Dancing on Ice final watched by over 12 million

The final of Dancing on Ice was the second most-watched programme of the year so far, according to new figures.

Sunday night's finale of the third series, which saw former Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw skate to victory, peaked at 12.9 million viewers - a 47 per cent share of the TV audience.

The special two-hour show on ITV1 averaged 11.7 million viewers - a 44 per cent share.

The ratings make it the second-biggest show of the year so far on any channel, only beaten by an episode of Coronation Street in January which claimed 12.4 million.

Overall, the third series of Dancing On Ice averaged 8.9 million viewers, up from 8.1 million last year.

Simon Shaps, ITV's outgoing director of television, said: "We are obviously delighted with the success of Dancing On Ice and the fact that the final has won its best ever ratings in its new slot.

"Sunday's on ITV1 have become the home of event television in 2008 with a rich and varied line-up of programming on offer to audiences."

Former Hear'Say star Suzanne, 26, and her skating partner Matt Evers won a public vote against Hollyoaks actor Chris Fountain and actress Zaraah Abrahams.

The pair were awarded top marks for two dances which moved judged to tears.

Suzanne said afterwards: "I have had the most amazing time... I have loved every single second of this show."