Eastenders top of tree as BBC wins TV battle

EastEnders won its head-to-head battle with Downton Abbey as BBC1 kept with tradition by coming out on top in the Christmas Day ratings.

Events in Albert Square drew an average audience of 9.9 million, compared with the ITV1 show's 8.1 million (8.6 million with ITV1+1 viewers).

Coronation Street was the day's second most-watched show with an average audience of 9.3 million, with BBC1's Doctor Who third with 8.9 million. The BBC claimed seven of the top 10 places.