SM:tv Live now has an audience of 1.5 million, compared to the 800, 000 watching Dani Behr and Joe Mace.

BBC: Ratings mysteries solved

These substantial Mittelstand companies include such famous names as Miele (white goods), Behr (air conditioners), Stihl (chainsaws) and Trumpf (laser-cutters), which each have a turnover of between euro1 billion and euro2 billion and employ between 5, 000 and 15, 000 people.

ECONOMIST: What's ailing German industry

Early in his career, Giggs was the Premiership's poster boy, and his relationships with TV presenter Dani Behr and Hollyoaks actress Davinia Taylor meant he quickly found himself on the front pages of the tabloids as well as the back.

BBC: Ryan Giggs in a league of his own