'Enders, Corrie neck and neck in ratings

EastEnders and Coronation Street drew neck and neck in the Thursday evening soap ratings battle last night for the first time since ITV's new drama schedule launched in July.

The figures ended EastEnders' six-week victorious run atop the Soap Thursday ratings, as both the BBC One and ITV serials logged 9.7m in their respective timeslots.

EastEnders' latest edition, which featured Archie's funeral and the arrival of his secret son Danny, drew 9.72m (41.5%) at 7.30pm. BBC Three's 10pm repeat added a further 818k (4%).

Meanwhile, Coronation Street's screening at 8.30pm logged 9.72m (39.6%). Its 11.30pm repeat on ITV2 added 204k (2.3%).

Emmerdale's double bill, which saw Ashley reinstated by the bishop and Natasha questioned over the discovery of a body, interested 8.05m (36.2%) and 8.51m (36%) at 7pm and 8pm.

Doctors' penultimate instalment of its five-part 'Master Of The Universe' story interested 1.89m (24.1%) at 1.45pm.

Five's Australian hour began with 1.65m (9.9%) tuning in for Neighbours at 5.30pm, before Home and Away attracted 1.13m (5.7%).

Fiver's first look at Home and Away season cliffhanger put in 637k (3%) at 6.30pm, while Neighbours' 7pm repeat added 134k (0.6%).

Sasha's attack in Hollyoaks was witnessed by 1.35m (6.4%) at 6.30pm and E4's first look at the aftermath turned in 531k (2.4%) half an hour later.

BARB ratings data supplied by Attentional