The Voice beat the BBC’s new offering The Greatest Dancer after the two shows launched head-to-head.
The Greatest Dancer – a new show with star signings Cheryl, Matthew Morrison and Oti Mabuse – averaged 4.6 million viewers on BBC One.
Every. Single. PE. Lesson. #TheVoiceUK pic.twitter.com/rMtnjq4dEV
— The Voice UK (@thevoiceuk) January 5, 2019
The Voice UK – featuring coaches Olly Murs, Jennifer Hudson, Will.i.am and Sir Tom Jones back in their red chairs – had the edge with 4.8 million viewers on ITV (5.3 million viewers including ITV plus one).
🥊🥋😂! #TGD #GreatestDancer pic.twitter.com/W7fCXanDP3
— The Greatest Dancer (@GreatDancerTV) January 5, 2019
The start of the new series of The Voice, a former BBC show before it moved to ITV, was the most-watched programme in the 8pm slot.
The Greatest Dancer peaked at 5.2 million (25.3%), while singing competition The Voice reached 6.1 million (30% share), including ITV plus one, overnight figures show.
When you're over having to share the spotlight. #TheVoiceUK pic.twitter.com/pP5JPltO1Q
— The Voice UK (@thevoiceuk) January 5, 2019
The BBC said that The Greatest Dancer had more viewers than the BBC One shows, such as Wedding Day Winners and Casualty, that went up against The Voice last year and performed well with the 16 to 34-year-old age group.
When you eat really hot chips… 👅🔥 #TGD #GreatestDancer pic.twitter.com/bbRybAjw66
— The Greatest Dancer (@GreatDancerTV) January 5, 2019
Saturday’s launch episode of The Greatest Dancer, made by Simon Cowell’s production company Syco, saw a freestyle performer with Down’s Syndrome leave Cheryl in tears after his audition.
The former Girls Aloud star told him: “I just feel really moved by the whole thing.”
Yes Andrew! 🙌 Watch his unforgettable performance right here: https://t.co/mgILxSvFhN #GreatestDancer #thegreatestdancer #TGD pic.twitter.com/iDgBNR6pXZ
— The Greatest Dancer (@GreatDancerTV) January 5, 2019
Last year’s series of The Voice launched with 5.6 million viewers.