The Anglo-Iranian comic’s mix of sketches and stand-up attracted 3.4 million viewers in the prime 9.30pm slot. The figure represents 16 per cent of the total audience.
In contrast, ITV1’s much-hyped reality show picked up 7.6 million viewers, or a 35 per cent share.
Djalili told Chortle he was delighted with the figures in the face of such tough opposition.
'I am over the moon,’ he said. 'If it holds 3 million for next week then, as a new show, we will definitely be opening the champagne bottles.'
Last week, Djalili’s BBC One slot was taken by the Festival of Remembrance, which attracted 5.9 million viewers, against Kylie Minogue’s ITV1 show, which was seen by 4.8 million people.
