The King’s Christmas speech was the top-rated broadcast on Christmas Day 2025 in the UK, with almost seven million viewers tuning in according to official BARB figures.
The royal address was watched across various channels – including BBC, ITV, Sky News and GB News.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding was the most popular show on a single channel on Christmas Day with 4.3 million viewers tuning into BBC One to watch the animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture book.
It was just ahead of the 4.2 million who tuned in to watch Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host Strictly Come Dancing for the last time.
Meanwhile, the top five in the day's ratings were rounded out by two more BBC shows: Michael McIntyre's The Wheel (3.7m) and the Call the Midwife Christmas Special (3.4m).
In total, the BBC had nine shows in the top 10 most popular programmes on Christmas Day, with only The 1% Club making the list for ITV in ninth place.
All figures are based on "overnight" TV ratings, which do not include viewers who watch Christmas specials on catch-up services during the rest of the festive period.
However, overall ratings were down significantly this year after an impressive year for Christmas TV in 2024, when the Gavin & Stacey special (12.3 million) and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (9.4 million) drew in big numbers for the BBC.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said: “We’re proud of the fact that people come together on the BBC at Christmas. Having nine out of the top ten shows on Christmas Day is a timely reminder that shared moments really do still matter even in a world of so much choice.”
FCC orders early review of Disney’s TV licenses after Trump comments
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered The Walt Disney Company, American Broadcasting Company, and television subsidiaries to file early license renewal applications for their television stations.
Adolescence and The Celebrity Traitors lead winners of Bafta TV Craft Awards
Adolescence and The Celebrity Traitors led the winners for this year’s Bafta Television Craft Awards, taking home two prizes each.
Luma, Wonder Project, and AWS launch AI production services company
AI video generation startup Luma and US production outfit Wonder Project have launched a new production services company, backed by Amazon Web Services, which combines generative AI and traditional filmmaking.
RTL unveils management team after Sky Deutschland takeover
European broadcasting giant RTL Group has unveiled a new German management team for RTL Deutschland, days after gaining regulatory approval for its takeover of pay-TV operator Sky Deutschland.
LaLiga claims record blow against audiovisual piracy
Spain’s Criminal Chamber of the National Court has reportedly handed down one of the largest compensation awards in the history of Spain for an intellectual property offence to LaLiga football league, in a record blow against audiovisual piracy.
