The Euro 2004 opener against France attracted a whopping 17.8 million viewers, but 11 days later that huge figure was beaten as football mania swept the country for the quarter-final clash against Portugal.

Almost 21 million people tuned in to watch the agony of England's penalty shoot-out defeat, following the thrilling 2-2 draw after extra-time.

Coronation Street was left flagging over 4 million viewers behind England's exit from Portugal - and there was more football in the top 100, which was put together by industry magazine Broadcast.

Chelsea's European Cup semi-final attracted 7.7 million viewers to put the UEFA Champions League programme in 65th place.

And the astonishing figures prove that football, and in particular the England team, is grabbing the imagination of the country like never before.

Top TV programmes in 2004

Posn. Player

Viewers
(millions)

Broadcaster

1. Portugal v England (24 Jun)

20.66

BBC1

2. France v England (21 Jun)

17.80

ITV1

3. Coronation Street (16 Feb)

16.33

ITV1

4. I'm A Celebrity... (09 Feb)

14.99

ITV1

5. EastEnders (05 Jun)

14.80

BBC1

33. Olympic Grandstand (28 Aug)

9.04

BBC1

42. Olympic Opening Ceremony (13 Aug)

8.68

BBC1

46. Grand National (03 Apr)

8.53

BBC1

61. Match of the Day Live (17 Nov)

8.14

BBC1

65. UEFA Champions League (06 Apr)

7.74

ITV1

94. Rugby Six Nations (21 Feb)

7.06

BBC1