New ratings prove that Bake Off is working its magic for Channel 4

Consolidated viewing figures released today - taking account of time-shifted viewing on a television over a seven day period - show that Channel 4’s first episode of The Great British Bake Off was watched by an average of 9.5 million, 35.4% share of the audience.

The consolidated audience included 2.7 million 16-34 year olds, making it the biggest programme for young viewers on any channel so far in 2017.

Additionally, the repeat showings on Channel 4, E4 and 4Seven were watched by a further 1.5 million viewers.

Episode one has also attracted 1.1 million views on All 4 making it the on demand channel’s biggest ever catch up audience within seven days across Channel 4’s owned and operated platforms*. 70k viewers streamed the episode via All 4’s Watch Live.

The consolidated figure of 9.5 million viewers for the series debut is an increase of 3 million on the live overnight audience of 6.5 million – which was Channel 4’s biggest overnight performance in five years (since The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony in August 2012) and biggest peak time share for 16-34 year old viewers in ten years.

Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt said: “Bake Off has well and truly landed on Channel 4 with episode one delivering the highest number of young viewers for any show on any channel this year. I’m thrilled viewers have warmed to Paul, Prue, Noel and Sandi and are enjoying the exceptional standard of baking”

Initial overnight ratings for last night's second episode saw a slight drop with the show down to 6million but even with this slight drop the ratings are proving Hunt's gamble worthwhile.

The Great British Bake Off Continues Tuesdays at 8.00pm on Channel 4