'EastEnders' Max return pulls in 8.1m

EastEnders' one-off midweek outing topped the soap ratings on Wednesday evening as Max Branning made his return to Albert Square.

EastEnders pulled in 8.08m (35.6%) at 7.30pm as Tanya's chaotic family situation led to Max paying a surprise visit. The BBC Three repeat added 721k (3.7%) at 10pm.

Emmerdale, meanwhile, entertained 7.05m (33.2%) at 7pm and 189k (0.8%) on timeshift as Marlon tried to fix the situation between Laurel and Ashley.

Hollyoaks secured 1.12m (5.4%) at 6.30pm as Mercedes was left heartbroken by Riley's rejection, while E4's first look screening was seen by 540k (2.5%) at 7pm and 138k (0.6%) on timeshift.

Over on Channel 5, Neighbours appealed to 675k (9.4%) at 1.45pm and 1.25m (7.4%) at 5.30pm, while Home and Away took 848k (4.4%) at 6pm. 5*'s first look at the Summer Bay soap had 437k (2.1%) at 6.30pm.

Elsewhere, Doctors' latest outing - titled 'Joke Club' - managed 1.63m (22.7%) at lunchtime.

BARB ratings data supplied by Attentional (from DS)

pulled in many cos there was football on other side perhaps

Jake Wood. Never seen him in Eastenders, but I loved him as the Geico Gecko:
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