Simon Cowell's television show Britain's Got Talent has been confirmed as the highest rated programme of 2015 so far. The entertainment show has overtaken EastEnders' live episode from February to become the most viewed television programme of the year.
Over 11.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the third episode of Britain's Got Talent on 25 April. The figure was a 50% share of viewers, and surpassed the previous record holder, EastEnders Live, which averaged 11.6 million viewers.
The third episode of the talent competition saw Simon Cowell come face to face with Hypnodog, as well as Amanda Holden press her Golden Buzzer for Revelation Avenue gospel choir. The ninth series of the ITV1 show is proving a success with audiences and is averaging 10.1 million viewers each Saturday night, making it the highest rating entertainment show on television.
Britain's Got Talent has become the highest rated show of 2015 so far
Meanwhile spinoff show Britain's Got More Talent has also become ITV2's most watched programme of the year after achieving a top consolidated audience of 1.8 million viewers this series.
The news may not be a surprise to Simon Cowell, who previously praised the show's line-up of judges – David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.
"I think this is about as good as we've done on any show," he said at the show's launch in April. "I like being on this show but more importantly the other three like being on the show."
Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are judges on the ITV show
However music mogul Simon was not so impressed to hear that David Walliams had collected the coveted Best Judge award at the National Television Awards in January. The 55-year-old has since described it as "one of the most awful moments" of his career.
Despite the judges' friendly rivalry, the four panellists all get on well and Amanda previously revealed that she sees Alesha as a "back-up" rather than a rival.
"Having another girl, I think Simon hoped would be awkward for me, but it's turned out that we are a sisterhood and strong together."