ITV’s Downton Abbey finale wins the Christmas Day ratings battle

Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter has warned fans to buy a box of tissues ahead of the show’s Christmas Day special.

The final episode of hit drama Downton Abbey in the United Kingdom drew an average audience of 6.9 million for broadcaster ITV on Sunday night, according to overnight ratings provided by ITV, giving it the biggest Christmas Day audience in Britain.

It is the first time in 15 years that ITV has beaten the BBC to top spot in the Christmas Day ratings.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special ranked in second place in the rankings with 6.5 million viewers, down 400,000 on last year’s show.

But the Queen’s speech, broadcast on BBC and ITV, was the most watched programme, with a combined audience of 7.2 million. It was the only returning show to increase viewers on last Christmas, up over 1 million viewers. The last episode will be a tear jerker and will see the family and house help preparing to welcome 1926, by celebrating an unforgettable New Year’s Eve together at the great house.

Downton Abbey, on the other hand, drew in 7.7 million viewers.

The frequently unfortunate in love Lady Edith lastly got her completely satisfied ending, as she Wednesday Bertie Pelham, while servants Anna & Mr Bates welcomed their 1st child.

So with this in mind, we have to say that the odds of a season 7 at any point down the road are pretty much nil.

But he has also said from the very start that the show simply could not be allowed to continue if a certain member of the cast were to leave – Dame Maggie Smith.

Over its six seasons, Downton Abbey has won a host of accolades, including numerous Emmy Awards.