In a surprising turn of events, King Charles III’s annual Christmas broadcast has emerged as the front-runner in UK television ratings, outshining the highly anticipated ‘Doctor Who’ holiday special.
According to official ratings from Overnights.tv, the monarch’s heartfelt address captivated over 6.5 million viewers across major channels, including BBC1, BBC2, and ITV, securing the top spot on Christmas Day. The speech, centered around themes of compassion, care, and environmentalism, struck a chord with audiences and became the highlight of festive programming.
Despite the buzz surrounding the ‘Doctor Who’ holiday special, which marked Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as the 14th Doctor, it garnered 4.5 million viewers, placing it behind the king’s Christmas message. The Sex Education star’s highly anticipated entrance into the iconic role added an extra layer of excitement to the holiday TV lineup.
The success of King Charles III’s address extended beyond its initial airing, with over 7.5 million viewers when accounting for playback. The monarch’s emphasis on timeless values and meaningful messages resonated strongly with viewers, making it a standout moment in Christmas television.
Other notable shows contributing to the festive ratings included the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, securing 5.4 million viewers on BBC1, and the final episode of the sitcom Ghosts. The ITV quiz, The 1% Club, made its mark as the sole non-BBC1 entry in the top ten.
The BBC celebrated a triumphant Christmas programming lineup, boasting a 27% overall share, showcasing the public broadcaster’s dominance in holiday viewership. The blend of traditional favorites and new offerings created a diverse and engaging television landscape for audiences across the UK.
