AN estimated 7.24 million have watched the first episode of hit Belfast-based police drama Blue Lights, according to new viewing figures.
It comes just days after the BBC said that early figures for the popular series continue to climb with the first episode last week averaging 6.4 million.
Other figures suggest that around 2.25 million people have also watched the final episode before it was even aired on BBC One on Monday night.
Co-written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the first series of the crime drama has been hailed as the 'best TV in years' by viewers.
The latest figures were revealed by David Mortimer, managing director of STV Studios, who said on Twitter that the "reviews for Blue Lights were stellar and the numbers are just as good".
The reviews for #BlueLights were stellar and the numbers are just as good! A massive 7.24 million watched episode 1 over 28 days and 2.25m had already watched ep 6 on @BBCiPlayer before it aired on @BBCOne last night! Congratulations to @DecLawn, Adam Patterson + our fab cast! https://t.co/69korJQtPA
— David Mortimer (@davidmortimer30) May 2, 2023
The preliminary viewing figures come after it was confirmed last week that there will be a second series of the popular drama.
Filming is due to begin in the city during the summer, with further casting set to be announced.
The new series is set to air next year.
The first six episodes followed the journeys of three rookie officers during their probation period with the PSNI, exploring the challenges faced by police in Belfast.
When the drama returns for a second series, the BBC said among those set to reprise their roles are Siân Brooke, Martin McCann, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Joanne Crawford, Andi Osho and Hannah McClean.
