Brits will be counting down the days until their favourite TV programme’s Christmas Special with a new study revealing the top shows the UK are most looking forward to this festive season.
Jeffbet’s study analysed 20 TV Christmas specials being released at the end of this year to find out which ones have been searched the most on Google between the months of November 2023 and October 2024.
The results are in and the beloved BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey has came out on top as the TV Christmas Special that the UK is most excited for with 26,666 monthly Google searches.
Gavin and Stacey, written by Ruth Jones and James Corden, is returning this festive period for the first time in five years.
The show debuted in 2007 and has since become a cult classic in Britain despite only ever releasing three seasons before it came to an end in 2010. In 2019, it returned for a one-off Christmas special that ended on a cliff-hanger.
Millions around the country have patiently awaited its return, eager to find out what really happened on that fishing trip with Bryn and Jason. Gavin and Stacey was the most-searched TV Christmas special this year for all UK cities.
In second place is Doctor Who with 5,205 monthly Google searches. The fifteenth Doctor, played by Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa, leads this year’s mysterious Christmas special ‘Joy to the World.’
While not much is known about the plot, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan will join the Doctor on his latest festive travels.
Strictly Come Dancing has bagged third place with 4,057 monthly Google searches. The celebrity contestants for the 2024 Christmas special include British Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, comedian Josh Widdicombe and actress Tamzin Outhwaite.
Meanwhile, EastEnders has been ranked fourth with 3,192 monthly Google searches. Christmas on Albert Square is set to be full of explosive festive scenes as secrets will be let out, a damning tape is threatened to be shown and some old faces are rumoured to be making a comeback.
Rounding off the top five is Death in Paradise with 3,136 monthly Google searches.
On the tropical island of Saint Marie, new DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, joins the team as they attempt to undercover a Christmas murder involving three males dressed as Santa Claus.
The other shows which made the top ten list are Beyond Paradise, Outnumbered, Call the Midwife, Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and The Masked Singer.
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Speaking on the findings, a spokesperson for JeffBet said: “Looking forward to Christmas specials is a hallmark of the festive season, and it speaks to several cultural and emotional dynamics that make these programs so eagerly anticipated.
“They combine nostalgia, cultural bonding, and festive escapism. The enthusiasm for a Gavin and Stacey special highlights the public’s preference for comfort content and feel-good programming.
“Representing a blend of English and Welsh cultures, with its storylines bridging different regional identities in a light-hearted and comedic manner. This makes it resonate widely across the UK, reinforcing shared humour and values.”
The statement continued: “For many, watching Christmas specials is as much a holiday tradition as decorating the tree or exchanging gifts. These programs often become annual rituals that families and friends enjoy together, creating a sense of continuity across generations.”
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