Emmerdale - Viewing Figures and Popularity

Viewing Figures and Popularity

An average Emmerdale episode generally attracts 7-10 million viewers, making it one of Britain's most watched television programmes. However, notable episodes and storylines have seen higher viewing figures:

• On 30 December 1993 Emmerdale attracted its highest audience of 18 million when a plane crashed into the village killing four villagers. The aftermath of the plane crash on 5 January 1994 attracted 16 million viewers.

• On 27 May 1997 Emmerdale attracted over 13 million viewers when Frank Tate died of a heart attack, after his wife, Kim Tate, returned after faking her own death months before.

• On 20 October 1998 Emmerdale attracted 12.5 million viewers when the Woolpack exploded after being burnt down with fireworks.

• On 1 January 2004 Emmerdale attracted 11.19 million viewers when the village was hit by a storm, which caused the Woolpack roof to collapse after it was struck by lightning, which then collapsed onto Tricia Dingle, who died from her injuries in hospital.

• On 21 September 2006, 8.57 million viewers watched the exit of Cain Dingle after more than six years in the soap.

• On Christmas Day 2006, 7.69 million viewers watched as Tom King was murdered on his wedding day to Rosemary Sinclair.

• 7 January 2010, when Sally Spode tried to kiss Ashley Thomas- Emmerdale had 9.47 million viewers, the first time it had topped 9 million since February 2007.

• On Thursday 14 January 2010, Emmerdale hit their highest ratings since March 2006 when 9.96 million viewers watched Mark Wylde being shot dead by his wife Natasha Wylde after a week-long online "Whodunnit?".

• 6 October 2010, Emmerdale has 7.94 million viewers with Jackson Walsh and Aaron Livesy in a train crash, leaving Jackson critically injured.

• 25 and 26 October 2010, Emmerdale over 7 million viewers to watch the culmination of the Ryan Lamb's murder trial, despite his innocence. The following night (27 October 2010) an audience of nearly 8 million tuned in for Natasha Wylde's confession to the crime after her daughter Maisie pushed for the truth from kidnapped Nathan.

• On 4 January 2011 Emmerdale pulled in 9.04 million viewers for a storyline involving Val Pollard investigating the death of her husband Eric Pollard's late wife Elizabeth.

• On 13 January 2011, 9.04 million watched as a fire ripped through the village, killing long standing characters Viv Hope and Terry Woods.