The Queen’s speech most viewed programme on Christmas Day – beating the soaps

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The Queen’s Speech was the most watched television programme broadcast on Christmas Day – beating the Strictly Come Dancing special and the nation’s best-loved soaps.

It has been revealed that 8.2 million people tuned in to watch the Queen address the nation at 3pm on BBC One and ITV.

After a dramatic 12 months, the speech became the Queen’s biggest audience in years with families tuning in to see her message of hope.

The monarch took a sombre tone, reflecting on what has been a difficult year for many following the coronavirus pandemic.

The Royal Christmas Message- a tradition started by George V in 1932 – was the most watched programme on Friday, with Call the Midwife taking second place after attracting 5.4million viewers.



The Queen gave a sombre speech reflecting what has been a difficult year for so many

While Bradley Walsh’s Blankety Blank return drew in 5.3million to ITV.

Strictly’s festive special was watched by 4.9million viewers with new quiz show The Wheel rounding up the top five with 4.6million.

This year not a single soap made it into the shortlist – despite Coronation Street and EastEnders’ best efforts to round off Christmas Day in style.



Bradley Walsh hosted iconic quiz show Blankety Blank



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Christmas Day telly ratings:

1. The Queen’s speech: 8.2m

2. Call The Midwife: 5.4m

3. Blankety Blank: 5.3m

4. Strictly: 4.9m

5. The Wheel: 4.6m

The most watched TV programme in 2019 had been the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special which attracted a record-breaking 11.5million viewers.

The episode was repeated this Christmas Eve, with the Fairytale of New York pub scene being carefully edited after the inclusion of the lyric containing the slur ‘f****t’ drew complaints last year.

Fans had been hoping for a new episode this year, but after some teasing it was confirmed that the cast would not be getting back together.



An edited version of Gavin and Stacey aired on Christmas Eve

Last year’s Christmas special became the most watched UK scripted TV show of the last decade.

Only sporting events and the 2010 X Factor final – where Matt Cardle beat One Direction – achieved higher ratings.

Gavin and Stacey’s special was also the most watched comedy on TV since Only Fools and Horses’ penultimate episode in 2002.

Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/queens-speech-most-viewed-christmas-23222523

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