6.5m tune in to The Great British Bake Off launch on C4 - 7.7m peak

30 August 2017

The Great British Bake Off attracted a peak audience of 7.7m viewers (34.6% share of viewing) last night when series 8 launched in its new home on Channel 4.

Making its debut the show drew an average audience of 6.5 million viewers and a 30.4% share of viewing from 8pm to 9.15pm.  This impressive performance is Channel 4’s biggest overnight performance in five years (since The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony in August 2012, 8.3m) and biggest peak time share for 16-34 year old viewers in ten years (since Big Brother). Furthermore, the volume of 16-34 year old viewers that tuned in made it the third biggest title of the year for this audience on any channel.

Last night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off was the most popular programme in the 8-9.15pm slot for all viewers, as well as Channel 4’s key demographics of 16-34 year olds and ABC1s.

Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer said: “The Great British Bake Off’s audience last night proves it’s still one of the country’s favourite shows. I am delighted millions watched the new team put 12 magnificent bakers through their paces. It’s the largest share of young audiences we’ve had for a show for over a decade.”

Ends.