BBC record an emphatic victory in the traditional Christmas ratings battle.

[_angel_]

why was the new second W+G on so late.

I wondered that too! Thought it was meant to be a family thing....

It should have been on earlier, East Enders could have been on later.

 

[Azrael]

Although perhaps there’s still some reluctant to advertise on Christmas Eve as everything is closed the next day.

Possibly so. From a layman's POV, the advertisers' policy strikes me as an odd one, so I wouldn't be surprised if they changed their minds and went after the captive (& rather bloated) Christmas audience.

I am not aware of the BBC claiming they don't chase ratings; there's always been a dual role of producing minority and expensive quality programming that the commercial sector doesn’t tend to invest in, whilst at the same time also reaching the widest possible audience.

The likes of BBC4 & raidos Three and Four are the best justification for their public service status, yes. I enjoy going to the Albert Hall for the subsidised BBC Proms, so I don't dismiss the corporation's public service credentials. I merely think they can be overstated.

As for quality Christmas programming, I'll have to see what ITV's Affinity adaptation is like, but I'm betting it could give Auntie's offering a run for its money.