'Springwatch' audience tops 'Holby Blue'

Holby Blue was beaten by Springwatch in the ratings last night as BBC One struggled in primetime.

Just 2.6m (11.8%) watched the 8pm police drama, continuing its steady ratings decline over the course of the series. The first episode of the new run managed a decent 5.2m (23.4%).

ITV1 took a particularly clear lead from 8.30pm with 9.7m (41.9%) watching the fourth of five Britain's Got Talent live semi-finals. The 90-minute shows have been stripped across the week ahead of Saturday's final.

Springwatch, the continuing wildlife series on BBC Two, was watched by 3.6m (16.4%) over an hour from 8pm, claiming a rare victory over BBC One.

The Invisibles, on BBC One from 9pm, saw a further fall for the channel with an audience of just 2.5m (10.6%).

US drama Heroes, on BBC Two from 9pm, attracted 2.2m (9.6%) - 300,000 down on the previous week and 1.5m fewer than the season opener.

Five's US offering House drew 1.4m (6.2%) in the slot, while only 1.2m (5.3%) saw Channel 4 doc Gridlock and Road Rage.