The final ever episode of ‘Downton Abbey’ was the most watched programme in Britain on Christmas day, bringing in a big win for broadcaster ITV. The victory marks the first time in 15 years that ITV has beaten the BBC to claim the highest rated Christmas Day show.
‘Downton Abbey’ was the most watched programme this Christmas.
The programme averaged a massive 6.9 million viewers, when it aired on ITV at 8.45pm. In the episode, viewers said their goodbyes to the Crawley family and their servants after six seasons. The usually unlucky in love Lady Edith finally got her happy ending, as she wed Bertie Pelham, while servants Anna and Mr Bates welcomed their first child.
More: ‘Downton Abbey’ Star Jim Carter Warns Fans That Final Episode Will Be A “Tearjerker”
On BBC One, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ all-star special, which was won by Harry Judd, brought in 6.5m viewers when it aired at 6.15pm. It was the most watched show across the BBC and was closely followed by ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ and animated family special ‘Stick Man’ with 6.4 million.
Also scoring high viewing numbers was the ‘Doctor Who Christmas’ special which earned 5.8 million viewers, while ‘Eastenders’ pulled in 5.7 million, according to the Radio Times. But no show in Britain managed to break the 7 million barrier, meaning that viewing figures were down on previous years. However many are thought to be using catch-up services over the holiday period.
More: From Doctor Who To Downton Abbey: Here’s Your UK Christmas TV Schedule
But the most watched programme overall was the Queen’s speech, which aired on both the BBC and ITV. On the BBC it pulled in 6.1 million viewers and a further 1.3 million watched it on ITV, meaning it was viewed by a total of 7.4 million people.
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