Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Oprah interview set to draw 7m UK viewers
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey won't draw in a record number of viewers, according to TV insiders.
The "tell-all" interview set to air on ITV at 9pm tomorrow is expected to attract an audience of between five to seven million - less than a third of the people who tuned into Princess Diana's Panorama chat.
Nearly 23 million people tuned in to see Martin Bashir grill The Princess of Wales in 1995, when she described Camilla Parker Bowles as the "third person" in her marriage.
Insiders believe many people might switch off because excerpts of the interview have already been shared widely across social media,
Others may have heard the snippets of the interview with the Sussexes on the news, while the abundance of TV channels may also impact viewing figures.
One ITV source told the publication that broadcasting bigwigs won't be happy with less than eight million viewers - a drastic slump in spectators in comparison to Harry's late mother's expose.
In a dramatic preview, Harry explained his "biggest concern was history repeating itself," alluding to Diana's own experience as a member of the royal family.
It is rumoured talk show host Oprah once attempted to get Diana to appear on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show', before the BBC secured the explosive interview with Bashir.
Another ITV source claimed that six to seven million tuning in would still be a good turnout, as it would beat Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway to the punch as the biggest programme of the week.
But all is not lost - ITV could rake in some cash through their six figure advertising slots during the 110-minute show.
They could double the £1 million they stumped up for the show after reportedly auctioning 30-second slots for up to £120,000 - double its usual rate.
Other intervals have reportedly sold for £70,000 to £100,000.
US broadcaster CBS anticipated a huge audience for their Sunday showing of the interview, that is estimated to have cost them between $7 million and $9 million.
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The network has hiked up advertising charges in mammoth proportions, and have allegedly sold 30-second slots for $325,000,
An audience of over 90 million is expected to sit down for the interview, potentially knocking Michael Jackson's Oprah interview of its record breaking pedestal.
Oprah's "intimate conversation" with Meghan and Harry is the first time the couple have been interviewed since stepping down as senior royals last year.
