Only Fools blitzes ratings

Only Fools and Horses was the most popular TV show on Christmas Day.

More than 20 million people watched the return of the BBC1 sitcom, compared to the 12 million who saw the top-rated ITV1 programme, Coronation Street.

And these are only unofficial overnight figures - the official number, released in a fortnight, will also include people who videoed the show.

It was the first outing for Del Boy and Rodney Trotter since Christmas 1996, when the pair became millionaires after finding an antique watch, a show watched by 24.3 million viewer

BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey said: "John Sullivan's script was full of the comic panache we've come to expect from Only Fools and Horses. For more than 20 million viewers the Trotters are the undisputed kings of Christmas."

Even ITV boss David Liddiment conceded: "It is no surprise that a new episode of Only Fools and Horses, a much-loved British comedy institution, helped BBC1 regain its traditional lead on Christmas Day."

Published: 26 Dec 2001