Overview
- The King’s address drew about 6.56 million viewers across BBC, ITV, Sky News and GB News, the largest audience of Christmas Day according to BARB overnights.
- The Scarecrows’ Wedding posted 4.31 million viewers, edging the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on 4.24 million.
- BBC programmes occupied nine of the top ten slots, with ITV’s The 1% Club the sole non-BBC entry at ninth with 2.75 million.
- EastEnders’ first episode recorded 2.85 million and the second failed to make the top ten, far below its 2024 performance as viewers criticised the episodes on social media.
- Coverage underscores a marked year-on-year decline from 2024’s Gavin & Stacey-led surge, while the BBC notes that shared viewing still resonates and that consolidated figures will follow.