From settling kitchen debates to planning evening viewing, millions in the UK turned to Google with their burning questions throughout 2025. The search giant has now unveiled its definitive 'Year in Search' report, detailing the top trending people, entertainment, and queries that captured the British public's imagination over the last twelve months.
The Faces and Shows That Captivated the Nation
The data reveals a fascinating snapshot of the UK's collective curiosity. Topping the list of most-searched people was American actor and former boxer Mickey Rourke. The 73-year-old's controversial removal from Celebrity Big Brother for reported 'unacceptable behaviour' sparked a massive surge in online searches, securing him the number one spot.
In the world of entertainment, the hard-hitting drama series Adolescence was the most Googled TV show. First airing in March, the critically acclaimed series resonated deeply with audiences, leading the pack ahead of other popular shows like Tom Hardy's MobLand and the thriller Missing You.
Top Questions and Queries of the Year
The report also highlights the specific questions Brits were asking. Practical 'how to' queries remained hugely popular, with searches like 'How to turn off emergency alerts on iPhone' and 'How to qualify for Club World Cup' featuring prominently.
Meanwhile, 'when is' questions focused on key calendar events and releases. The public eagerly sought dates for Easter, Pancake Day, and the release of the film Wicked 2, demonstrating how search engines help plan both daily life and cultural consumption.
A Shift Towards Conversational Search
Google's data editor, Simon Rogers, noted a significant evolution in how people are searching. 'With new AI capabilities in Google Search, people asked questions in more conversational ways, like they would while talking to a friend,' he said. This trend was evidenced by substantial increases in queries beginning with phrases like 'Tell me about…' and 'How do I…', which hit an all-time high.
Other notable figures in the top searches included Swedish striker Alexander Isak, following his record-breaking £125 million transfer to Liverpool, and Pope Leo XIV, who made history as the first Pope born in the United States. The data confirms that whether sparked by scandal, sporting triumph, or technological change, the UK's search habits offer a unique lens on a year of curiosity.
