Strictly Come Dancing launch episode sees ratings dip
The pre-recorded episode saw the celebrity contestants paired up with professionals.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing launched to an average of 7.8 million viewers, according to overnight ratings.
This gave BBC One a 44.7% share of all those watching television in the timeslot, with the audience peaking at 8.3 million, the BBC said.
This marks a dips in the ratings compared with the launch show last year, when it debuted to an average audience of 8.1 million, peaking at 8.5 million, but a growth in the share, up from 40.9% last year.
On ITV, Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions drew an average of just under 4.9 million, peaking at 5.6 million, and an audience share of 30.3%.
ITV figures include those watching on +1 and HD.
The launch episode of Strictly saw the celebrity contestants learn who their professional partners will be.
Anton Du Beke joked that he might have a chance of lifting the glitterball trophy after discovering he will be partnered with EastEnders actress Emma Barton.
