It’s another viewing figures milestone as the FINAL numbers for the first half of the season are revealed, along with an update on Haunting and the initial results for last night’s Ascension of the Cybermen

It’s fair to say that Fugitive of the Judoon dropped some massive bombshells on those watching it on the night. And, a month later, with it’s final official viewing figure revealed, it’s clear many felt compelled to check out the revelations for themselves in the weeks that followed. A remarkable 1.9m extra viewers have been added to the total since transmission, making up 31% of its total audience. Altogether Fugitive of the Judoon has been seen by 6.11m people in the UK. This is up 0.31m (5%) from the previous episode, Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror.


The +7 number for The Haunting of Villa Diodati sees a slight increase on the previous week
Meanwhile, last week’s spine-tingler, The Haunting of Villa Diodati, has already added 1.23m of its own. This is added to its original overnight number of 3.06m to give The Haunting of Villa Diodati a viewing figure of 5.07 so far. This in an increase of 0.17m (3%) from Can You Hear Me? the week before. Although its twists and turns aren’t quite as dramatic as those in Judoon, the appearance of the Lone Cyberman and the tie-in to the finale will have helped its catch up viewing. Based on the pattern so far this season, the Doctor’s encounter with Mary Shelley and Lord Byron, might be expected to finish next month in the region of 5.5-5.6m.

The overnight results for Ascension of the Cybermen suggest the season’s back half is keeping a steady line
It’s a similar story with last night’s episode. Ascension of the Cybermen was watched by 3.71m viewers. This is down marginally on The Haunting of Villa Diodati’s overnight, a reduction of 0.15m (4%). But it’s a gap that this first part of the finale is likely to make up in the coming weeks. It will be aided in that not only by its own drama and surprises, but by the arrival of the second part, The Timeless Children and people watching both together. So it too may well wind up in the 5.5-5.6m area.

Doctor Who Series 12 concludes at the earlier time of 6.50pm next Sunday with The Timeless Children
In the epic and emotional series finale, the Cybermen are on the march. As the last remaining humans are ruthlessly hunted down, Graham, Ryan and Yaz face a terrifying fight to survive. Civilisations fall. Others rise anew. Lies are exposed, truths are revealed, battles are fought, and for the Doctor — trapped and alone — nothing will ever be the same again.
Series 12 stars Jodie Whittaker (The Doctor), Bradley Walsh (Graham), Mandip Gill (Yaz) and Tosin Cole (Ryan), with Chris Chibnall as Showrunner and Matt Strevens Executive Producing. Ascension of the Cybermen guest stars Julie Graham (Ravio), Patrick O’Kane (Ashad) and Steve Toussaint (Feekat). It’s written by Chris Chibnall, and directed by Jamie Magnus Stone (Spyfall Part One, Praxeus)