King Charles's Christmas Message Tops UK TV Ratings
Published 26 December 2025
Highlights
- King Charles's Christmas message was the most-watched TV program in the UK on Christmas Day, with nearly 7 million viewers.
- The Scarecrows' Wedding, based on a popular children's book, was the second most popular show with 4.3 million viewers.
- Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas Special, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for the last time, attracted 4.2 million viewers.
- BBC programs dominated the top 10 most-watched list, securing nine spots, with EastEnders ranking eighth.
- The viewing figures are based on BARB overnight ratings and exclude catch-up services and non-TV platforms.
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Rewritten Article
King Charles's Christmas Message Tops UK TV Ratings
King Charles's Christmas broadcast emerged as the most-watched television program in the UK on Christmas Day, according to overnight data from the Broadcast Audience Research Board (BARB). Nearly 7 million viewers tuned in across major networks including BBC, ITV, Sky News, and GB News to hear the King's annual message, which this year was recorded at Westminster Abbey.
In his address, King Charles highlighted the "great diversity of our communities" and urged the nation to uphold values of compassion and reconciliation. His message resonated with viewers, maintaining similar audience numbers to last year's broadcast.
Top Festive Programs
Following the King's message, The Scarecrows' Wedding, an adaptation of the beloved children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, captivated 4.3 million viewers, making it the second most popular program. Meanwhile, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for the final time, secured third place with 4.2 million viewers. The duo's heartfelt farewell included gifts from the judges and ended with their iconic "keep dancing" catchphrase.
BBC's Dominance in Christmas Ratings
BBC programs dominated the Christmas Day ratings, occupying nine of the top ten spots. EastEnders, despite a drop in viewership, ranked eighth with 2.85 million viewers for its first episode. The second episode, however, did not make the top ten. ITV1's The 1% Club, hosted by Lee Mack, was the only non-BBC program in the top ten, ranking ninth with 2.75 million viewers.
Kate Phillips, the BBC's chief content officer, remarked that the ratings serve as "a timely reminder that shared moments really do still matter even in a world of so much choice."
Understanding the Ratings
The figures are based on BARB's overnight ratings, which measure viewership across TV sets, online, and other devices. These numbers do not account for viewers who watch programs on catch-up services or non-TV platforms during the festive period.
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Scenario Analysis
Looking ahead, the continued popularity of King Charles's Christmas message suggests a strong public interest in royal broadcasts, potentially influencing future programming decisions by major networks. The BBC's dominance in the ratings underscores its role as a central pillar of UK festive viewing, which could prompt competitors to innovate their holiday offerings. As viewing habits evolve with the rise of streaming services, broadcasters may increasingly focus on integrating digital platforms to capture a broader audience.
King Charles's Christmas broadcast emerged as the most-watched television program in the UK on Christmas Day, according to overnight data from the Broadcast Audience Research Board (BARB). Nearly 7 million viewers tuned in across major networks including BBC, ITV, Sky News, and GB News to hear the King's annual message, which this year was recorded at Westminster Abbey.
In his address, King Charles highlighted the "great diversity of our communities" and urged the nation to uphold values of compassion and reconciliation. His message resonated with viewers, maintaining similar audience numbers to last year's broadcast.
Top Festive Programs
Following the King's message, The Scarecrows' Wedding, an adaptation of the beloved children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, captivated 4.3 million viewers, making it the second most popular program. Meanwhile, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for the final time, secured third place with 4.2 million viewers. The duo's heartfelt farewell included gifts from the judges and ended with their iconic "keep dancing" catchphrase.
BBC's Dominance in Christmas Ratings
BBC programs dominated the Christmas Day ratings, occupying nine of the top ten spots. EastEnders, despite a drop in viewership, ranked eighth with 2.85 million viewers for its first episode. The second episode, however, did not make the top ten. ITV1's The 1% Club, hosted by Lee Mack, was the only non-BBC program in the top ten, ranking ninth with 2.75 million viewers.
Kate Phillips, the BBC's chief content officer, remarked that the ratings serve as "a timely reminder that shared moments really do still matter even in a world of so much choice."
Understanding the Ratings
The figures are based on BARB's overnight ratings, which measure viewership across TV sets, online, and other devices. These numbers do not account for viewers who watch programs on catch-up services or non-TV platforms during the festive period.
What this might mean
Looking ahead, the continued popularity of King Charles's Christmas message suggests a strong public interest in royal broadcasts, potentially influencing future programming decisions by major networks. The BBC's dominance in the ratings underscores its role as a central pillar of UK festive viewing, which could prompt competitors to innovate their holiday offerings. As viewing habits evolve with the rise of streaming services, broadcasters may increasingly focus on integrating digital platforms to capture a broader audience.
