Children in Need still a ratings hit

Children in Need was a ratings draw on Friday night, according to early figures.

The annual fundraiser, which has thusfar raised more than £19 million for worthy causes, averaged 9.4 million viewers and a 39% audience share between 7pm and 10pm. Highlights included a reformed Spice Girls performing the charity's official single 'Headlines', a "junior" version of Dragons' Den and David Tennant meeting Peter Davison in a Doctor Who special.

In the 8pm hour, the telethon averaged 10.8 million (44%), peaking for the night with 10.9 million at 8.15pm and 8.45pm. ITV1's documentaries The Thin Blue Line: Tonight and The Queen: 60 Years of Marriage had just 3.2 million (14%) and 2.8 million (11%) respectively.

Ratings heavyweight I'm A Celebrity also felt the effect of Pudsey, losing around half of its audience to average just 4.4 million (18%) in the 9pm hour.