The Eurovision Song Contest viewing figures in the United Kingdom have held strong despite the challenge of Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent. An average of 7.8 million viewers tuned in to see Graham Norton's debut as commentator and Jade Ewen's bid to win a sixth Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom.
The myth that the British public only tune in for Terry Wogan's commentary has now been shattered. Viewing figures increased on last year and Graham Norton has been widely credited with bringing new life and entertainment to the competition with his whit and humour. He was also keen to point out good songs and why they should do well.
The Eurovision Song Contest was challenged by ITV's Britain's Got Talent show at the start. Viewing figures began at around 6.5milliom, averaged 7.8 million and peaked at 9.8million during the voting as Jade Ewen pushed the country to it's best result since 2002.
The BBC will be satisfied with a 35.3% audience share, which rose sharply during the voting. The figure is a steep rise on the 7.1million average audience achieved in 2008.
