Wilkinson - watched by huge audience. (Getty Images)
RATINGS SOAR IN FINAL
A staggering 14.5 million viewers tuned in to see ITV's live coverage of Jonny
Wilkinson's dramatic injury-time drop goal that won England the World Cup.
The peak audience was recorded between 11.20 and 11.24 when an astonishing 82%
of the UK audience were watching the final between England and Australia.
The average for the entire match was 12.3 million with a 77% share,
representing the second-highest audience ever recorded for an international
rugby match in the UK behind the 1991 World Cup final between the same teams at
Twickenham.
The figure will increase when the consolidated data is added (VCR
recordings).
Brian Barwick, ITV's controller of sport, said: "We are delighted so many
millions of viewers were able to share such a phenomenal sporting event live on
ITV.
"It was spell-binding television with a sensational climax and it capped
seven weeks of brilliant live rugby action.
"It was also ultimately a privilege for ITV Sport to be the broadcaster on
the day when England became world champions - again!"
He added: "The event has been a huge success for ITV in terms of the viewing
figures, the nature of the audience that has watched the output and the
production itself."
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