UPDATE: The BBC’s Christmas Day TV ratings have reached alarming lows as viewers turned away in droves. Just 4.6 million people tuned in to watch King Charles deliver his annual festive message at 3 PM, a stark decline from the 12.3 million who watched the record-breaking finale of Gavin & Stacey in 2024.
The absence of a Gavin & Stacey special has left the BBC’s line-up feeling stale, with audiences expressing frustration on social media. The holiday schedule, filled with reruns and familiar shows like Mrs Brown’s Boys and EastEnders, has led to disappointing viewership numbers. The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special attracted only 4.2 million viewers, while the animated adaptation The Scarecrows’ Wedding managed to pull in 4.3 million, both surpassing the traditional hits.
The decline is stark compared to years past; the festive Strictly attracted 7.2 million viewers in 2016. This year, EastEnders saw just 2.8 million viewers, a significant drop from 4.4 million last Christmas.
As the BBC grapples with changing viewer habits, the rise of streaming services like Netflix and platforms like YouTube have diverted attention away from traditional television. The viewing figures reflect a broader trend in media consumption, with audiences preferring on-demand content over scheduled programming.
Despite these challenges, the BBC still achieved a notable feat, securing nine of the top ten most-watched shows on Christmas Day, according to BARB figures. The top programmes included:
– The King’s Christmas Broadcast – 4.6 million
– The Scarecrows’ Wedding – 4.3 million
– Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – 4.2 million
– Call the Midwife – 3.4 million
– Gladiators Christmas Special – 3.2 million
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, defended the network’s offerings, stating, “We’re proud of the fact that people come together on the BBC at Christmas,” emphasizing that shared moments still hold value in a world of endless choices.
Looking ahead, the BBC is hoping to revitalize viewer interest with an exciting lineup for New Year’s Day, featuring Claudia Winkleman in a new series of The Traitors and Tom Hiddleston returning in The Night Manager. However, Boxing Day presented additional challenges for the BBC, as it faced backlash over a Would I Lie To You? special featuring David Walliams, who has recently faced scrutiny over allegations of inappropriate behavior.
As the BBC continues to adapt to shifting viewer preferences, the urgency for fresh and engaging content has never been more apparent. The network’s Christmas offerings are expected to garner additional viewings on iPlayer and other catch-up services, but the immediate concern remains: how to capture the attention of a generation increasingly drawn to streaming platforms.
With reports of record low ratings and a growing demand for innovation in festive programming, the BBC must respond swiftly to restore its reputation as the go-to broadcaster for Christmas entertainment. What happens next could redefine the future of holiday viewing in the UK.
