'Doctor Who' return reaps over 9 million viewers

An overnight average of 8.2 million viewers tuned in for the opening episode of the third season of revived family drama Doctor Who, making it the most-watched show on Saturday by over 1.5 million.

Last night's 45-minute adventure 'Smith and Jones', which introduced Freema Agyeman as new companion Martha, peaked at an audience of 9.11 million during the last ten minutes - double the amount watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on ITV1 at the time.

The episode, which also averaged an audience share of 39.5%, was up on the overnight figure of 8.0 million gained by the second season opener 'New Earth' last year - which also faced the same Harry Potter film as its opposition.

Next week may see the popular time traveller meet Shakespeare, but he faces enemies in the form of Danny Zuko and Harry Hill - with ITV1 scheduling both talent show Grease Is The Word and hit comedy TV Burp against it.

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