BBC beats ITV in Xmas Day TV ratings as Queen’s speech…

BBC beats ITV in Xmas Day TV ratings as Queen’s speech and Strictly most watched

The Christmas Day TV ratings have been confirmed and show that the the BBC beat their rivals at ITV.

The BBC secured eight of the top 10 programmes on December 25, while ITV took the two remaining spots in eighth and ninth place.

The Queen’s speech, which was broadcast at 3pm, secured the top spot as it watched by an average of 7.4million viewers.

Her Majesty's annual message saw her reflect on the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, as she admitted there would be "one familiar laugh missing" from her family gathering this year.

It was also confirmed that a million more people tuned into the speech this year compared to the 2020 rating which saw a total of 6.3 million viewers watch it.

The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast was the most watched TV show this year with 7.4million people tuning in (REUTERS)

Strictly Come Dancing ’s Christmas special also proved to be a hit with those who were sat in front of their television screens after enjoying Christmas dinner.

An average of 5.8million viewers, according to overnight figures from the BBC, tuned in to see pop star Anne-Marie win the festive special with professional dancer Graziano Di Prima.

Popular drama Call the Midwife and EastEnders also made the top 10 list as soap fans saw Danny Dyer's character Mick Carter cheat on his wife Linda (Kellie Bright).

The second most watched show was the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special which saw Anne-Marie and Graziano Di Prima win (BBC/Guy Levy)

Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, commented: "Viewers chose the BBC on Christmas Day and entertained them in their millions with Strictly taking the top spot.

"Nothing brings the country together at Christmas quite like the BBC, there was something for everyone with the seven most popular programmes across the day that caps off a brilliant year on the BBC celebrating British creativity where we have delivered hits and award-winning work and seen huge audiences come to our shows."

She continued: "It’s these moments, in a time of intense competition, that prove that after 99 years the BBC matters more than ever. We have an ambitious and exciting year ahead in 2022 to mark our centenary year with an unmissable range of world-class content that will celebrate and reflect the unique role the BBC continues to play in the lives of audiences across the UK."