The King’s first ever Christmas Speech was the most popular Christmas TV programme on Christmas Day, with a combined audience of over 10 million viewers, incorporating streaming and those watching on television.
It was almost double as popular as the next most popular Christmas Day TV show, Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas Special, which was watched by 5.4 million viewers.
In King Charles’ first speech as King, he reflected on the cost of living crisis, including those using food banks, and paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen, who died in September.
The King appeared natural in the first of what will become his annual addresses to the nation. His mother made an annual TV address every year from xx and before then she had made her Christmas delivery via radio.
The third most popular Christmas TV show was a festive edition of Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel which drew 4.8 million viewers and fourth was Call The Midwife, with 4.4 million.
It had been a good day for the BBC in terms or ratings hits. The highest-viewed non-BBC Christmas show was Doc Martin’s Christmas special on ITV which attracted 3.4 million viewers. On the same channel, a Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special drew in just 2.5 million in a continuing trend downward for the divisive show which was once the most watched show on Christmas Day.
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer commented on the ratings. She said: “Winning the Christmas Day ratings caps off an incredible centenary year of world class content on the BBC.
“In a time of so much competition and choice, the BBC continues to be the UK’s entertainment destination on Christmas Day.”
However the overnight figures don’t include those watching or catching up online via platforms such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
| 1 | The King’s Christmas Broadcast | BBC One | 8.1 |
| 2 | Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special | BBC One | 5.4 |
| 3 | Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel | BBC One | 4.8 |
| 4 | Call the Midwife | BBC One | 4.5 |
| 5 | Aladdin | BBC One | 4.4 |
| 6 | Ghosts Christmas Special | BBC One | 3.9 |
| 7 | Doc Martin | ITV | 3.3 |
| 8 | EastEnders | BBC One | 3.2 |
| 9 | Coronation Street | ITV | 2.8 |
| 10 | Ant and Dec | ITV | 2.7 |
Here’s what to watch on TV this Christmas holiday period
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