The U.K.’s television landscape lit up with festive spirit on Christmas Day 2024, and it was a battle of the classics. Viewers tuned in en masse, turning their homes into hubs of holiday cheer with two beloved British treasures, ‘Gavin & Stacey’ and ‘Wallace & Gromit,’ taking center stage alongside King Charles II’s annual speech.
‘Gavin & Stacey: The Finale,’ a delightful reunion special, snagged the top spot in the ratings war. This special, a brainchild of James Corden and Ruth Jones, drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers, capturing an extraordinary 64.75% of the audience share. Overnights.TV, the monitoring body that keeps tabs on such statistics, reported these figures. Critics were equally enchanted. The Guardian praised it as a ‘beautiful, poignant piece of television,’ while The Times of London felt it captured the rare communal feeling of a ‘TV event.’
This beloved series first graced screens in 2007, quickly securing a dedicated fanbase as it ran for three seasons until 2010. After a 2019 Christmas special reignited interest, fans eagerly awaited this latest installment, eager to see what Corden and Jones had in store.
Hot on the heels of the ‘Gavin & Stacey’ success was ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.’ Though not managing to top the list, it still drew a sizeable crowd with 9.4 million viewers, claiming a 53.07% audience share. This stop-motion adventure is a creation of the talented Aardman Animations and follows 2005’s ‘Curse of the Were-Rabbit.’ The duo’s new escapade is set to land on Netflix come January 3, offering fans another dose of their whimsical adventures.
Lastly, the day wouldn’t be complete without a word from King Charles II, who addressed the nation in his third Christmas speech from the historic Fitzrovia Chapel rather than a royal residence. Drawing an audience of about 5 million people, or 44.8% of viewers, the King’s message was one of reflection amid turbulent times. In a personal touch, he shared the year’s trials his family faced, including health scares. The King, alongside his daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, tackled cancer earlier this year, and other family members faced health challenges as well. He urged unity and support among people, stating: “All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical. The degree to which we help one another – and draw support from each other, be we people of faith or of none – is a measure of our civilisation as nations.”
In an ultimate blend of entertainment and tradition, the U.K.’s Christmas Day line-up showcased the enduring charm of beloved TV classics enhanced by heartfelt royal messages. It reflected not just a celebration of the season but a testament to the power of storytelling and connection, even in challenging times.
Source: Variety
