Over 7 million bear 'Silent Witness'

More than 7 million viewers tuned in for the first episode of a new Silent Witness on Monday, according to early figures.

The crime drama pulled in an impressive average of 7.2 million (32.2%) to BBC One in the 9pm hour, easily triumphing over ITV1's new psychological series Transformed, which had 3.75 million (17.1%).

As usual, two episodes of Coronation Street topped the ratings chart, with audiences of 9.87 million (52.3%) and 9.85 million (44.6%) at 7.30pm and 8.30pm respectively.

EastEnders had a disappointing 8.07 million (40.3%) for third place, followed by Emmerdale with 7.71 million (44.7%).

Schwarzenegger movie Total Recall pulled in 419,000 (4.5%) to ITV2 between 10pm and 12.20am, while on BBC Four, the original version of Alfie had 163,000 (1.4%).

LivingTV had another strong night, led by America's Top Model with 310,000 (2%) and eleventh place overall.