Record viewing figures for BBC with London 2012 Olympics coverage as it draws 90% of UK population
The London 2012 Olympic Games has delivered the largest national TV audience in history for the BBC, with 51.9m people tuning in across the UK.
Releasing its figures yesterday, the BBC has said that around 90 per cent of the population had viewed at least 15 minutes of its coverage of the games, while 24.2m also watched at least 15 minutes of its Red Button coverage.
The closing ceremony along saw a peak audience of 26.3m, while the opening ceremony saw a peak of 27.3m, the largest figures of any event during the Games.
Of the sporting events themselves, the Men’s 100m Final, which saw Usain Bolt defend his Olympic title to win Gold, was the most watched, with 20m viewers.
Danny Cohen, controller, BBC One, commented: "It has been an absolute privilege to broadcast the London 2012 Olympics on BBC One. It's been a phenomenal Games and Team GB's amazing achievements have helped draw huge audiences to BBC One and put the channel right at the heart of the action. We've had fantastic feedback about the quality of the BBC's coverage and all the teams involved deserve huge thanks and praise."
The previous record event for viewing figures in the UK was 2002 World Cup which was watched by 81 per cent of the UK population.