Sherlock beats Queen's speech in Christmas TV ratings battle

BBC drama Sherlock beat the Queen’s speech in the festive TV ratings battle.

More than eight million people tuned in to the episode on New Year’s Day, compared to 7.7 million people who watched the Queen’s annual Christmas message.

The Sherlock episode, called The Six Thatchers, was crowned the second most popular show of the festive period, beaten only by the New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks.

The impressive London display drew in 11.6 million viewers in homes around the UK.

The Queen’s speech, recorded before she became ill with a “lingering” cold, reigned at the Christmas Day top spot as the most-watched programme on December 25.

2016’s Sherlock special was welcomed widely by critics and viewing audiences but was down on viewer numbers compared to its 2015 festive episode when the audience hit 8.4 million.

The most popular soap over the festive period was Coronation Street whose 6.2 million viewers beat EastEnders’ six million.