'EastEnders' tops Christmas Day UK viewing figures

For the fourth consecutive year, the BBC One soap 'EastEnders' was the most-watched programme in the UK on Christmas Day, with an average of 9.37 million seeing villain Derek Branning suffer a fatal heart attack as well as the discovery of Max Branning's other wife.

'EastEnders' tops Christmas Day UK viewing figures

For the fourth consecutive year, the BBC One soap 'EastEnders' was the most-watched programme in the UK on Christmas Day, with an average of 9.37 million seeing villain Derek Branning suffer a fatal heart attack as well as the discovery of Max Branning's other wife.

BBC One controller Danny Cohen said in a statement: "It's been brilliant to see so many viewers watching BBC One on Christmas Day.

"Audiences tuned in for unmissable special episodes of their favourite shows - with EastEnders topping the table as the most popular show of the day peaking at 9.8 million viewers."

ITV1 soap rival 'Coronation Street' came in second, with an average 8.58 million tuning in to see Leanne Barlow jilt Nick Tilsley at the alter.

'Strictly Come Dancing' followed up its triumphant 10th series with 7.8 million viewers for its Christmas special, earning it third place in the festive top 10, while BBC One sitcom 'The Royle Family' was in fourth place with 7.7 million viewers, just ahead of 'Doctor Who', which was watched by 7.6 million.

ITV1's 'Downton Abbey' and BBC One's 'Call The Midwife' shared sixth spot with 7.3 million viewers each, although both suffered by being scheduled against the other channel's main soap.

'The Queen's Speech' - which was aired on bout BBC One and ITV1' - 'Emmerdale' and 'BBC News' made up the rest of the top 10

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