Ratings plunge for new Richard and Judy show

The audience for Richard and Judy's new show fell by nearly half in the second episode, according to figures out today.

The debut of 'Richard and Judy's New Position' on Tuesday night on Watch, the UKTV digital channel, attracted an average of just more than 100,000 viewers.

Last night's 8pm broadcast fell to an average of 53,000 viewers and a peak of 159,000, compared to Tuesday's peak of 200,000.

The 159,000 figure was a peak for the channel for the day.

The catch-up broadcast an hour later on Watch +1 attracted an extra 14,000 viewers, giving the episode an average total of 67,000.

Tuesday's episode pulled in 414,000 viewers when the two repeat showings at 9am and 5pm on Wednesday were included.

A Watch spokeswoman said it was an "excellent start", adding: "We are very proud of the show. It's still early days and we've got some fantastic guests".

Watch is only available on satellite and cable.

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan moved to UKTV after seven years on Channel 4.

They began their presenting career together on ITV's 'This Morning', where they remained until 2001 when they were poached by Channel 4 to host their own prime time show.