Queen’s Speech most watched Christmas programme with audience of 6.3m

Britain's Queen's Elizabeth II Christmas broadcast
REUTERS
Stephanie Cockroft26 December 2020

The Queen’s annual festive broadcast was the most programme on Christmas Day, with an average audience of 6.3million.

She delivered a message of hope to the country, praising the “indomitable spirit” of those who have risen “magnificently” to the challenges of the pandemic.

Call The Midwife’s Christmas Day special was also a ratings hit after being watched by an average of 5.4 million viewers.

The drama was the second most watched programme on Christmas Day, according to the BBC.

Blankety Blank Christmas Special, Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Countdown, The Wheel and Coronation Street were also among the most popular programmes, according to average viewing figures.

Kate Phillips, acting controller of BBC One, said: “BBC One had the most popular show on Christmas Day as audiences escaped to Poplar for the Call The Midwife special.

“I’m really proud of the range and quality of programmes we’ve shown across this special day.

“BBC One entertained the nation and provided something for everyone to enjoy after a particularly difficult year.”

Blankety Blank Christmas Special was watched by 5.3 million people, while Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Countdown was watched by 4.9 million viewers.

The celebrity dancing programme featured a tribute to the late television presenter Caroline Flack, who previously won the competition.

BBC One gameshow The Wheel, hosted by Michael McIntyre, was watched by an average of 4.7 million.

ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale were watched by 4.5 million and 3.6 million respectively.

The Christmas special of comedy Mrs Brown’s Boys attracted 3.8 million viewers, while EastEnders was watched by 3.5 million.

The figures were supplied to the BBC by the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board (Barb).

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