The Royal Wedding Leads The 10 Most-Watched Programmes Of 2011

The 10 Most-Watched Shows Of 2011

Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal nuptials have been named the most-watched programme of 2011, followed by an episode of X Factor results.

The official Barb (Broadcasters' Audience Research Board) top 10 programmes for 2011 give an interesting insight into British viewing habits, proving once again that, while we may have mixed views of their participants, reality shows keep us tuning in.

Despite the X Factor final's viewing figures slumping to their worst for years - as millions became bored with Simon Cowell's ITV1 talent show - the show's results still proved to be the second most popular thing on TV in 2011.

Strictly Come Dancing and Britain's Got Talent were also high up on the list, indicating that, although viewers might complain about there being too many reality contests on TV, we're still secretly keen to watch them.

The nation's longest-running drama, Coronation Street, came in at sixth place, showing that it hasn't run out of steam yet. Nor could people get enough of EastEnders which pulled in 11.42m for the immediate aftermath of the Kat and Ronnie baby-swap plot.

It's no surprise to see Downton Abbey in the top ten after all of last year's hype, but it's still done an impressive job - as a period-drama - to make it into a top ten littered with contemporary, celebrity-obsessed shows.

See the full list below:

1. The Royal Wedding - 13.59m (29 Apr, BBC One)

2. The X Factor Results - 13.46m (11 Dec, ITV1)

3. Strictly Come Dancing Final - 13.34m (17 Dec, BBC One)

4. The X Factor - 12.92m (2 Oct, ITV1)

5. Britain's Got Talent Final Result - 12.63m (4 Jun, ITV1)

6. Coronation Street 12.56m (14 Feb ITV1)

7. I'm A Celebrity... - 12.47m (13 Nov, ITV1)

8. Britain's Got Talent Final - 12.22 (4 Jun, ITV1)

9. Downton Abbey - 12.15m (11 Nov, ITV1)

10. EastEnders - 11.42m (3 Jan, BBC One)

Close

What's Hot