The television premiere of Oscar-winning movie The Queen brought some right royal cheer to ITV1 last night, pulling in nearly 8 million viewers.
Helen Mirren won the best actress Oscar earlier this year for her portrayal of the Queen in the days following Princess Diana’s death, in a critical and box office success that began life as an ITV TV movie from the team behind The Deal.
The Queen attracted an average of 7.9 million viewers and a 36% share between 9pm and 11pm, according to unofficial overnights, suggesting that the film’s theatrical release did not dent its ratings potential for ITV1.
It was easily the most popular show in its slot last night, with BBC1′s one-off drama Coming Down the Mountain picking up 4.7 million and a 20% share between 9pm and 10.20pm.