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

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

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

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

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

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)

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. 

Rating:

Monday 18 

Drama 

Father Brown 

BBC1, 1.45pm 

Mark Williams returns in a new run of the period detective drama. 

Rating:

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

Darcey Bussell, Adil Ray, Alex Jones and Fearne Cotton (pictured, with Berry) help Mary prepare a feast

Rating:

Comedy 

Birds Of A Feather Christmas Special 

ITV, 9pm 

Tracey has big plans, but how will her loved ones feel about them? 

Rating:

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? 

Rating:

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

The League Of Gentlemen. The cult, pitch-black sitcom is back for a three-part run that reunites viewers with some familiar faces

Rating:

Tuesday 19 

Crafts 

The Repair Shop At Christmas 

BBC2, 7pm 

Experts restore heirlooms including a Victorian jukebox known as a Polyphon. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Music 

U2 At The BBC 

BBC1, 9pm 

Bono and co perform some of their biggest hits and discuss their career to date. 

Rating:

Wednesday 20 

Nature 

Judi Dench: My Passion For Trees 

BBC1, 8pm 

The much-loved actress explores the importance of woodlands. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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). 

Rating:

Documentary 

Joanna & Jennifer: Absolutely Champers 

BBC2, 9pm 

Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders learn about the production of champagne.

Rating:

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

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

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Arts 

Darcey Bussell: Looking For Fred Astaire 

BBC1, 10.45pm 

The ballet star-turned- Strictly judge examines the great dancer’s life and career. 

Rating:

Friday 22 

Bruno Tonioli celebrates the Saturday Night Fever¿s 40th anniversary by looking back at its impact on popular culture

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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.

Rating:

Pointless Celebrities Christmas Special. Musical artists who have had Christmas hits, including Mike Batt and Ben Haenow (pictured, with Alexander Armstrong), take par

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Music 

All Star Musicals 

ITV, 6.40pm 

Andrew Flintoff and Michael Crawford introduce seven celebrities as they perform classic songs from famous musicals. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Maigret In Montmartre. Rowan Atkinson returns as Georges Simenon¿s French detective

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.  

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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

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

Excitement rises among fans as they eagerly await Jodie Whittaker’s debut as the 13th Doctor

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Andy Day, Cat Sandion and Steven Kynman star in a musical version of Hans Christian Andersen¿s famous tale, The Snow Queen

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. 

Rating:

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

Animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved book about a ravenous rat whose sweet tooth could prove to be his downfal

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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

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

Rating:

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? 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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

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. 

Rating:

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

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

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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

Two Doors Down – Christmas Special. Eric and Beth (Alex Norton and Arabella Weir) are dreaming of a quiet Christmas

Rating:

   

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Nature 

Turtle, Eagle, Cheetah: A Slow Odyssey 

BBC4, 9pm 

Extraordinary footage offers viewers an insight into the daily routines of the titular species. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Arts 

Clint Eastwood: A Life In Film 

Sky Arts, 9pm 

The actor and director looks back at his 60-year career. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Comedy 

Romesh Ranganathan: Irrational Live 

BBC2, 10.30pm 

A performance recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo during the comedian’s 2016 tour. 

Rating:

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.

Rating:

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

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

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

Comedy 

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special 

Channel 4, 9pm 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

History 

Antiques Roadshow 

BBC1, 8pm 

Fiona Bruce presents a special edition from the Queen Vic dedicated to film, theatre, music and TV memorabilia. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

The legendary guitarist and record producer 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. 

Rating:


 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.

Rating:

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

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

David Strathairn
James Norton
Faye Marsay

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. 

Rating:

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

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. 

Rating:

Arts 

The Two Ronnies: In Their Own Words 

Channel 5, 8pm 

Archive interviews and performances tell the stories of Ronnies Barker and Corbett. 

Rating:

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. 

Rating:

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.   

Rating:

Agnes (Brendan O¿Carroll, above) 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

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