The only programme to top Call the Midwife<\/a> was, unsurprisingly, the BBC One\u2019s coverage of the New Year\u2019s Eve fireworks display in London, with 11.4 million opting to ring in 2024 in the traditional way.<\/p> Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas said of the result: \u201cWe just wish we could throw our arms around our fabulous fans and give them all a massive hug.<\/p>\n \u201cWe never take their loyalty for granted, and it is wonderful to know they are still joining us in such numbers every Christmas, even after all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, star Stephen McGann also offered his heartfelt gratitude during an appearance on The One Show<\/a> this week, hosted by Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cAbsolutely gobsmacked, we are. I mean, I have a message for the audience: thank you so much for watching. Just on the way here, I heard that in the seven days, we actually were the top show at Christmas. Thank you for your constant support.\u201d<\/p>\n A close runner-up was Ncuti Gatwa\u2019s first full Doctor Who episode \u2013 The Church on Ruby Road<\/a> \u2013 which drew a crowd of 7.4 million over its first seven days, laying a strong foundation for the imminent season 14<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n Notably, the top ten programmes were dominated by BBC One, with the only non-Beeb entry being ITV1\u2019s detective drama Vera<\/a>, which returned for its latest season with star Brenda Blethyn.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s an overview of the top 10 programmes of the festive period (seven-day consolidated figures):<\/p>\n![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/12\/456187-f67f341-e1703171799268.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"Call")
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