King’s Message Dominates Christmas Day TV Ratings
The King’s Christmas Message dominated the TV ratings in the UK on Christmas Day, with nearly 7 million viewers tuning in. This year’s broadcast took place at Westminster Abbey and was available on various platforms, including BBC, ITV, Sky News, and GB News.
Top TV Shows on Christmas Day
Following the King’s message, the next most popular program was “The Scarecrows’ Wedding,” which attracted 4.3 million viewers. This show is based on the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Other Notable Programs
- Strictly Come Dancing – 4.2 million viewers
- Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel – 3.71 million viewers
- Call the Midwife – 3.44 million viewers
- Gladiators – 3.16 million viewers
- Amandaland – 3.05 million viewers
- EastEnders – 2.85 million viewers
- The 1% Club – 2.75 million viewers
- The Weakest Link – 2.63 million viewers
These viewership figures are based on overnight ratings and do not account for those watching the programs later via catch-up services. The King’s address invoked a sense of togetherness, encouraging people to connect with their neighbors and embrace community values during challenging times.
Viewing Trends
Interestingly, “EastEnders” saw a decline in viewership, finishing eighth with 2.85 million viewers for its first Christmas episode. Its second episode failed to make the top ten altogether. Meanwhile, popular ITV soaps like “Coronation Street” and “Emmerdale” did not rank in the day’s most watched shows.
Overall, the BBC dominated the ratings, occupying nine of the ten top slots. Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, highlighted the significance of shared moments during the festive season, amid a landscape filled with numerous entertainment choices.
Conclusion
Christmas Day TV viewing in the UK was marked by the King’s strong performance, providing a unifying message during the holiday season. As families gathered to watch these special broadcasts, it is clear that traditional programming still has a significant place in audiences’ hearts.
