URGENT UPDATE: The BBC’s Christmas Day TV ratings have hit record lows, with nearly 8 million viewers tuning out amid widespread disappointment over a “stale” lineup. The most-watched program was King Charles’s Christmas message, garnering 4.6 million viewers on December 25, 2025, a significant drop from last year’s 5 million.
This stark decline highlights a troubling trend for the BBC, which has seen audience numbers plummet compared to previous years. In 2024, the finale of Gavin & Stacey attracted an astounding 12.3 million viewers, marking the largest Christmas audience in two decades. The absence of this fan-favorite special left viewers dissatisfied, with many turning to social media to express their frustration over the lack of fresh content.
The BBC’s Christmas Day schedule featured several familiar programs, but failed to captivate audiences. The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which bid farewell to hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, drew only 4.2 million viewers, while The Scarecrows’ Wedding, an animated adaptation, slightly outperformed it with 4.3 million.
The decline in viewership is further illustrated by EastEnders, which attracted just 2.8 million viewers this year compared to the peak of 30 million in 1986. The popular soap has seen a downward trend, with last year’s Christmas episode drawing in 4.4 million viewers.
As streaming platforms like Netflix and video games capture audiences’ attention, the BBC is struggling against a backdrop of changing viewing habits. Despite the downturn, the BBC claims dominance in the ratings battle, reporting that it aired nine of the top ten most-watched Christmas programs.
Notable ratings for Christmas Day 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
In response to the criticism, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, stated, “We’re proud that people come together on the BBC at Christmas, reminding us that shared moments still matter.”
Looking ahead, the BBC anticipates a stronger showing for New Year’s Day with the return of Claudia Winkleman in a new series of The Traitors, followed by Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager.
As audiences reflect on this year’s disappointing offerings, the BBC faces pressure to reinvigorate its programming for the future. The challenge is clear: adapt to changing viewer preferences or risk further declines in viewership.
With the Christmas ratings now confirmed, all eyes will be on how the BBC re-engages its audience in the coming months.
