The BBC reigned supreme in the Christmas ratings battle as The Queen’s speech became the most watched show of the day while Death In Paradise topped the charts on Boxing Day.
This year, The Queen’s Speech secured the top spot and was watched by an average of 7.4 million viewers on BBC One on Christmas Day, while 5.4 tuned in to watch the Death In Paradise Christmas special the following day.
BBC had the most viewings for their shows on December 25, securing eight out of the top 10 programmes broadcast, with ITV limping in at positions eight and nine in the poll. On the next day, seven of the ten most-watched shows were won by the public broadcaster.
ITV’s Christmas Day programs were put on the on-demand player by ITV this year. These viewers will count in the final consolidated figures which are due in just over one week.
Ratings winner: The BBC reigned supreme in the Christmas ratings battle as The Queen’s speech became the most watched show of the day while Death In Paradise (pictured right: stars Joséphine Jobert and Ralf Little) topped the charts Boxing Day
7.4 Million viewers tuned in for Her Majesty’s BBC One annual message, which saw her reflecting on Prince Philip’s passing.
She spoke poignantly about her husband, and stated that a ‘one familiar laughter’ had been missing at her family gatherings this year.
The speech was also broadcast by ITV, with 1.7 million viewers tuning in.
It was revealed, too that this year’s speech received more viewers than usual. Over a million more people watching than the 6.3million people that watched in 2020.
A Big Hit: Ann Marie (30), and Graziano Di Prima (30) were a winner of ratings for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Fans loved the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with 5.8 Million viewers. Ann-Marie, a 30-year-old singer, won the famous trophy alongside Graziano di Prima, 27, in this spectacular.
EastEnders also proved to be a huge hit. This year, fans sat down and watched Mick Carter (played in Danny Dyer) cheating on Linda (Kellie bright) with Whitney (Shona McArty).
BBC favourite Call The Midwife also made the top 10 with 4.7 million viewers as did a return of the popular 80’s game show Blankety Blank for a Christmas special which drew in 4.2 million viewers.
The shock at Eastenders: Linda Carter found out her husband Mick had cheated in the Xmas Day special.
Charlotte Moore (the BBC’s chief Content Officer) stated: “Viewers selected the BBC Christmas Day, and entertained them in millions, with Strictly taking top spot.
“Nothing can bring the nation together like Christmas,” she said. The BBC had something for everyone, with seven of the most watched programmes.
“This concludes an amazing year for the BBC that celebrated British creativity. This has seen us deliver hits, award-winning work, and huge audiences to our shows.
Winter special: Call The Midwife was an unexpected hit Christmas day
She said, “It’s these moment, in a period of intense competition. That proves that after 99 year the BBC is still relevant.”
“We’re looking forward to an exciting, ambitious year for our centenary in 2022.”
“Unmissable content of the highest quality that celebrates and reflects the unrivalled role of the BBC in people’s lives across the UK”
Boxing Day bonanza: Around the World in 80 Days was the second most watched show on December 26, with 3.9 million watching the first part of the eight-episode series which is based on the 1873 Jules Verne novel of the same name
The BBC also managed to win the ratings war on Boxing Day, with 5.4 million tuning in to watch the Death In Paradise Christmas special.
This series revisited Florence Cassell and Neville Parker’s romance after their series 10. However, it ended without concluding whether they would have another chance at the relationship.
The ratings war continued with Around the World in 80 Days. 3.9 Million watched the premiere of the 8-episode series, which was based on the 1873 Jules Verne novel.
Although the number of viewers dropped for Episode 2, 3.5 million still watched the show, making it the sixth-most watched program on the day.
Finishing in third was Coronation Street, with 3.7 million watching the aftermath of the Christmas special; which saw the return of Roy Cropper (Played by David Neilson).