Viewers fond of 'Rogue Traders'

Rogue Traders emerged as a ratings winner for BBC One yesterday, early overnights indicate.

The show, which focussed on the antics of outdoor workmen, averaged 6.04 million (28.9%) from 8pm, taking a third place ranking for the day.

The Bill, shown in the same slot on ITV1, was pushed down to fourth with 5.92 million (27.6%). Topping the chart was EastEnders with 9.64 million (47.2%), followed by Emmerdale on 7.98 million (43.1%).

Elsewhere, the finale of Bad Lads Army: Officer Class put in an impressive 5.27 million (24.2%) in the 9pm hour, despite stiff competition from the BBC One premiere of Reign of Fire, which had 4.37 million (20.1%).

Over on multichannel, a new Brainiac: Science Abuse averaged a hefty 516,000 (3.5%) for Sky One in the 8pm hour, ranking third for the day overall.

ITV2 enjoyed a strong night, beginning with 423,000 (2.9%) for comedy Never Been Kissed at 8pm. Spinoff show Bad Lads Army: Privates Exposed had 435,000 (3.2%) at 10pm, with a repeat of Hell's Kitchen USA rounding off the night on 350,000 (3.7%).

Other big hitters included a new Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, drawing 339,000 (2.3%) to Hallmark in the 9pm hour, and back-to-back episodes of Trauma Uncut, averaging 421,000 (2.8%) for BBC Three in the same timeslot.