Overview
- The BBC reported an average audience of 11.1 million and a 12 million peak for the final, the biggest overnight TV audience since last year’s Gavin & Stacey Christmas special.
- The winner confirmed the entire £87,500 prize will be donated to Neuroblastoma UK, a children’s cancer charity.
- Reaction on social media spanned from praise and even calls for honours to disputed claims that the outcome was a fix.
- Industry chatter has linked the result to potential new presenting opportunities, with some reports tipping a possible future role on Strictly Come Dancing, which remains unconfirmed.
- The series has been a breakout hit, with early episodes averaging 12.6 million viewers per BARB and reports of an early leak on an overseas platform before the finale; a civilian version is planned for 2026.