BBC does the double as two of the UK’s best loved shows Gavin and Stacey & Wallace and Gromit break through the 20 million mark

Demonstrating the power of British storytelling and the sheer love and adoration for their iconic characters, both shows have set Christmas day totals not seen in 20 years

Published: 23 January 2025
Left: Animated characters Wallace, his dog Gromit and smart gnome Norbot look on in terror at a penguin. Right: Smithy, Gavin, Stacey and Nessa stand at the top of a road in Barry
These figures exceed all expectations, to reach over 20 million is an astonishing milestone in 2025. These two quintessentially British shows couldn’t be more different but what unites them is their undeniable quality and the fact they are best in class.
— Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer

The latest 28 day viewing data confirms that not only is Gavin and Stacey: The Finale at an astonishing 20.9m viewers after 28 days, but Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl has also broken through the 20m mark reaching 21.6 million already and seeing a huge uplift with audiences, particularly children, as they discover the much loved content on iPlayer and across the BBC’s channels.

These two triumphant shows demonstrate the power of British storytelling and the sheer love and adoration for their iconic characters. Together they have set Christmas day totals not seen in 20 years.

The record breaking numbers make them the UK’s biggest scripted and animation shows since modern records began in 2002. In a world of so much choice they have brought people together in a way that only the BBC can and are a showcase for homegrown creative excellence.

Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer says: "These figures exceed all expectations, to reach over 20 million is an astonishing milestone in 2025. These two quintessentially British shows couldn’t be more different but what unites them is their undeniable quality and the fact they are best in class.

"I am in awe of the creative genius that is Aardman, Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Ruth Jones and James Corden and I’m very proud of the long standing relationship we have with them. It’s been a privilege to support their exceptional creative talents over decades.”

Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham say: "Well butter me crumpets, Gromit! We are so truly honoured and utterly gobsmacked by these fantastic viewing figures. That our clay heroes mean so much to audiences here on the BBC is the best thrill of all."

Ruth Jones and James Corden say: "What a testament to the BBC to have achieved such impressive viewing figures on Christmas Day. We are so proud to have been a part of it.”

These numbers cap off a remarkable year for the BBC. Not only did the BBC have its best Christmas ever – with the top ten shows on Christmas Day for the first time - but we have also grown audience share more than any other broadcaster or streamer in 2024.

Source: BARB, All Homes, All BBC (including all Tx and iPlayer), All Devices, on 23/01/2025 data run before 12pm – early 28 data viewing so far.

Gavin & Stacey: The Finale is created, written and executive produced by Ruth Jones and James Corden. It is a Tidy and Fulwell73 production.

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is made by Aardman, directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham with the story written by Nick Park and Mark Burton, screenplay written by Mark Burton.

MO

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