In comparison, last year Planet Earth II launched with overnight figures of 9.29 million viewers.
The David Attenborough-narrated documentary series was seen by an average of 10.3 million live viewers stealing the channel’s crown from Strictly, the results show of which was watched by an average of 9.6 million viewers just before.
Over on BBC Two, Louis Theroux’s documentary Talking to Anorexia was seen by an average of 1.6 million viewers.
Blue Planet returned to the BBC last night with staggering ratings which saw it beat talent competitions The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing as well as last year’s premiere of the acclaimed Planet Earth II.