Lacey Turner helps BBC win ratings battle

BBC win the Christmas ratings battle

27 December 2007 - The BBC beat both ITV and Channel 4 in ratings over the festive period.

Programmes including the traditional 'EastEnders' special - which reached a three-year high of 13.9 million viewers - and an exclusive 'Doctor Who' episode featuring pop princess Kylie Minogue - which attracted 13.8 million viewers - helped push the BBC to the top of the ratings list.

These programmes, as well as the BBC News, 'To The Manor Born', 'Shrek 2', 'The Queen's Christmas Message', 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Finding Nemo', made up nine of the top ten spots - with ITV coming in eighth place with 9.6 million viewers for their 'Coronation Street' Christmas special.

Acting controller of BBC One, Roly Keating, said: "It's heartening to see the great tradition of Christmas family viewing seems to be alive and well - from the compelling drama of 'EastEnders' to a spectacular 'Doctor Who' and the welcome return of 'To The Manor Born.' "

The Top 10 Programmes over Christmas

1. EastEnders, part two - 13.9 million (BBC)

2. Doctor Who - 13.8 million (BBC)

3. EastEnders, part one - 11.8 million (BBC)

4= To The Manor Born - 10.1 million (BBC)

4= Shrek 2 - 10.1 million (BBC)

4= News at 6pm - 10.1 million (BBC)

7. Strictly Come Dancing - 9.9 million (BBC)

8. Coronation Street - 9.6 million (ITV)

9. Finding Nemo - 8.3 million (BBC)

10. The Queen's Christmas Message - 7.5 million (BBC)