The BBC has hit out at reports that its flagship political show, Question Time, has seen its ratings plummet in recent months.
Recent reports claimed the Fiona Bruce-fronted panel show, which has aired on BBC One since 1979 and welcomed guests from Prime Ministers to celebrities, saw its viewing figures dip in recent months.
The reports said an episode in October had garnered just 620,000, and one in November received 700,000.
But the Beeb has stressed in no uncertain terms that the numbers are wrong, adding that the episodes received 1.3 million and 1.4 million viewers respectively.
A spokesperson said: "This story is completely untrue and the figures are not accurate. Question Time achieved a healthy 1.3m viewers when it aired on BBC One in its usual time slot."
Fiona, who also fronts another BBC stalwart, Antiques Roadshow, replaced David Dimbleby as host in January last year.
Recent guests on the discussion show have included Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who received questions virtually from an audience of 16.
As some voiced concerns over taking the Covid vaccine, many raised their hands in support when asked by Fiona Bruce whether Hancock should be used as a guinea pig for the landmark breakthrough.
"I would be happy to do that," Hancock told them, "the problem is that would be putting me ahead of the queue in terms of clinical need.
"Now, because I work in the Department of Health I count as a healthcare worker so if my taking it when healthcare workers are allowed to take it - so not jumping the queue - if that would persuade a single other person to take it and give confidence to others then I'd be absolutely happy to."
Other discussions on the show have focused on the nature of the current lockdown, due to come to a close next week as much of the UK re-enters the Tier system.
Tory minister Oliver Dowden insisted we should not come out of lockdown until December 2, claiming the measures are in place to protect an overburdened NHS.
An out-of-work theatre director demanded Downing Street be "honest, open and find a road map" out of the pandemic.
Dowden, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, remained adamant that the government would stick to the December date set.
