Overview
- The King’s Christmas message drew about 5.5 million viewers across BBC and ITV, the highest audience of the day.
- The BBC secured nine of the top ten programmes, led by The Scarecrows’ Wedding on 4.3 million and Strictly Come Dancing on 4.2 million.
- Overall viewing fell from 2024’s exceptional levels, when Gavin & Stacey averaged 12.3 million and a new Wallace & Gromit topped 9 million.
- Many viewers complained on social media about a thin film slate and labelled the BBC’s line-up one of the ‘poorest’ in recent years.
- BBC content chief Kate Phillips defended the schedule, highlighting shared viewing moments and pointing to changing habits shaped by streaming competition.