Disappointing return for 'Wife Swap'

The premiere of Wife Swap failed to shine for Channel 4 last night (Monday), according to early figures.

The reality show, which once attracted as many as 6 million viewers, drew just 2.98 million (12.5%) in the 9pm hour.

BBC One's Waking The Dead, screened at the same time, convincingly won the slot with 7.14 million (29.9%) while on ITV1, Rose and Maloney interested 5.08 million (22.4%).

Earlier, figures for the soaps were up around 1 million week-on-week, led by the 7.30pm Coronation Street with 11.61 million (52.2%).

EastEnders had 11.01 million (46.7%) for second, followed by another Coronation Street with 10.52 million (42%) and Emmerdale with 8.91 million (45.2%).

Amongst the multichannels, coverage of the Arsenal-Everton game topped the chart with an average of 969,000 (6%) for Sky Sports 1 between 7.30pm and 10.30pm.

ITV2's continuing Hell's Kitchen USA kept a steady 553,000 (3.3%) for second in the 9pm hour, topping E4's Hollyoaks: Let Loose (220,000, 1.3%) and LivingTV's Jade's Salon (172,000, 1%)

Later, E4's new spinoff show Wife Swap: The Aftermath got off to a respectable start with 384,000 (2.7%) at 10pm.