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'EastEnders' gets ratings boost as UK shutdown begins

EastEnders peaks at over 9 million viewers on Tuesday as the British public enter lockdown.

EastEnders rose to its highest ratings in years last night as the UK entered lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The BBC soap peaked at 9.32 million viewers, with an average of 6.49 million tuning in between 8pm and 8.30pm.

The first episode of Coronation Street - on air from 7.30pm - managed 6.43m but the second episode was delayed by an address to the nation by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The statement, ordering the public to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, was watched by 26.5 million - the highest ratings for an event broadcast since 1973.

Filming on all UK soaps has been shut down as a result, with EastEnders dropping to two episodes a week and Corrie to just three in an effort to keep the shows on air for as long as possible.

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Boris Johnson addresses the nation on March 23, 2020
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