Overnight data reveals that the King’s Christmas Broadcast was the most-watched television programme in the UK on Christmas Day.
Nearly 7 million viewers tuned in across BBC, ITV, Sky News, and GB News to watch King Charles deliver his annual message, which was recorded this year at Westminster Abbey.
Following the King’s address, the second most popular show was “The Scarecrows’ Wedding” on BBC One, which garnered 4.3 million viewers. The program is an adaptation of the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the creators of “The Gruffalo.”
These figures are based on “overnight” TV ratings and do not account for viewers who watched Christmas specials on catch-up services throughout the festive period.
In his traditional address, the King invoked the spirit of wartime, encouraging citizens to connect with their neighbors and “never lose sight” of the values that united communities “in the face of such great challenge.”
The data also excludes viewers who watched the King’s message on Sky Showcase, Sky Mix HD, or other non-TV platforms.
The “Strictly Come Dancing” Christmas Special, marking Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final show together as hosts, ranked as the third most popular program, attracting 4.2 million viewers.
The duo concluded the festive special with their signature “keep dancing!” catchphrase, with Winkleman expressing gratitude to the audience for their support over the years, stating it “meant a world to us.”
However, “EastEnders” experienced a drop in viewership, ranking eighth with 2.85 million viewers for the first of its two Christmas Day episodes.
The second episode did not make it into the top 10.
The Christmas Day episodes of the soaps “Coronation Street” and “Emmerdale,” both airing on ITV1, also failed to make the top 10.
This year, BBC programs accounted for nine of the top 10 most-watched programs throughout the day.
A festive edition of “The 1% Club,” the quiz show hosted by Lee Mack on ITV1, secured ninth place with 2.75 million viewers.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, remarked that the figures serve as “a timely reminder that shared moments really do still matter even in a world of so much choice.”
Source: BARB overnight figures
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