BBC1 posts its worst Christmas Day ratings ever

The channel was responsible for eight out of the ten most watched programmes of the day - but still posted its worst ever viewing figures.

Figures show that BBC1's share of audience for December 25 dipped from nearly 33 per cent of viewing last year to 30.5 per cent this year, despite the fact that its figures for peak-time viewing were up by 11 per cent.

A large number of people abandoned the five terrestrial channels in a bid to find some entertaining programming on Christmas Day this year, with an unprecedented 30.5 per cent switching over to digital channels to get their festive entertainment.

At some points in the day more than half the TV audience had abandoned the five terrestrial channels and were watching digital channels.

BBC1's Eastenders was the second most watched show of the day getting 10.7 million viewers for the death of Pauline Fowler, with an earlier installment of the soap also getting 9.2million viewers.

Doctor Who was a hit after bringing in 8.7 million viewers to the specal episode called The Runaway Bride - starring Catherine Tate, while the first installment of the Little Britain Christmas special brought in 8.4million viewers.

Strictly Come Dancing's festive special got 7.3 million and 6.8million for its two episodes.

But BBC1's decision to show children's programming throughout the morning along with film Babe, behind the scenes show Doctor Who Confidential proved to be a flop with festive viewers.

As did Channel 4's controversial Alternative Christmas Message from a Muslim woman in a veil, known only as Khadijah.

It managed just 900,000 viewers and the broadcaster's audience nearly trebled when the show that followed it - Deal or No Deal - came on with 2.7million.

There were also worrying signs that the Queens Christmas message continues to lose is prestige with the total viewing figures for the ten-minute broadcast showing a marked decline.

Across its three airings on BBC1, BBC2 and ITV1 the message, which this year centred on respecting the elderly and guiding the young, got 8.5 million viewers, which was down down from 9.2 million last year.

Five struggled to get more than 500,000 viewers for some parts of its repeat-filled schedules with The Truth About Britain's Favourite Toys and game-show In the Grid managing only 400,000 viewers each.

Despite improving its performance from last year ITV1 was still way behind BBC1 in the festive viewing stakes managing to provide only two of the ten most watched shows on the day - perennial favourites Coronation Street and Emmerdale, which got 9.6 million and 7.2 million viewers respectively.

ITV also attracted 4.8 million viewers for film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and 5.3million for Martin Clunes drama Doc Martin, while its 6.50pm news bulletin managed 4.5million.

Channel 4's best ratings came from its two episodes of hit quiz show Deal or No Deal which picked up 2.7million viewers at 3.10pm and 2.5million at 7pm. Its documentary The Secret Family of Jesus, which explored the story of Jesus' bloodline also got 1million viewers.

BBC2 best rating show was a repeat of Porridge, which got 1.2million viewers, Nicholas Nickleby film premiere with 1.3million and TOTP2 Christmas Special, which also got 1.2million.

Five most successful show was a repeat of Greatest Most Embarassing TV Moments which got 1.1million viewers and film The Remains of the Day, which attracted 700,000 viewers.

ITV pulled in 22.5 per cent of viewers on Christmas Day, Channel 4 had 7.1 per cent, while BBC2 dipped down to 5.5 per cent and Five struggled with 3.8 per cent of viewing.

BBC1 controller Peter Fincham said: "BBC1 has been at the top of its game this Christmas.

"Overall viewing levels are up, our performance in peak is 11 per cent higher than last year, but most of all we've had a wonderful schedule of programmes that audiences love - Doctor Who, Eastenders, The Vicar of Dibley, Strictly Come Dancing and Little Britain have proved an irresistible combination.

"What this shows is that family viewing is alive and well and in excellent health. There's lots more to come over the festive season, which is showing once again that when the family gets together, BBC One is the place to be."

An ITV spokesman said: "We are delighted that ITV1's audiences are up year on year and that so many people enjoyed the festive schedules on offer this year."