An average of 8.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the Concert for Diana on BBC One yesterday, taking a 44% share over seven hours between 3.30pm and 10.30pm.

The programme opened with 3.9 million viewers at 3.30pm, hitting 10 million by 8pm. The coverage peaked at 14.8 million with a 60% audience share in the quarter hour from 10pm on BBC One.

Performers such as Joss Stone, Elton John, The Feeling and Take That turned out to celebrate what would have been Princess Diana's 46th birthday.

In contrast, ITV1's usual soap ratings winners lost out, with Emmerdale drawing just 4.7 million viewers and a 22% share from 7pm, and Coronation Street taking 6.3 million viewers and a 27% share from 7.30pm.