AROUND 6.4million people tuned in to watch Ordinary Lies at its peak.

The second episode – featuring Michelle Keegan in a bikini – was the Warrington based BBC One drama's most popular by far.

It attracted almost two million more people than the first episode which drew in 4.6million viewers and featured Jason Manford as salesman Marty.

Former Corrie actor Michelle, who has just been named the ‘world’s sexiest woman’ by FHM magazine, played receptionist Tracy at a fictional version of JS Motors in Orford Lane.

Around 5.7million people switched on for the third episode and the following two episodes each had 5.6million viewers.

Viewing figures are not yet available for the finale.

James Drinkwater, who runs the car showroom where Ordinary Lies was filmed, also said there has been a lot more interest in the business since being on the telly.

"The series has raised really good awareness of the business," said the former Woolston High School pupil.

"The strangest question we've had since was someone enquiring about the two stolen cars from Mackenzie Crook's episode!

"It is nice to settle back down to business, however we all do miss the buzz and excitement of working on a TV set and watching a quality production team in action.

"I couldn't really watch the first episode properly as my family and I were constantly people and location spotting.

"It was fun knowing that I had watched a scene involving Max Beesley through a keyhole in the makeshift sales office during filming!"

The series, written and created by Bafta and Emmy-winning Danny Brocklehurst, was filmed in Warrington by Manchester's Red Production Company between September 2014 and January 2015.

John Stuart Car Superstore doubled for 'Jack Stevenson Motors' on the show about secrets and lies that bubble to the surface.

James, from Stockton Heath, added: "The series has been great as it was well written and provided viewers with varied storylines each week to maintain interest.

"My favourite episode was the one involving Mackenzie Crook as I thought he was an excellent actor and played a very different role to the ones he is normally associated with.

A decision has yet to be made on a second series of Ordinary Lies.

James said: "The production company were very professional and it would be a pleasure to work with them again."

DAVID MORGAN