Overnight figures show that an unofficial audience of 10.3million tuned in for the first part of The End of Time on BBC One last night, a 42.2% share of the total television audience.

The figure means that Doctor Who was the third most watched programme of Christmas Day, behind EastEnders, which achieved 10.86million (45.9%), and The Royle Family, which was watched by 10.23million (42.5%).

The festive special of The Catherine Tate Show, Nan’s Christmas Carol, came 7th, as it was watched by 7.13million, a 36.2% share.

Meanwhile, 576,200 (2.5%) watched the latest edition of Doctor Who Confidential, Lords and Masters, on BBC3, making it the 4th most watched multichannel programme.

Official ratings will be released by BARB in 10 days. The Tenth Doctor’s final adventure concludes on New Year’s Day at 6:40PM on BBC1/HD.

» For all we’ve got on The End of Time – click here!