TV since 1981

Rank Programme Date Channel Audience (millions)
1 The Royal Wedding* 29 Apr 2011 BBC1 (SD+HD) 13.59
2 The X Factor Results 11 Dec 2011 ITV1 (SD+HD) 13.46
3 Strictly Come Dancing 17 Dec 2011 BBC1 (SD+HD) 13.34
4 The X Factor 02 Oct 2011 ITV1 (SD+HD) 12.92
5 Britain's Got Talent Result 04 Jun 2011 ITV1 (SD+HD) 12.63
6 Coronation Street 14 Feb 2011 ITV1 (SD+HD) 12.56
7 I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here! 13 Nov 2011 ITV1 (SD+HD) 12.47
8 Britain's Got Talent 04 Jun 2011 ITV1 (SD+HD) 12.22
9 Downton Abbey 11 Nov 2011 ITV1 (SD+HD) 12.15
10 Eastenders 03 Jan 2011 BBC1 (SD+HD) 11.42

Those seeking to replicate historic Barb programme figures via contemporary analysis tools should bear in mind that a number of factors may mean figures do not match exactly. These include, but are not limited to: changes to data included in logs by companies that submit broadcast logs, the advent of +1 channels, the inclusion of HD viewing with SD viewing to a channel, changes to the definition of the viewing day, log amendments, data re-issues and the addition of viewing from PCs, tablets and smartphones (September 2018).