Last night Roman's Empire managed to attract just 1 million viewers when it was shown on BBC2 between 9.30pm and 10pm. Representing just a 5% share of the audience, this is no doubt embarrassing news for the comedy.

It was the fourth episode (of six) which was broadcast last night. The comedy, which features well known actors such as Neil Dudgeon, Matthew Horne, Chris O'Dowd and Nicholas Burns, focuses on the life of Roman Pretty, a self-made millionaire who's monopoly extends further than business and encompasses the lives of his much loved family.

BBC2 will now be worrying about the final two episodes as, to put these ratings in perspective, the show was even beaten by ITV2 reality series Katie and Peter: the Next Chapter last night!