URGENT UPDATE: BBC’s Christmas Day TV ratings hit an all-time low as nearly 8 million viewers turned away from a line-up critics are calling “stale.” The most-watched program was King Charles’s festive message, attracting 4.6 million viewers at 3 PM on December 25, 2025, a significant drop from the 12.3 million who tuned in for the Gavin & Stacey finale in 2024.
This year’s showing marks a dramatic decline in BBC viewership, with audiences expressing dissatisfaction over a schedule filled with repeats and outdated favorites. The beloved Gavin & Stacey special was notably absent, leaving fans longing for its return.
The holiday ratings reveal a troubling trend for the BBC. While King Charles’s message was the top draw, eluding a viewership dip from last year’s 5 million, the overall appeal of Christmas programming fell flat. 4.3 million viewers enjoyed The Scarecrows’ Wedding, followed closely by 4.2 million for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which has also seen a decline from its peak of 7.2 million in 2016.
Social media reactions echoed the disappointment, with many users criticizing the lack of fresh content and calling for the reinstatement of Gavin & Stacey. The glory days of EastEnders, which once attracted 30 million viewers in 1986, seem long gone, as this year’s episode managed only 2.8 million viewers, down from 4.4 million in 2024.
Viewership for Call The Midwife also plummeted, dropping to 3.4 million from last year’s 4.4 million. The increasing competition from streaming platforms like Netflix and the rise of YouTube as the UK’s second-most popular media outlet are contributing factors to the BBC’s declining numbers.
Despite the disappointing ratings, the BBC claimed victory, with data showing it still broadcast nine of the top ten most-watched Christmas Day shows. The full list highlights the network’s dominance:
The King’s Speech – 4.6 million
The Scarecrows’ Wedding – 4.3 million
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – 4.2 million
Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel – 3.7 million
Call the Midwife – 3.4 million
Gladiators Christmas Special – 3.2 million
Amandaland Christmas Special – 3.1 million
EastEnders – 2.8 million
The 1% Club (ITV) – 2.7 million
The Weakest Link – 2.6 million
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, stated, “We’re proud of the fact that people come together on the BBC at Christmas. Having nine out of the top 10 shows on Christmas Day is a timely reminder that shared moments really do still matter even in a world of so much choice.”
Looking ahead, the BBC anticipates a stronger showing on New Year’s Day with the return of popular shows, including a new series of The Traitors hosted by Claudia Winkleman and a much-anticipated revival of The Night Manager starring Tom Hiddleston.
As the BBC grapples with viewer dissatisfaction, it faces criticism for not canceling the airing of a special episode of Would I Lie To You? featuring David Walliams, who is under scrutiny following allegations of inappropriate behavior. The network has since apologized for an incident during the recording.
The future of BBC viewership remains uncertain as audiences continue to seek fresh, engaging content during the festive season. With the competition intensifying, the broadcaster must innovate to reclaim its audience.
