The Scarecrows’ Wedding tops BBC Christmas Day ratings
Magic Light Pictures’ animated special The Scarecrows' Wedding was the UK’s most-watched programme on Christmas Day, attracting 8.7 million viewers across BBC platforms over the festive period. Premiering on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, it achieved a record audience share of 48.2%, drawing 1.4 million more viewers than last year’s special, Tiddler.
Strengthenging the BBC’s position
The film is the 13th Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation from Magic Light and further strengthens the BBC’s position as the home of the company’s Christmas animations. Critics praised the half-hour CGI special, calling it a festive favourite and highlighting the performances of Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson.
Based on a bestselling book
Based on the bestselling 2014 book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the story follows scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay as a rival threatens their wedding day. The special is narrated by Sophie Okonedo, with an all-star cast including Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson, and Rob Brydon.
Other Magic Light adaptations — including The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Zog, and more — were also repeated over Christmas, each achieving around a 30% audience share and remaining popular on BBC iPlayer.