Downton Abbey ends on ratings high (MSN)

Downton Abbey has ended on a high, with 10.7 million viewers tuning into watch the finale of the third series.

Last night's instalment of the period drama was the highest-rating episode of the series, which saw US star Shirley MacLaine join the likes of Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville.

Downton Abbey averaged 9.7 million viewers across the series, making it the highest-rating drama of the year so far, ITV said.

BBC One hit Call The Midwife averaged 8.7 million viewers, while Sherlock had 8.3 million.

The 9.7 million average is also the highest for a series of Downton, created by Julian Fellowes, to date.

Last night's finale attracted a peak of 10.7 million viewers and an average of 10.1 million, including viewers watching on the +1 catch-up channel.

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