Thanks Dancc. Don't have a problem with him either, but don't have Sky anyway! They should put the whole thing on BBC1 or 2, in fact I think that might be the plan once BBCHD becomes BBC2 HD.

How much did last year's X Factor timeshift?

No problem. And I agree. I also think they need some more interesting pundits to sit alongside Garth than the usual lot. Robbie Savage is good but only on occasionally.

It's because it's a one off drama. They aren't allowed to put as many ads in one offs as they are now classed as films and therefore they have to follow the ad rules for films.

Year Official Overnight Timeshift
2011 13.46 12.87 0.59
2010 17.72 17.16 0.56
2009 16.28 15.62 0.66

Hope the above makes sense! So by recent trends it shouldn't timeshift that much. Maybe circa 11.5/11.6?

Because if it does, the bleeding overnights will be delayed tomorrow.

Thanks for that. Less than I expected.

Is the trial of one-off dramas being shown with fewer but longer ad breaks still on going?

I was thinking the same thing. If SPOTY doesn't get close to 10m that would surely be a disappointment.

This year's SPOTY is fantastic so far, truly epic, massive, cinematic, thrilling, glorious. Like a mass rally of Great Britishness.

It would be fitting if this did get a stellar audience and not just a decent 9m+ peak.

Yeah, yeah, yeah! But the audience did the bloody Poznan! This show is really good so far. Best it's been in years.

You keep saying SPOTY has never done as well as some people are predicting it will do, but Britain has never had a sporting year as great as this one.

Agreed, really enjoying it, feel good TV at it's best, there have been so many wonderful moments this year to celebrate. Dunno how it will do ratings wise but hope many tune in.

It looks great and has a wonderful celebratory atmosphere due to Britian's Olympic glories. I think a few people that usually avoid the show might watch tonight. It also has the first public appearance in a few weeks for The Duchess Of Cambridge at the end handing out the main prize and little competition

It has a very good chance of getting a high rating.

I do think it should get 10m+ - but strange we're nearly two hours in and they haven't even opened the phone lines, although have handily provided a recap of the numbers we're not allowed to ring yet.

Only two of the eight awards presented so far too - and Seb Coe alone could probably fill the remaining half hour with his speech. Can't see this finishing much before 10.30pm.

Well you would say that

Yes they are going to continue the olympic spirit and overrun significantly just like the Opening Ceremony!

Phone lines open dot on 9:30 - looks like they are running to schedule.

This ain't finishing at 10.05, no way. They'll have at least ten minutes between close of poll and the announcement of the winner.

I predict a 10.17pm finish.

And 11am for the overnights....

11am Tuesday, presumably? A late finish will send BARB into a tailspin.

10m+ average is very possible IMO; as others have said it lacks opposition and is rounding off an epic year of sport.

What a disaster it will be if tonight's MOTD2 is delayed with today's high-quality matches.

Haven't had overseas personality of the year yet have we? Plus Seb Coe. I think it'll be close to 10.30.

BBC News now scheduled for 22:15 - think it will be longer though because Seb Coe will surely not be cut off, and of course Kate will be going on stage too.

Chance of high peak for the climax going out of the window.

Folk have work tomorrow, and ratings will now be dropping away. Now think 10.30 is the likely finish.

Ooh, I hadn't noticed that. I was quite looking forward to seeing the 2002 special again. Thankfully, the one they're showing isn't the risible one set in the future where one of the characters was just a severed head on a plate and powered by electricity.