Most Watched UK TV Program on Christmas Day 2024: Will It Be the Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special?

Christmas Day television is a cherished tradition in the UK, a time for families to gather around the TV and enjoy festive programming. 2024 promises a particularly exciting lineup, with the return of a beloved sitcom after a five-year hiatus: Gavin & Stacey. Will this highly anticipated finale capture the nation’s attention and become the most-watched program on Christmas Day?

A Festive Reunion: Gavin & Stacey Returns

The final Gavin & Stacey Christmas special is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited programs of the festive season. The sitcom’s previous Christmas special aired in 2019 and broke records, drawing in a staggering 11.6 million viewers and topping the Christmas Day ratings. This year’s finale aims to recapture that magic, offering fans a heartwarming reunion with the Shipmans and the Wests.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Adding to the excitement, the BBC is also airing a documentary offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the final episode. This special feature promises “unprecedented access” to co-creators James Corden and Ruth Jones, along with the rest of the cast and crew. Viewers will gain insights into the creative process, the emotional farewell to the characters, and the overall impact of the show. The documentary will also feature celebrity fans sharing their appreciation for Gavin & Stacey and its influence on British society.

Corden’s Insights

James Corden, who co-created the show and plays the beloved character Smithy, has hinted at the emotional weight of the finale. He described the documentary as a compilation of footage spanning the show’s 17-year history, from the very first day of filming to the final moments of the last episode. Corden emphasized the emotional impact of witnessing the characters’ and actors’ growth over the years, culminating in a poignant farewell.

Will it be the most watched program on Christmas Day in the UK this year? Betting site 22bet21.com is confident, with odds of 1.071/1 or 93.30%.

Can Gavin & Stacey Reclaim the Crown?

While Gavin & Stacey is a strong contender for the Christmas Day top spot, it faces stiff competition. In 2023, King Charles’ Christmas broadcast claimed the highest viewership, followed by the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The BBC dominated the top 10 most-watched programs that year, indicating the network’s continued strength in attracting Christmas Day audiences. The popularity of these perennial favorites, along with other festive offerings, will pose a challenge to Gavin & Stacey‘s quest for the number one spot.

A Closely Contested Race

Predicting the most-watched Christmas Day program is always a difficult task. While Gavin & Stacey holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers and benefits from significant pre-release buzz, the competition is fierce. The enduring popularity of royal broadcasts and festive specials like Strictly Come Dancing cannot be underestimated. Ultimately, the final outcome will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the program itself, the appeal of competing shows, and the evolving viewing habits of the UK audience.

One thing is certain: Christmas Day 2024 promises a captivating television lineup, with Gavin & Stacey poised to play a major role in the festive viewing experience.