Strictly Come Dancing was the only BBC programme to see a rise in viewership on Christmas Day 2025 compared to the previous year, as the broadcaster suffered its worst Christmas ratings in modern times. None of its shows outperformed The King's Speech, which attracted 6 million viewers, the same as last year.
Last year's Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special more than doubled the viewing figures of the speech, with 12.3 million viewers, and Wallace and Gromit drew 9.4 million. This year, however, the BBC's most-watched programme aside from the speech was The Scarecrows' Wedding, an animated adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book, which drew 4.3 million viewers.
The Strictly Christmas Special saw an increase, pulling in 4.35 million viewers compared to 4.05 million in 2024, but it marked the final show for hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Other programmes, including Call The Midwife, EastEnders, and The Weakest Link, failed to draw large audiences. Call The Midwife attracted 3.4 million viewers, down from 4.4 million last year, while EastEnders' first episode drew 2.8 million and the second 2.2 million, a stark contrast to last year's 4 million and 4.4 million. The Weakest Link attracted 2.6 million, down from 3.05 million.
Despite the low ratings, the BBC secured nine of the top 10 most-viewed programmes on Christmas Day. Kate Phillips, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, said: 'We're proud of the fact that people come together on the BBC at Christmas. Having nine out of the top ten shows on Christmas Day is a timely reminder that shared moments really do still matter even in a world of so much choice.'
