TV ratings: Snow lifts The One Show

An hour-long snow-themed special of The One Show last night, Wednesday 13 January, drew the series' biggest ever rating, with an average of 6.8 million viewers. This beat a previous record of 6.7 million, set last year, according to the BBC. Last night's show, which featured reports from around the snow-bound parts of the UK and a guest appearance by the comedian Paul Merton, was watched by 28% of the audience in the 7pm hour, according to unofficial overnight ratings. But it was not enough to beat ITV1's Emmerdale, which had an audience of 8.2 million and a 33% share over the half hour from 7pm, the best audience of a generally low-scoring night. Snow was also good for BBC2: a seasonal version of Springwatch, called Snow Watch, brought in 3.2 million viewers and a 12% share in the 8pm hour. ITV1's coverage of the FA Cup third-round replay between Liverpool and Reading drew an average of 5 million viewers and a 20% share between 7.30pm and 10.50pm. Viewing peaked at 6.1 million and 25% in the 15 minutes from 10pm. Channel 4 had a strong night, with Celebrity Big Brother drawing 2.9 million and an 11% share in the 8pm hour, with another 339,000 tuning in an hour later on digital catchup service Channel 4 +1. The premiere of hit film Slumdog Millionaire was watched by an impressive 4.1 million, a 19% share of the audience, between 9pm and 11.30pm, with another 282,000 on Channel 4 +1. BBC1 was beaten into third place in the 9pm hour: a repeat of the Martin Shaw drama Inspector George Gently averaged 4.1 million and 16% between 8.30pm and 10pm. Channel Five's best audience of the night was for the start of the sixth series of US drama NCIS, which had 2.2 million viewers and an 8% share in the 9pm hour. The highest multichannel audience of the night was for the start of the new series of American Idol. It was watched by 1.2 million people, a 4.8% share in multichannel homes, on ITV2 between 7.30pm and 9pm, with another 105,000 viewers on ITV2 +1 an hour later. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".