TV since 1981

Rank Programme Date Channel Audience (millions)
1 Coronation Street 24 Feb 2003 ITV1 19.43
2 Eastenders 29 Sep 2003 BBC1 16.66
3 Only Fools And Horses 25 Dec 2003 BBC1 16.37
4 Tonight Special: Millionaire 21 Apr 2003 ITV1 16.10
5 Tonight Special: Michael Jackson 03 Feb 2003 ITV1 15.32
6 Heartbeat 12 Jan 2003 ITV1 12.84
7 I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here! 12 May 2003 ITV1 12.73
8 Rugby World Cup Final: Australia v England 22 Nov 2003 ITV1 12.66
8 Film: Billy Elliot 01 Jan 2003 BBC1 12.66
10 A Touch Of Frost 03 Mar 2003 ITV1 12.24

Those seeking to replicate historic Barb programme figures via contemporary analysis tools should bear in mind that a number of factors may mean figures do not match exactly. These include, but are not limited to: changes to data included in logs by companies that submit broadcast logs, the advent of +1 channels, the inclusion of HD viewing with SD viewing to a channel, changes to the definition of the viewing day, log amendments, data re-issues and the addition of viewing from PCs, tablets and smartphones (September 2018).