It’s almost Christmas and the television schedules are filled with festive specials, with millions expected to tune into the likes of the new Wallace and Gromit film, Doctor Who, Gavin and Stacey and Eastenders.
However, the popularity of streaming means that terrestrial television audiences are a fraction of what they were.
A couple of decades ago, audiences of 20 million people would be the target for television bosses, whereas last year the most-watched programme was The King’s Christmas Broadcast with 5.9 million viewers.
The current system of calculating audiences started in 1981, meaning that accurate figures for the likes of Morcambe and Wise are not available, with various estimates for their legendary 1977 show peaking at 28 million viewers.
Since 1981 though, these are the Christmas Day shows that have had the largest audiences, as compiled by the Press Association.
13. Only Fools And Horses 1986 Christmas Special
Completing our list is yet another Only Fools And Horses Christmas Special, with the 1986 episode watched by 18.76 million people. It sees Rodders meet a duke's daughter and Del attempt to help him make a good impression by taking her to the opera. | Contributed