The Witch's Familiar - Overnight Viewing Figures

3.7 million, a 16.6% share of the audience, watched Doctor Who, The Witch's Familiar in the UK, according to unofficial overnight viewing figures.

Doctor Who suffered by being placed directly opposite live coverage of the Rugby World Cup on ITV, where England playing Wales attracted an average of 8.3 million viewers, pushing the overnight audience for Doctor Who down to below 4 million for the first time since the series returned in 2005.

The Rugby coverage topped the day peaking at 10.8 million viewers, a 47.6% share. It pushed Strictly Come Dancing into second place for the day with 7.7 million viewers. Casualty had 3.8 million watching just ahead of the Doctor which was also beaten by the late news resulting in Doctor Who being fifth for the day.

On overnight figures Doctor Who is currently 47th for the week. Final consolidated figures, which should see Doctor Who's audience rise dramatically, will be released next week.

A feature length version of the first two episodes of the series, is being broadcast on BBC One later today.