Christmas crackers! From the new female Doctor Who to Call The Midwife, your essential 16-day festive TV guide starts here...
Prepare for a feast of Christmas Day telly joy – and glad tidings too, for the best programmes happily don’t clash in the schedules, so there’ll be no arguments over the remote control.
The whole family can gather round for The Highway Rat (BBC1, 4.45pm), as the charming tale by The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson is brought to animated life, before, in Doctor Who (BBC1, 5.30pm), Peter Capaldi hands on the baton to Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord’s long-awaited first female incarnation.
Call The Midwife (BBC1, 7.40pm) brings us Sixties cool – or rather the insufferable cold of the big freeze of 1963 for the sisters of Nonnatus House and residents of Poplar to contend with.
Victoria, Christmas Day. Victoria (ITV, 9pm) is a regal reminder of how Prince Albert imported his German traditions to create the family Christmas as we know it
Finally, stay up for a fine nightcap of comedy as 300 Years Of French And Saunders (BBC1, 10.35pm) sees Dawn and Jennifer look back at the best moments of their career
Call The Midwife, Christmas Day. Call The Midwife (BBC1, 7.40pm) brings us Sixties cool – or rather the insufferable cold of the big freeze of 1963 for the sisters of Nonnatus House
Victoria (ITV, 9pm) is a regal reminder of how Prince Albert imported his German traditions to create the family Christmas as we know it.
Finally, stay up for a fine nightcap of comedy as 300 Years Of French And Saunders (BBC1, 10.35pm) sees Dawn and Jennifer look back at the best moments of their career. And yes, they are exaggerating – it’s just 30 years.
Before all that, you can see a nativity tale with a difference in The Alternativity (Sunday 17, BBC2, 9pm), from artist Banksy and director Danny Boyle.
The best festive catch-up and on-demand TV & films
Jean-Claude Van Johnson
Amazon Prime Video
Following a successful sitcom pilot edition earlier in the year, Jean-Claude Van Damme is back for a full series as a fictional version of himself, an action hero-turned-private undercover agent.
Jean-Claude Van Damme is back for a full series as a fictional version of himself
Chaussée d’Amour
Virgin TV
Dubbed Flemish noir, this 10-part Belgian drama is set on an infamous brothel-lined street and tells the entwined stories of a single mother living in one of the properties and a brutal murder investigation.
Take a trip down memory lane with this eight-part documentary. The Toys That Made Us offers an insight into the biggest toys of the 1970s and 1980s
Man Like Mobeen
BBC3
From today, 10am
Four-part comedy with Guz Khan as Mobeen, a young Muslim from Birmingham. Abandoned by his parents, he’s attempting to raise his younger sister alone, but his criminal past keeps raising its ugly head.
Russell Howard: Recalibrate
Netflix
From Tue 19
Not content with having a Sky One show, the comic now has a Netflix special. It was recorded in Brighton during his recent tour and sees him tackle such issues as politics and porn.
Similar in theme to the 1988 film Alien Nation, this fantasy tale set in an alternative future stars Will Smith (right) as an LA cop partnered with an orc (Joel Edgerton)
Bright
Netflix
From Fri 22
Similar in theme to the 1988 film Alien Nation, this fantasy tale set in an alternative future stars Will Smith (right) as an LA cop partnered with an orc (Joel Edgerton) during a case involving the search for a stolen weapon.
The Toys That Made Us
Netflix
From Fri 22
Take a trip down memory lane with this eight-part documentary. It offers an insight into the biggest toys of the 1970s and 1980s, including Lego, Hello Kitty and Transformers.
Will
Virgin TV
From Thu 28
A 10-part, offbeat take on the years that William Shakespeare spent in London as a young man. The drama focuses on his reckless love life as well as his efforts to make his professional dreams come true.
Last chance...
Witnesses: A Frozen Death
BBC iPlayer Ends Christmas Day
The first episode of the gripping French drama sets the scene: a detective (Marie Dompnier) investigates the bizarre deaths of 15 men with links to one woman.
New films
Virgin Movies/Sky Store
From Boxing Day Logan Lucky Steven Soderbergh’s heist comedy featuring Channing Tatum. American Made Tom Cruise stars in the true story of a 1980s drug smuggler. The Limehouse Golem Stylish Victorian murder mystery with Bill Nighy.
Sunday 17 to Friday 22
Sunday 17
Sport
Sports Personality Of The Year 2017
BBC1, 6.45pm
The celebration of sporting success comes live from Liverpool.
Reality
The Apprentice
BBC1, 9pm
Lord Sugar chooses his new partner from the last two candidates.
Monday 18
Drama
Father Brown
BBC1, 1.45pm
Mark Williams returns in a new run of the period detective drama.
Food
Mary Berry’s Christmas Party
BBC1, 8.30pm
Darcey Bussell, Adil Ray, Alex Jones and Fearne Cotton (pictured, with Berry) help Mary prepare a feast, while Myleene Klass takes to the piano.
Darcey Bussell, Adil Ray, Alex Jones and Fearne Cotton (pictured, with Berry) help Mary prepare a feast
Comedy
Birds Of A Feather Christmas Special
ITV, 9pm
Tracey has big plans, but how will her loved ones feel about them?
Comedy
Would I Lie To You? At Christmas
BBC1, 9.30pm
Henry Blofeld, Kerry Howard, Rev Richard Coles and Clive Myrie tell porkies – or do they?
Comedy
The League Of Gentlemen
BBC2, 10pm
The cult, pitch-black sitcom is back for a three-part run that reunites viewers with some familiar faces.
The League Of Gentlemen. The cult, pitch-black sitcom is back for a three-part run that reunites viewers with some familiar faces
Tuesday 19
Crafts
The Repair Shop At Christmas
BBC2, 7pm
Experts restore heirlooms including a Victorian jukebox known as a Polyphon.
Entertainment
The Royal Variety Performance 2017
ITV, 7.30pm
Miranda Hart hosts the gala show at the London Palladium with Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.
Food
Jamie’s Italian Christmas
Channel 4, 8pm
Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo gives Jamie Oliver a few tips on preparing a continental-style celebration in the snowy Alps.
Music
U2 At The BBC
BBC1, 9pm
Bono and co perform some of their biggest hits and discuss their career to date.
Wednesday 20
Nature
Judi Dench: My Passion For Trees
BBC1, 8pm
The much-loved actress explores the importance of woodlands.
Music
Michael Bublé’s Christmas In Hollywood
Sky One, 8pm
Céline Dion, Tori Kelly and Sharon Jones join the Canadian crooner on stage in LA.
Thursday 21
Arts
Stars Wars Night
BBC4, from 8pm
A BBC Proms dedicated to John Williams is followed by documentaries The Galaxy That Britain Built (10pm) and Hollywood’s Master Of Myth (11pm).
Documentary
Joanna & Jennifer: Absolutely Champers
BBC2, 9pm
Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders learn about the production of champagne.
Food
Gordon, Gino And Fred’s Great Christmas Roast
ITV, 9pm
The emergency services are treated to a banquet by Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo, while maître d’ Fred Sirieix (pictured, with D’Acampo) serves the wine.
Gordon, Gino And Fred’s Great Christmas Roast. The emergency services are treated to a banquet by Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo, while maître d’ Fred Sirieix
Entertainment
A League Of Their Own Christmas Special 2017
Sky One, 9pm
Nigel Havers, Kriss Akabusi and David Seaman join the regulars for some festive sporting capers.
Arts
Darcey Bussell: Looking For Fred Astaire
BBC1, 10.45pm
The ballet star-turned- Strictly judge examines the great dancer’s life and career.
Friday 22
Bruno Tonioli celebrates the Saturday Night Fever’s 40th anniversary by looking back at its impact on popular culture
Arts
Saturday Night Fever – The Ultimate Disco Movie
BBC2, 9pm
Bruno Tonioli celebrates the film’s 40th anniversary by looking back at its impact on popular culture.
Comedy
Al Murray’s Make Christmas Great Again
ITV, 9pm
During a lock-in, the Pub Landlord hosts games, winds up the celebrity audience and leads singalongs.
Saturday 23
Music
Smashie’s Xmastastic Playlist
CHRISTMAS GOLD, 4pm
In the first of a two-part programme Paul Whitehouse, in the guise of DJ Mike Smash, counts down his most poptabulous festive tunes.
Quiz
Pointless Celebrities Christmas Special
BBC1, 6.15pm
Musical artists who have had Christmas hits, including Mike Batt and Ben Haenow (pictured, with Alexander Armstrong), take part.
Pointless Celebrities Christmas Special. Musical artists who have had Christmas hits, including Mike Batt and Ben Haenow (pictured, with Alexander Armstrong), take par
Comedy
Our Friend Victoria At Christmas
BBC1, 9.30pm
Anne Reid looks back at Victoria Wood’s greatest festive sketches with help from her friends and colleagues, including Julie Walters, Michael Ball and Celia Imrie.
Music
Take That Live: Wonderland
Sky One, 10pm
A chance to see the trio’s concert recorded this year at London’s O2 arena, during which they perform hits old and new, including Back For Good, Never Forget and Shine.
Christmas Eve
Music
Carols From King’s
BBC2, 5.45pm
The annual service from King’s College, Cambridge, which includes popular carols as well as poetry readings and passages from the Bible.
Nature
Countryfile
BBC1, 6pm
John Craven and the team enjoy the festivities at the Castleton Christmas Tree Festival.
Children Ratburger
Sky One, 6pm
Sheridan Smith and David Walliams star in an adaptation of Walliams’ book about a youngster who tries to save her pet rat from a burger-van man’s clutches.
Music
All Star Musicals
ITV, 6.40pm
Andrew Flintoff and Michael Crawford introduce seven celebrities as they perform classic songs from famous musicals.
Entertainment
Mary, Mel And Sue’s Big Christmas Thank You
BBC1, 7pm
Ex-Bake Off stars Mary Berry, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins reward volunteers at a South Wales community centre with a surprise party.
Entertainment
Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show
BBC1, 8.30pm
Singer Seal and comedian Bill Bailey perform, Alesha Dixon hands over her mobile for the Send To All segment and Santa is the Unexpected Star Of The Show.
Maigret In Montmartre. Rowan Atkinson returns as Georges Simenon’s French detective
Drama
Maigret In Montmartre
ITV, 8.30pm
Rowan Atkinson returns as Georges Simenon’s French detective. This time he’s investigating the bizarre link between two murdered women from very different backgrounds.
Comedy
Trollied Christmas Special
Sky One, 9.30pm
The staff’s festivities go awry when they are held hostage by thieves intent on stealing the supermarket’s takings. Jason Watkins, John Thomson, Sarah Parish and Rita May return in the sitcom.
Comedy
Not Going Out Christmas Special
BBC1, 9.35pm
Lee faces a race against time – and other shoppers – to find his children the perfect gift on Christmas Eve after their grandparents steal his thunder by giving them duplicate gifts.
Religion
Midnight Mass From Leeds Cathedral
BBC1, 11.45pm
St Anne’s Roman Catholic Cathedral hosts the traditional service.
Christmas Day
Doctor Who
BBC1, 5.30pm
Excitement rises among fans as they eagerly await Jodie Whittaker’s debut as the 13th Doctor. But before that, Peter Capaldi has one final adventure alongside David Bradley as the Time Lord’s original incarnation. Pearl Mackie also bows out as Bill, and Mark Gatiss guest-stars.
Peter Capaldi has one final adventure alongside David Bradley as the Time Lord’s original incarnation
Excitement rises among fans as they eagerly await Jodie Whittaker’s debut as the 13th Doctor
Children
CBeebies’ The Snow Queen
BBC1, 9am
Andy Day, Cat Sandion and Steven Kynman (pictured) star in a musical version of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale.
Andy Day, Cat Sandion and Steven Kynman star in a musical version of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale, The Snow Queen
Music
Top Of The Pops Christmas Special
BBC1, 12.20pm
Fearne Cotton and Clara Amfo introduce Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Clean Bandit and Rita Ora.
Annual Address
The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast
BBC1 & ITV, 3pm
Her Majesty’s traditional festive address to the nation and people of the Commonwealth.
Children
The Highway Rat
BBC1, 4.45pm
Animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved book about a ravenous rat whose sweet tooth could prove to be his downfall. David Tennant provides his voice, while Rob Brydon narrates the story.
Animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved book about a ravenous rat whose sweet tooth could prove to be his downfal
Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
BBC1, 6.30pm
Six former contestants – Robbie Savage, Jeremy Vine, Kimberley Walsh, Judy Murray, Katie Derham and Colin Jackson – return to the floor.
Drama
Call The Midwife
BBC1, 7.40pm
A Boxing Day blizzard causes problems for the residents of Poplar and to make matters worse, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) has some distressing news to deliver to one particular family. Anita Dobson makes a guest appearance.
Food
The Great Christmas Bake Off
Channel 4, 7.40pm
In the first of two special episodes, Val Stones, Paul Jagger, Beca Lyne-Pirkis and Selasi Gbormittah return to the famous tent to tackle a trio of challenges set by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
The Great Christmas Bake Off. In the first of two special episodes, Val Stones, Paul Jagger, Beca Lyne-Pirkis and Selasi Gbormittah return to the famous tent to tackle a trio of challenges
Comedy
Upstart Crow
BBC2, 8.25pm
Emma Thompson guest-stars as Elizabeth I, who is about to see Shakespeare’s latest play as part of her Christmas festivities. Will she be amused?
Music
Tom Jones & Beverley Knight’s Gospel
Christmas BBC2, 9pm
A mix of gospel, carols and spiritual songs performed at Cardiff’s Exchange Hotel by the titular stars, who are joined by Jessie Ware, Kwabs and various acclaimed choirs.
Drama
Victoria
ITV, 9pm
The monarch struggles to smile as she contemplates her first Christmas without Baroness Lehzen. However, her beloved Albert has big plans for the season.
Comedy
Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special
BBC1, 10pm
In the first of two festive editions, Agnes receives a gift from Buster that could change her life and Rory considers going under the knife.
Chat
Alan Carr’s Christmas Chatty Man
Channel 4, 10pm
Noel Gallagher, Christian Slater, John Bishop, Lorraine Kelly and Rob Beckett join in the fun and festivities.
Comedy
300 Years Of French & Saunders
BBC1, 10.35pm
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders look back at three decades of sketches and perform brand new material.
BOXING DAY
Dance
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella
BBC2, 5.35pm
An updated version of the fairy tale from Sadler’s Wells in which the title character (Ashley Shaw, with co-star Andrew Monaghan) is swept off her feet by an RAF pilot during the Blitz.
Nature
Snow Bears
BBC1, 6.30pm
Cameras follow polar bears and their cubs during a 400-mile trek to the North Pole, meeting reindeer, walruses and other wildlife.
Cameras follow polar bears and their cubs during a 400-mile trek to the North Pole, meeting reindeer, walruses and other wildlife
Drama
Little Women
BBC1, 8pm
Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved book about the 19th-century American March sisters comes to life in a three-part adaptation. Maya Hawke and Emily Watson star.
Nature
Reindeer Family & Me
BBC2, 8pm
Gordon Buchanan visits Lapland to learn about the local Sami people. They offer him tips on surviving a typically harsh winter and reveal why they rely on reindeer to transport them across the region’s treacherous landscape.
Gordon Buchanan visits Lapland to learn about the local Sami people. They offer him tips on surviving a typically harsh winter and reveal why they rely on reindeer
Travel
Travel Man: 48 Hours In Hong Kong
Channel 4, 8pm
Mad Men star Jon Hamm joins Richard Ayoade on a whistlestop tour that includes bizarre cuisine, a helicopter ride and a trip to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue.
Science
Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2017: The Language Of Life
BBC4, 8pm
Professor Sophie Scott examines how humans and other creatures use sound to communicate with each other.
Drama
The Miniaturist
BBC1, 9pm
An eerie adaptation of Jessie Burton’s 17th century-set novel about the strange relationship between a doll’s house and the residents of the real-life home it’s modelled on. Anya Taylor-Joy plays its teenage owner.
An eerie adaptation of Jessie Burton’s 17th century-set novel about the strange relationship between a doll’s house and the residents of the real-life home
Quiz
Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2017
Channel 4, 9pm Richard Ayoade, Noel Fielding, David Mitchell, Big Narstie, Roisin Conaty and Katherine Ryan join Jimmy Carr for the annual brain-teaser.
Comedy
Two Doors Down – Christmas Special
BBC2, 10.30pm
Eric and Beth (Alex Norton and Arabella Weir) are dreaming of a quiet Christmas, but their peace is shattered by the arrival of just about everyone they know.
Two Doors Down – Christmas Special. Eric and Beth (Alex Norton and Arabella Weir) are dreaming of a quiet Christmas
Wednesday 27
Quiz
Celebrity Mastermind
BBC1, 7pm
Jack Ashton, Rich Hall, Guy Mowbray and Pam Ayres are the contestants in the first of a new run.
Science
Six Robots & Us
BBC2, 8pm
In a two-part programme scientists observe how robots and humans interact while exploring the impact that machines have on our everyday lives.
Comedy
Alan Partridge: Why, When, Where, How And Whom?
BBC2, 9pm
Steve Coogan looks at the hapless DJ and TV presenter’s life and career via archive footage and previously unseen outtakes and scenes.
Entertainment
Miranda Does Christmas
Channel 4, 9pm
Miranda Hart hosts a music-laden, star-studded party involving guests David Tennant, Sam Smith and Prue Leith.
Nature
Turtle, Eagle, Cheetah: A Slow Odyssey
BBC4, 9pm
Extraordinary footage offers viewers an insight into the daily routines of the titular species.
Music
Oasis: Supersonic
BBC2, 10pm
A look back at the early years of the Britpop band, paying particular attention to the famous tensions between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher.
Thursday 28
Comedy
Still Open All Hours
BBC1, 7.30pm
In the first of a new series, Granville tries to sell a dodgy batch of Christmas crackers, while his customers plan to go away for the season.
Consumer
What Britain Bought In 2017
Channel 4, 9pm
Mary Portas examines the items we bought the most over the past 12 months and reveals what that tells us about the state of the nation.
Arts
Clint Eastwood: A Life In Film
Sky Arts, 9pm
The actor and director looks back at his 60-year career.
Nature
Attenborough And The Empire Of The Ants
BBC2, 9.30pm
Following the success of Blue Planet II, the naturalist returns to dry land to reveal how two different species of ants have adapted to survive in the Swiss Alps.
Music
Bruno Mars: Live In Harlem
BBC1, 10.25pm
The chart-topping singer performs his biggest hits including Uptown Funk, Grenade and When I Was Your Man during a gig at the legendary Apollo Theater.
Comedy
Romesh Ranganathan: Irrational Live
BBC2, 10.30pm
A performance recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo during the comedian’s 2016 tour.
Friday 29
Comedy
Tim Vine Travels Through Time Christmas Special
BBC1, 7.30pm
The pun-meister uses his magical grandfather clock to travel back to the Tudor period after being set a challenge by former Spice Girl Emma Bunton. The Rev Richard Coles also guest- stars.
Documentary
Eric & Ernie’s Home Movies
BBC2, 8pm
Friends and family look back at some of the hours of film shot by Morecambe and Wise at home, play and while working. Much of it has never been seen by the public.
Friends and family look back at some of the hours of film shot by Morecambe and Wise at home, play and while working. Much of it has never been seen by the public
Comedy
Vic & Bob’s Big Night Out
BBC2, 9pm
Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer resurrect the show that made their names. Matt Lucas joins them for some surreal fun.
Comedy
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special
Channel 4, 9pm
Jon Richardson and Catherine Tate battle Sean Lock and Joe Wilkinson, while Joe Lycett helps Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner.
Drama
Eric, Ernie & Me
BBC4, 9pm
Stephen Tompkinson heads the cast as Eddie Braben, the Liverpudlian former market-stall trader who penned Morecambe and Wise’s 1970s shows when they were at the peak of their powers. Neil Maskell and Mark Bonnar (with Tompkinson) play the duo.
Drama
Delicious
Sky One, 9pm
A year after Leo’s death, Gina and Sam (Dawn French and Emilia Fox) are now running the hotel and restaurant businesses successfully, but trouble is looming thanks to an unwanted visitor.
Comedy
Frankie Boyle’s 2017 New Year World Order
BBC2, 10pm
The controversial comedian takes a personal look back at some of the events that have shaped the past 12 months. A panel of guests also offer their no-holds-barred opinions on Boyle’s claims.
Music
Elvis: The Rebirth Of The King
BBC4, 10pm
This documentary argues that rather than marking his demise as a performer, Elvis Presley was actually at his peak during his Las Vegas period.
Saturday 30
Arts
Talking Pictures: Barry Norman
BBC2, 5.35pm
Insight into the life and career of the revered film critic (above) who passed away in June.
Game show
Guess The Star
ITV, 7pm
Game show in which celebrities are disguised as their musical heroes and their fellow stars guess their true identities.
Comedy
A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
BBC1, 7.10pm
The award-winning Mischief Theatre Company offers an anarchic version of Charles Dickens’s festive classic.
Documentary
Diana: A Life After Death
ITV3, 7.55pm
How the death of Diana, Princess Of Wales, changed the public’s view of the royal family.
Game show
The Price Is Right
Channel 4, 8pm
Come on down for a revamped version of the 1980s series as Alan Carr invites audience members to guess how much various items are worth.
Drama
Spiral
BBC4, 9pm & 10pm
The sixth series of the French crime thriller begins as the police tackle a grisly new case involving the dismembered torso of an unidentified victim.
Comedy
2017: A Year In The Life Of A Year
BBC4, 11.05pm
Comedian and actor Rhys Thomas re-edits real film and TV footage to deliver a spoof insight into the year’s biggest moments.
New Year’s Eve
Quiz
A Right Royal Quiz
ITV, 3.30pm
Two teams of celebrities have their knowledge of the House Of Windsor tested by Fern Britton.
Music
Top Of The Pops New Year Special
BBC1, 4.05pm
A look back at 2017’s biggest hits, including tracks by James Arthur, Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith and Craig David featuring Bastille.
Entertainment
Robot Wars Special 2017: The World Series
BBC2, 7pm
Angela Scanlon and Dara O Briain look on as champions from the latest series lock horns with Euro competitors.
History
Antiques Roadshow
BBC1, 8pm
Fiona Bruce presents a special edition from the Queen Vic dedicated to film, theatre, music and TV memorabilia.
Entertainment
Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular 2017
Channel 4, 9pm
The presenter’s annual party is packed full of great guests, including Jonnie Peacock, Keith Lemon and Tom Davis.
Music
Nile Rodgers & CHIC: Good Times 2017
BBC1, 11.20pm
The legendary guitarist and record producer (above) performs his most famous songs as well as a rousing version of Auld Lang Syne live in London.
The legendary guitarist and record producer performs his most famous songs as well as a rousing version of Auld Lang Syne live in London
Music
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny
BBC2, 11.20pm
Jools Holland celebrates the 25th edition of his traditional annual shindig with guests including Ed Sheeran, Ruby Turner, George McCrae, The Beat and Soul II Soul.
NEW YEAR ’S DAY
McMafia
BBC1, 9pm
James Norton stars in a smart new eight-part drama as businessman Alex Godman, the UK-raised son of Russian immigrants with links to organised crime. Alex has spent his life trying to steer clear of his family’s shady past, but it’s about to catch up with him in terrifying fashion.
Co-stars David Strathairn and Faye Marsay.
James Norton stars in a smart new eight-part drama as businessman Alex Godman, the UK-raised son of Russian immigrants with links to organised crime
From left: David Strathairn; James Norton; Faye Marsay
Music
New Year’s Day Concert Live From Vienna 2018
BBC2, 10.15am & BBC4, 7pm
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs works by the Strauss family and their peers.
Annual address
The Archbishop Of Canterbury’s New Year Message
BBC1, 12.55pm
The Most Rev Justin Welby looks back at the past 12 months and ahead to 2018.
Drama
Grandpa’s Great Escape
BBC1, 6.55pm
The latest David Walliams adaptation, this time with Tom Courtenay as an ex-World War II pilot who escapes from his retirement home with the help of his grandson. Co-stars Jennifer Saunders.
The latest David Walliams adaptation, this time with Tom Courtenay as an ex-World War II pilot who escapes from his retirement home with the help of his grandson
Food
The Great Festive Bake Off
Channel 4, 7.40pm
Another batch of former contestants return to the tent one last time.
Arts
The Two Ronnies: In Their Own Words
Channel 5, 8pm
Archive interviews and performances tell the stories of Ronnies Barker and Corbett.
Nature
Sue Perkins And The Chimp Sanctuary
BBC2, 9pm
The presenter makes a moving visit to the residents of Chimp Haven in rural Louisiana, a rest home for chimpanzees that were once used in medical experiments.
Comedy
Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year Special
BBC1, 10pm
Agnes (Brendan O’Carroll) is on a mission – she wants to sort out Cathy’s hopeless love life.
Agnes (Brendan O’Carroll, above) is on a mission – she wants to sort out Cathy’s hopeless love life