'The Mentalist' hits series low with 1.6m

Five's The Mentalist hit a new series low last night, according to early viewing figures.

The crime drama, starring Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, was seen by just 1.61m (6.8%) during the 9pm hour, logging the lowest audience figure since the series began earlier this year.

The series opened to a strong 3.69m (16.7%) on Thursday, March 26, and has steadily declined since then.

Earlier on Five, Headshrinkers Of The Amazon - Revealed managed 715k (3.5%).

Over on BBC One, As Seen On TV put in 2.72m (13.9%) between 8pm and 8.30pm, then 2.56m (12%) tuned in for The Rat Pack. The 9pm screening of New Trick had 6.76m (28.8%), making it the most-watched programme during the hour.

Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey interested 2.39m (11.7%) for BBC Two during the 8pm hour. The audience then dipped to 2.34m (10%) during the half-hour Mock The Week at 9pm, and Never Mind The Buzzcocks managed 1.57m (6.7%). Later, at 10pm, Psychoville attracted 1.08m (5.5%).

Channel 4's The Home Show was seen by 1.79m (8.7%) at 8pm. The World's Oldest Mums followed at 9pm, drawing 2.01m (8.6%), then Big Brother put in 2.04m (11.9%).

ITV1's The Bill took 4.5m (19.2%) during the 9pm hour.

Overall, BBC One came top during primetime with an average share of 23.9% to ITV1's 22.7%. Channel 4 was third with 8.3% (+1: 0.9%), followed by BBC Two with 7.9% and Five's 4.6%.

Elsewhere, BBC Three documentary Boob Job - My Big Decision grabbed 516k (2.5%) at 9pm, beating ITV2's America's Got Talent, which managed 355k (1.7%).

BARB ratings data supplied by Attentional