Peter Kay's Car Share breaks BBC iPlayer records

Friday 14th April 2017, 11:45am

Series 2 of Car Share, starring Peter Kay and Sian Gibson, has set new BBC iPlayer records
Over 8 million viewers watched Episode 1 on TV, with millions of requests for the other episodes on iPlayer
There is no news yet on a Series 3, but it seems likely with BBC executives saying "we're knocked for six"

The BBC has revealed that Peter Kay's Car Share continues to break BBC iPlayer records.

The show - which stars Peter Kay and Sian Gibson - is already one of the most watched comedies on TV. Episode 1 from Series 2 of the hit sitcom premiered on BBC One on Tuesday with 6.5 million viewers, and a further 1.5 million watched the Wednesday repeat.

However, it is on the BBC's on-demand platform that the show is once again setting records.

Following the TV broadcast of the first episode the entire four-part series was published on BBC iPlayer, where the episodes now comprise the platform's top four most-watched programmes. More than 2.5 million viewing requests have been made so far. The BBC confirms: "Never before have all episodes of one series appeared in the very top slots of iPlayer's most popular programmes."

Meanwhile, the Car Share Series 1 DVD is currently Amazon's number 1 best-seller in the Comedy category.

Shane Allen from BBC Comedy adds: "We're knocked for six with the huge audiences and love for the new series. Audiences are coming at it from all angles and to make comedy history on BBC iPlayer marks a big moment for how we release our shows. I couldn't be more chuffed for Peter and Sian who have poured so much of themselves in to this special series."

Peter Kay says: "All we wanted to do is make happy television and it seems viewers are enjoying the happiness that Car Share is offering."

Series 2 continues to follow the blossoming relationship between supermarket assistant manager John Redmond and promotions assistant Kayleigh Kitson. John now finds himself making a long detour each day to keep up their daily commute and the personal journey they find themselves on.

Viewers who have already watched all the episodes of Series 2 on iPlayer have taken to social media to talk about the ending, and to request another series so they can find out what happens next.

There is no news yet on a third series, but the BBC will be keen to order more episodes following the reception for Series 2.

The two stars are currently appearing in Dance For Life live charity shows. In an interview conducted ahead of the second series, Kay said of their acting partnership: "I'm sure we'll always work together. We're the modern day Terry and June."

Episode 2 from the new series airs at 9pm on BBC One on Tuesday 18th April. Below is a trailer.

Peter Kay's Car Share

The complete first series of Car Share, BBC One's sitcom starring Peter Kay and Sian Gibson.

John Redmond (Kay) and Kayleigh Kitson (Gibson) have been thrown together in a company car share scheme, forcing their paths to cross. Each trip brings fresh insight into John and Kayleigh's lives, with twists and turns in their unlikely relationship.

First released: Monday 23rd November 2015