King’s Christmas Broadcast Leads UK Television Ratings on Christmas Day

The King’s Christmas Broadcast emerged as the most watched television programme in the UK on Christmas Day, according to overnight viewing figures, once again confirming the enduring appeal of the monarch’s annual address.

The traditional broadcast by King Charles III attracted the largest audience of the day, placing it firmly at the top of the festive television rankings. The message, which reflected on the past year and themes of unity and service, continues a long standing Christmas tradition watched by millions across the country.

Following closely behind was The Scarecrows’ Wedding on BBC One, which drew an audience of around 4.3 million viewers. The animated adaptation is based on the popular children’s picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the creative duo best known for bringing to life the much loved character from The Gruffalo. The programme proved especially popular with families watching together on Christmas Day.

Broadcasters often regard overnight figures as an early indicator of festive viewing habits, and this year’s results suggest that traditional programming continues to resonate strongly with audiences. The King’s message remains a central part of Christmas Day viewing, particularly among older audiences, while animated adaptations of well known children’s books continue to dominate family friendly slots.

Industry analysts note that Christmas Day remains one of the few occasions when large audiences still gather around live television broadcasts, despite the growing popularity of streaming services. Seasonal traditions, familiar formats and shared viewing experiences all contribute to strong ratings on the day itself.

However, broadcasters caution that overnight ratings only tell part of the story. These figures do not include viewers who watch programmes later through catch up services or on demand platforms during the rest of the holiday period. In recent years, delayed viewing has accounted for a significant share of total audiences, especially for family programmes and dramas.

Even so, topping the overnight ratings is seen as a symbolic win for broadcasters and programme makers alike. For the Royal Household, the strong showing underlines the continued relevance of the Christmas Broadcast in modern Britain, while for the BBC, the success of The Scarecrows’ Wedding reinforces the enduring appeal of high quality children’s storytelling during the festive season.

As viewing habits continue to evolve, Christmas Day remains a rare moment when traditional television still commands national attention, blending long held customs with familiar entertainment to bring audiences together.