2004 was the year of reality TV

Reality TV has forced its way into the ratings this year like never before, pulling in millions of viewers and beating most of the top soaps.

10:57 14 January 2005

Reality TV has forced its way into the ratings this year like never before, pulling in millions of viewers and beating most of the top soaps.

The two series of I'm A Celebrity featuring Jordan and comic Joe Pasquale attracted a whopping 14.99 million viewers between them in 2004.

The show came fourth in the list of top programmes, beaten only by England's first and last matches in Euro 2004 and Coronation Street.

"Reality TV looks to remain frontline for terrestrial TV," said expert Phillip Reevell, who put the list together for industry mag Broadcast.

"The BBC found its way into the arena with Strictly Come Dancing using celebrities to eclipse ITV1's talent show the X Factor."

England's crucial match against Portugal attracted 20.66 million viewers, while their clash with France was watched by 17.8 million people.

Coronation Street was the most popular of the soaps, recording ratings of 16.33 million compared to EastEnders' 14.8 million and Emmerdale's 11.76 million.

Top TV shows of 2004

1. Euro 2004 Portugal v England - 20.66 million
2. Euro 2004 France v England - 17.8 million
3. Coronation Street - 16.33 million
4. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! - 14.99 million
5. EastEnders - 14.8 million
6. A Touch Of Frost - 12.96 million
7. The Vicar of Dibley - 12.59 million
8. Emmerdale - 11.76 million
9. Strictly Come Dancing - 11.59 million
10. Heartbeat - 11.12 million
11. Christmas Lights - 10.8 million
12. Life Begins - 10.45 million
13. Midsomer Murders - 10.24 million
14. Casualty - 10.11 million
15. The X Factor - 9.96 million
16. Doc Martin - 9.93 million
17. Friends - 9.64 million
18. BBC News - 9.59 million
19. ITV Evening News - 9.52 million
20. The Bill - 9.51 million
21. The Royal - 9.43 million
22. Shrek - 9.41 million
23.Casualty at Holby City - 9.18 million
24. My Family - 9.17 million
25. Stars in their Eyes Final - 9.14 million
26. Himalayas / Michael Palin - 9.13 million
27. Foyle's War - 9.10 million
28. Ant and Dec's Saturday Takeaway -9.09 million
30. Frances Tuesday - 9.07 million
30. Auf Wiedersehen Pet - 9.07 million
32. William and Mary - 9.06 million
33. Olympics (Kelly Holmes) - 9.04 million
34. British Soap Awards - 9.01 million
35. Big Brother - 8.98 million
36. What Women Want - 8.94 million
37. Antiques Roadshow - 8.86 million
38. Wall of Silence - 8.84 million
39. Dalziel and Pascoe - 8.83 million
40. Agatha Christie's Marple - 8.72 million
41. Fat Friends - 8.7 million
42. Olympic Opening Ceremony - 8.68 million
42. Unbreakable - 8.68 million
44. Ten O'Clock News - 8.66 million
45. Hell's Kitchen - 8.64 million
46. Grand National - 8.53 million
47. Holby City - 8.52 million
48. Die Another Day - 8.5 million
49. Children in Need - 8.49 million
50. Jonathan Creek - 8.45 million