Just 1.4m see Marion and Geoff

Marion And Geoff was trounced in the ratings by every other terrestrial TV programme last night.

The return of the acclaimed comedy in an extended half-hour format attracted 1.4million viewers - just seven per cent of the available audience.

Even though the show - starring Rob Brydon as a heartbroken chauffeur - has been lauded by critics, more than twice as many people - 3.1million - tuned in to Graham Norton on Channel 4 at the same time.

Even Channel 5 did better - its old Clint Eastwood movie Tightrope pulling 1.9million viewers.

Later in the evening, the return of Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned to ITV1 was narrowly beaten by a tribute to Bee Gee Maurice Gibb.

The improvised comedy show attracted 3.4million viewers, against the 3.6million watching BBC1.

Published: 29 Jan 2003