from critics. A review in The Australian criticised the programme for having "clunky dialogue" and "over the top" villains, also suggesting that its 10.30pm slot would prove to be a disadvantage. A piece in The Age expressed similar sentiments, claiming: "The real mystery is how a show with a decidedly daytime production style, featuring well-telegraphed plot developments and lingering shots of the characters' puzzled/simmering/distraught expressions, will fare in the cut and thrust of after-dark TV." However, The Daily Telegraph was more positive, predicting that the show would "prove popular for Aussie soap fans who prefer their fare more grown-up than Neighbours". Ratings The show's UK premiere, which consisted of two episodes broadcast back-to-back, attracted 1.2m viewers. The BBC described this performance as "encouraging", but noted that it would take "some time" to consider whether viewers would accept the show in the long-term. Just days later, however, the BBC announced that the programme would be switching from its 2.10pm slot on BBC One to BBC Two at 1pm after ratings had dropped to 654,000 viewers. The corporation stated that the new channel and slot would provide a "stronger home" for Out of the Blue. Viewing figures declined further after the move, dropping to 100,000 viewers. Ratings later averaged out at 125,000 viewers, prompting the BBC to confirm on 1 July that the show would be axed after its first series. The corporation stated that Out of the Blue "just didn't grab hold" of the loyal following required for a soap. It was later reported that Network Ten had delayed its own launch of Out of the Blue due to its performance in the UK. The network also confirmed that it was concerned over whether the murder mystery plot would make the show unsuitable for a 6pm slot. Nevertheless, a spokeswoman insisted that the show would be on air by the end of 2008, and it finally started airing in a 10.30pm slot from 17 November 2008. In its first week on air in Australia in November 2008, the show attracted 372,000 viewers for its premiere episode and was still being watched by 321,000 by the end of the week. These figures were seen as respectable for the programme's late night slot. In its second week on the air, the show attracted its highest audience yet, with 477,000 viewers tuning in for Monday night's episode. In early January 2009, as the show