Bake Off returns to C4 with overnight audience of 6.1m - peaking at 7m

The Great British Bake Off returned to Channel 4 with a fantastic average audience of 6.1 million viewers (29% share) – peaking with a huge 7.0m (33% share).

The show significantly grew its share of the young 16-34 audience, which increased from 53% for last year’s debut on Channel 4 to 57% last night.   It was the biggest share of the young audience for any programme outside of the World Cup so far this year.

Bake Off was the most watched programme across all channels across the 8pm-9.15pm slot, for all viewers, as well as for 16-34 year olds and ABC1s. 

It was the second year in succession the show has launched with an audience above six million, with last year’s hotly anticipated debut on Channel 4 launching with an overnight average of 6.5 million.

Full details on the audience for the show will be available in seven days when consolidated viewing figures are published.

Kelly Webb-Lamb, Channel 4’s Deputy Director of Programmes and Head of Popular Factual said: “I’m thrilled that the launch of The Great British Bake Off 2018 was enjoyed by more than six million viewers last night on Channel 4 and to attract an even bigger share of the young audience than last year is the icing on the cake.  Bake Off is a real treat for audiences young and old, and it’s credit to Love Productions, the judges, hosts and of course the bakers that the show captures the nation’s attention in such a big way – I certainly never thought I’d see Wagon Wheels trending on social media!”  

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