Downton 'most watched'

ITV1's period drama topped the festive ratings...

10:29 04 January 2012

Downton Abbey was the most watched television programme over Christmas, final viewing figures have revealed.

The ITV1 period drama topped the list after the total number of viewers were added on. Initial ratings put EastEnders in the top spot.

However, now confirmed figures compiled by Barb showed that the BBC One soap lost out to Downton, which managed an impressive 11.59million viewers, compared to Eastenders' 11.33million.

The final total takes into consideration viewers who recorded a programme and watched it later, but it does not take into account viewers who watched televised repeats or watched the show online via catch-up services. 

The BBC separately compiles the figures for its iPlayer service and releases them monthly.

The confirmed figures also revealed that the BBC's Doctor Who came third, with 10.77million viewers, closely followed by ITV1's Coronation Street with 10.56million.

The return of comedy Absolutely Fabulous, created by and starring Jennifer Saunders, came fifth with 9.07million people tuning in.