[Scarlett.]

Emmerdale recorded its smallest audience in more than eight months last week.

The ITV1 soap, which has suffered a string of lower ratings in recent weeks, drew 5.3 million viewers - a 27.4% share of the audience - for an extended hour-long episode on Thursday night.

The last time Emmerdale recorded a smaller audience was September 2. The average for the show so far this year is 7.2m (35.3%) but several recent episodes have drawn fewer than 6m.

During its first half hour, the soap was still top of the pile, with The One Show on BBC One interesting 4.5m (23.7%). EastEnders took the lead at 7.30pm, though, with 6.9m (34.2%).

Elsewhere in the 7pm hour BBC Two's Magnetic North was watched by 894,000 (4.7%) and The Channel 4 News by 856,000 (4.4%).

Five News attracted 382,000 (2%) from 7pm to 7.15pm, and ensuing cricket coverage interested 778,000 (3.8%).

Digital Spy



It looks like Emmerdale is crashing and burning