[iloveTV1]

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Not looking good ratings wise, although these figures will obviously be with the above caveats.

EDIT: 2.6m for the first episode and 2.4m for the second.

[TheGregmeister]

The usual suspects will inevitably pickup on the lower than average overnight ratings, without taking into consideration the episodes are being released on iPlayer and Disney+ first. As for viewers in the RoI, I'd assume there's a fair proportion that would've used VPNs (or similar tech) to access the epiosdes on iPlayer, There'll also be some in the RoI that'll have used, let's say, somewhat less than reputable online methods we can't fully discuss here to obtain the episodes.

As already said, DVR devices are still a necessity, even if they are aging (but not yet obsolete) technology while the use the streaming services becomes more widespread.

[Rdd]

To be fair, I imagine the majority of ROI viewers will have watched it the same way they always have done - the linear airing on BBC One, rather than necessarily resorting toe anything illegitimate. It’s just that it seems we’re being treated, for reasons which to the causal viewer might not be readily obvious, different to the rest of the world. Not for us the midnight streaming of the episode when it drops on the iPlayer or Disney+ - we’re waiting patiently for Saturday night to sit down on front of the telly (or behind the couch maybe!) the old fashioned way.

[JMT1985]

Ratings wise I think we need to all remember, both episodes were made available on BBC iPlayer at Midnight on Saturday, so plenty of time for fans to watch them, and not have to wait until 6.20pm to watch it.

Again, I feel like I am repeating myself, linear audiences are not where the viewers are anymore - streaming is where the numbers are key. So 2.6 million and 2.4 million for two episodes which had already been available many many hours before transmission is actually good viewing figures.

If the episodes weren't released early, then I would be worried.

[Newshound47]

With the weather etc I would be suprised if more than 500k had prewatched before it aired.

[RhysJR]

Now confirmed by the man himself that Steven Moffat has written this year's Christmas Special, titled Joy to the World. That will be the 50th episode he has written or co-written for Doctor Who - quite the achievement! I'm really liking the concept of the upcoming episode that Moffat has written, so fingers crossed it delivers on Friday night.

www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk 

The BIG Interview: Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat | TV | TV Choice Magazine
We sit down with the returning writer to chat about keeping secrets, being...
  Source: www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk

Also, this week's epsidoe is set to be the fifth different cameo appearance of actress Susan Twist in this era. With her being an uknown actress, and her parts are rather minor, there has barely been anything said about her. Some internet speculation based on the actor's name (Susan as in the Doctor's granddaughter and Twist as in There's Always a Twist at the End) but barely anything from interviews etc. mentioning her makes it one of the more curious mystery plot threads.

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[IndigoTucker]

Unknown?! She was Rosie Banks in Brookside - her with the scratchcard addiction! RTD would have loved the campness of that.

[James2001]

The Banks' seems to be some of Brookside's most forgotten characters... even though Eddie was the one who found Trevor Jordache's body which must be the show's most famous moment.

I can remember Rosie putting the last of their money on the roulette wheel as Eddie ran through the casino trying to stop her... then the next episode opened with a radio flying through their window as they had an almighty row.