First TV battle between Corbyn and May flops with viewers as ‘debate’ is thrashed by BGT in ratings
Only 2.9million viewers tuned in to watch the party leaders being grilled by Jeremy Paxman
THE MOST high-profile TV event of the election so far was thrashed in the ratings by Britain's Got Talent, it emerged today.
Just 2.9million people watched Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn being grilled by Jeremy Paxman and members of the public last night.
The so-called debate, which did not see the two leaders go head-to-head, was the first time the pair have appeared on the same programme.
They were both interrogated over their manifesto plans, while Mr Corbyn was also asked about his extreme left-wing views.
But the Q&A on Channel 4 and Sky News lagged far behind the semi-final of Britain's Got Talent, which drew 8.5million viewers.
Viewing figures for the event, which was broadcast from 8.30pm to 10pm, peaked at 3.3million across both channels.
Coronation Street was also much more popular than the political broadcast, with an average of 7.3million viewers.
The debate's ratings are likely to rise once catch-up services are included in the figures, but they will still remain far behind the soap and entertainment programme.
The equivalent event last year, when David Cameron and Ed Miliband were interviewed, also pulled 2.9million viewers, but was in a later time slot.
Mr Corbyn was quizzed over his opposition to British military action and his support for the IRA during the bruising encounter.
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Meanwhile, Mrs May was grilled by the public on her social care U-turn and on her approach to Brexit.
The PM has refused to appear in any TV debates, saying she prefers to talk to voters directly on the campaign trail.
The leaders' debates were a smash hit in 2015, but politicians have been reluctant to repeat the format.