PM’s lockdown announcement seen live by more than 27m viewers with figure set to rise through catch-up servicesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson’s address to the nation ordering Britons to stay at home due to the coronavirus pandemic was one of the most-watched broadcasts in
UK television history, with more than 27 million Britons tuning in live to watch him announce the historic lockdown of the country.
This puts the pre-recorded broadcast in the top tier of most-watched
British television programmes ever, up with the likes of the 1966
World Cup final and the funeral of Princess Diana, making clear the historic importance of the occasion as the country collectively watched the prime minister give the latest coronavirus guidance.