Goodman helps BBC to top TV rating

THE BBC won the Christmas Day TV ratings battle thanks to departing Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman.

A total of 7.2 million viewers tuned in to watch Strictly’s festive special, which marked Goodman’s last appearance in the TV series after 14 years.

The festive special was won by radio DJ Melvin Odoom.

Strictly drew to a close on a number involving the contestants and judges dancing to “Auld Len’s Syne” in a tribute to Goodman. Other celebrities who took part included chef Ainsley Harriott and pop singer Frankie Bridge.

The Queen’s Christmas message, which was screened on both ITV and the BBC, drew in the most viewers for the third year running, with an audience of 7.7m.

The Great Christmas Bake Off was the third most watched show with a final screening on the BBC before it moves to Channel 4.

However, Dr Who, starring Peter Capaldi, was watched by only 5.77m viewers, against more than 7m last year.