldark, being shown at the same time.
Last year Poldark, starring Aidan Turner, launched with nearly seven million viewers.
Daisy Goodwin, the creator of Victoria, said she would be flattered if the show can enjoy the same success as Downton Abbey, which came to an end last December.
“It’s very big shoes to fill, but I love Sunday night telly, so if people enjoy watching this as much as they did Downton, then I will feel our work is done.”