ITV4 "most successful digital launch ever"

ITV has claimed that last night's launch of ITV4 was the most successful ever for a digital station.

Between 7pm and midnight yesterday, the channel averaged 447,000 viewers and a 3.3% audience share, beating the launches of ITV3 (408,000), E4 (296,000) and More4 (269,000).

ITV4 kicked off with live Champions League coverage of the game between Real Betis and Chelsea, which pulled in an average of 633,000 (4%) and a peak of 1.2 million.

The premiere of Kojak managed a respectable 285,000 (2.2%) at 10pm before figures dropped off to 72,000 (1.4%) for the movie Carlito's Way.

ITV4's success comes despite a launch night hitch on Sky, where the channel will not officially bow until next Monday.