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Drama
Stuffed
Drama pick
When cash-strapped Arslan (Guz Khan) gets an £8,000 bonus, he treats his wife Hannah (Morgana Robinson), two daughters and brother-in-law Jamie (Theo Barklem-Biggs) to a magical Lapland trip. But the payment was an error. How will he pay it back? Cue an hour of capers and heartfelt family moments. Plus, Sue Johnston completes the cast as the family’s new holiday friend, Lily. Hollie Richardson
Tuesday 23, 9pm, BBC One
Wild Cherry
Nicôle Lecky’s high-society drama comes to a head as schoolgirls Grace and Allegra are arrested on suspicion of murdering classmate Iris. Mothers Lorna and Juliet learn the shocking truth behind the girls’ season of scandal, while Gigi’s secrets crumble. Nicole Vassell
Saturday 13, 9.05pm, BBC One
The War Between the Land and the Sea
Russell T Davies’s Doctor Who spin-off continues its heartfelt ecological message. Humanity’s best hope, Barclay (Russell Tovey), descends into the world of disgruntled sea people Homo Aqua, while back on land Kate (Jemma Redgrave) tries to stop the government changing course. Jack Seale
Sunday 14, 8.30pm, BBC One
Irish Blood
A romanticised yet sinister version of rural Ireland is the co-star of this murder mystery. It shares top billing with Alicia Silverstone’s brilliant, aggressive lawyer Fiona. When she receives an enigmatic message from her father, she’s drawn back to Ireland where a gripping story of crime, intrigue and rage begins to emerge. The Celebrity Traitors star Ruth Codd plays fiery cop Róisín. Phil Harrison
Sunday 14, 9pm, Sky Witness
Say Nothing
As we rejoin Dolours and Marian, they’ve served their time. But the prison sentence has started to reveal cracks in their relationship, particularly around their attitude to the continuation of the republican struggle. However, Dolours has made a friend who could offer a way out. Intelligent and involving. PH
Sunday 14, 11pm, Channel 4
The Imposter
A silly thriller romp with a fun cast of Jackie Woodburne (AKA Susan Kennedy from Neighbours), Kym Marsh and Dannii Minogue. Helen (Woodburne) runs a seaside hotel in Australia with her three adult children when her other daughter Amanda (Marsh), whom she gave up for adoption, appears. But is Amanda who she says she is? HR
Monday 15, 9pm, Channel 5
Bump: A Christmas Film
The Aussie family dramedy decamps to Rosa’s home country of Colombia, which is either the best idea ever or the worst. No longer teen parents Oly and Santi are unfazed, despite now having a two-month-old baby in tow. But Rosa herself is having misgivings – and that broken mirror doesn’t bode well. Ellen E Jones
Monday 15, 11.15pm, BBC One
Dark Winds
A disturbingly cool-headed murder opens up another episode of this menacing, dusty crime drama. As FBI special agent Washington questions Leaphorn while on a tricky manhunt, Manuelito is once again putting her career – and perhaps her life – in danger when she goes it alone. JS
Tuesday 16, 9pm, U&Alibi
The Hunting Party
Another day, another escaped serial killer for Bex and co to find: Tom Beecher, who makes one woman watch as he kills another woman in front of them. Horrible stuff – but also undermined by Beecher’s extraordinary resemblance to Geoffrey from Rainbow. You half expect Zippy and George to join in the drama. Ali Catterall
Wednesday 17, 9pm, U&Alibi
Persuasion: The Read With Monica Dolan
It has been a bumper year for Jane Austen fans, with TV and radio celebrating the author’s 250th birthday. Here’s the perfect sign-off: Monica Dolan narrating Austen’s last completed novel. It’s beautifully shot as we hear the tale of quiet but perceptive Anne Elliot. HR
Thursday 18, 8pm, BBC Four
Daddy Issues
A concluding double bill of the lewd but frequently moving comedy. Following the death of his father, Malcolm (David Morrissey) is the one living up to the show’s title. Meanwhile, Catherine (Sharon Rooney) runs riot on day release from prison, and Gemma (Aimee Lou Wood) finally gets a job interview. Hannah J Davies
Thursday 18, 8pm, BBC Three
All Her Fault
A whole episode of flashback explains exactly what the deal is with Carrie (Sophia Lillis) and why she’d want to kidnap the Irvines’ child. As a downbeat tale of desperation and sadness takes shape, the major twist of the series is on its way. JS
Friday 19, 9pm, Sky Atlantic
Beyond Paradise
Humphrey (Kris Marshall) and Martha (Sally Bretton) have had an emotional few months after Rosie, the young girl they were fostering, was reunited with her biological mum. Could Christmas see the couple take another big step? Possibly, but only after Humph has dealt with a festive cluster of oddball Shipton Abbott mysteries. Graeme Virtue
Sunday 21, 9pm, BBC One
Amadeus
A fresh take on the story of court composer Antonio Salieri (Paul Bettany) and his love/hate relationship with new boy genius Mozart (Will Sharpe). The drama begins with Mozart securing his first opera for the emperor (Rory Kinnear) and meeting soprano Constanze Weber (Gabrielle Creevy) – all to Salieri’s annoyance. HR
Sunday 21, 9pm, Sky Atlantic
The Mandy Who Knew Too Much
It would be weird if hapless heroine Mandy (Diane Morgan) had a great Christmas – so here she is having potentially the worst one yet. She just wants to stay in and watch telly, but her role in global diplomacy compels her to make a difference in the world. HR
Monday 22, 10.25pm, BBC Two
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special
It’s Christmas 1945, and while the war is over, rationing certainly isn’t. That’s why Mrs Hall is so keen to win a turkey at the Drovers’ darts competition and save them all from the indignity of a “murkey” or “mock turkey”. EEJ
Christmas Eve, 9pm, Channel 5
Two Doors Down Christmas Special
Eric and Beth (Alex Norton and Arabella Weir) make one of their trademark tactical errors as the Glasgow sitcom celebrates the season. They’ve put their tree up early but aren’t ready for the inevitable result, which is that they’ve officially launched Christmas on Latimer Crescent. Soon they have a lounge full of unwanted guests. PH
Christmas Eve, 10pm, BBC One
A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower
“Jack will show you your room; I’ve given you the room in the tower.” Joanna Lumley is spine-chilling in Mark Gatiss’s adaptation of EF Benson’s short story. Roger Winstanley (Tobias Menzies) is haunted by a recurring nightmare in which Mrs Stone (Lumley) invites him to stay in a chamber of horrors. Fifteen years later, he finds himself in a familiar manor … HR
Christmas Eve, 10pm, BBC Two
Call the Midwife
This year’s special gets the balance of merriment and heartbreak just right. As carnival preparations get under way in Poplar (“You won’t get lads of this age to wear tights, Mrs Buckle!”), Nonnatus House also extends its help to Hong Kong. Concludes on Boxing Day. HJD
Christmas Day, 8.15pm, BBC One
Amandaland
Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are the TV reunion of the year in the hilarious special of the hit Motherland spin-off. Amanda (Lucy Punch) is taking the kids to the Cotswolds for Christmas with her kooky Aunt Joan (Saunders). Mum Felicity (Lumley) and “non-friend” Anne (Philippa Dunne) are in tow, too. A wickedly funny half hour of cringe hijinks ensues. HR
Christmas Day, 9.15pm, BBC One
Factual
Tea With Judi Dench
Factual pick
Across 40 years of working together, Judi Dench has played Kenneth Branagh’s wife, mother and grandmother. The friends share a pot of tea in Judi’s home for a side-splittingly naughty natter (“It’s your butter, it’s your house,” says Branagh. “You can be as filthy as you like.”) There are plenty of touching moments and golden anecdotes, too – made even more poignant after Dench announced her retirement due to health reasons. Wonderful. HR
Monday 22, 9pm, Sky Arts
Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip
Queen Victoria used to explore the alleyways of Nice in a donkey-pulled cart – that’s just one of the titbits of QI-style trivia that delights Sandi Toksvig as she explores France’s fifth-biggest city. Other highlights include our guide assisting a local sculptor and riding a cute funicular. GV
Saturday 13, 8.05pm, Channel 4
The Salt Path Scandal
It was the literary scandal of the year: the Observer alleged that the authors behind bestselling memoir The Salt Path hadn’t been entirely truthful in their tale of financial ruin, terminal illness and natural healing. Reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou continues to piece it all together. HR
Monday 15, 9pm, Sky Documentaries
A Very British Christmas: Bamburgh Castle
To Northumberland, where there’s a chance that the castle’s festive decorations will be enhanced by some actual snow. Either way, there should be plenty going on as designer Dave O’Donnell and his team install seven grottoes based on Treasure Island, Aladdin’s cave and a golden goose. PH
Tuesday 16, 8pm, Channel 4
Mozart: Genius for Hire
This fascinating documentary explores the composer’s working life as a pioneering freelancer. Mozart’s hustle was impressive – he would happily rewrite pieces with audiences in mind. As ENO artistic director Annilese Miskimmon puts it: “He didn’t see entertainment and art as different things.” PH
Tuesday 16, 9pm, Sky Arts
Mozart’s Sister
More celebratory programming to mark the new Amadeus drama. She was five years older and a musical prodigy in her own right, but when Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart turned 18, it was no longer considered proper for her, as a young lady, to perform. What happened to all that talent? This “dramatic musical investigation” explores the mystery. EEJ
Wednesday 17, 9pm, Sky Arts
Untold: Controlled – Can I Trust My Partner?
Are unhealthy and abusive relationships being normalised – glamorised, even – online? Why is there barely any research into the rise of this? Daisy Maskell does her own survey and speaks to people under 30 about their experiences. She also looks at the horrifying use of “stalkerware” apps. HR
Wednesday 17, 12.05am, Channel 4
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025
The annual extravaganza of sporting glitz from Salford’s MediaCity is back, and the lineup will likely be dominated by two events: the women’s Euros and the Ryder Cup. Golfer Rory McIlroy is favourite for the main award but the Lionesses are strong contenders for Team of the Year. Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Clare Balding present. PH
Thursday 18, 7pm, BBC One
Inside Baileys at Christmas
Baileys: like family arguments and toys with no batteries included, the brand is synonymous with Christmas. Will its new Terry’s Chocolate Orange flavour catch on –or be pushed to the back of the cupboard? This behind-the-scenes special finds out. AC
Thursday 18, 8pm, Channel 4
Steve Backshall’s Royal Arctic Challenge
“It’s the best place on the planet for a big adventure.” Environmentalist Steve Backshall retraces King Charles’s 1975 trip to the Canadian Arctic in this thrilling documentary. There’s a polar bear search, ancient icebergs, dog-sledding and ice-hole diving. First though, he sits down with the king for a chat. HR
Thursday 18, 8.30pm, ITV1
Sir Chris Hoy: Cycle of Hope
This inspiring film follows Chris Hoy as he formulates a constructive and defiant response to his terminal cancer diagnosis. Glasgow: the Tour de Four is a bike ride that raised £1m for charity and proves that a medical prognosis doesn’t need to be the end. PH
Thursday 18, 9pm, BBC One
Dispatches: Hunting Britain’s Parcel Thieves
There are some real grinches out there: a parcel is stolen in Britain every seven seconds. Reporter Tir Dhondy is on a mission to get to the bottom of the crime wave by hiding tracking devices in parcels and following stolen ones to challenge who took them. HR
Friday 19, 8pm, Channel 4
Christmas at Leeds Castle: A Winter Wonderland
This year’s theme is Peter Pan, which requires the castle being transformed into Neverland – complete with a 28ft tree that needs manoeuvring through narrow medieval archways. The cameras follow every near breakdown and small win as the staff prepare. HR
Friday 19, 8pm, Channel 5
Ainsley’s Festive Flavours
Wondering what magic you can whip up with all those impending leftovers? The sunny chef shows us how, in the company of TV presenter Josie Gibson, Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Sara Davies and fellow chef Paul Ainsworth. HR
Saturday 20, 11.40am, ITV1
The latest football star to sit down with broadcaster Kelly Somers is Yaya Touré, former Man City midfielder and current assistant coach of the Saudi Arabia national team. Touré reflects on his career’s most defining moments and goes deep on the beautiful game. NV
Saturday 20, 11.50pm, BBC One
Love Your Christmas With Alan Titchmarsh
The gardener has Call the Midwife cast members, Endeavour star Roger Allam and Father Brown actor Tom Chambers over to Manor Farm for a knees-up. They get into the spirit with Highland cows, music from Lee Mead, Tudor horticulture and boozy treats. HR
Sunday 21, 9.30am, ITV1
Fletchers’ Family Farm
Liv, Kelvin and the Fletcher mob are finally able to move back to the farm. The transformed barn is even ready for a wedding. It’s the most uplifting way to end the season – but first, there are some lambs to sell. HR
Sunday 21, 11.30am, ITV1
Wild Horses, the Rockies and Me
Wildlife film-maker Gordon Buchanan heads to the Rocky Mountains in search of animals so elusive their behaviour remains largely undocumented. There he happens upon an unconventional family: two competing stallions, two mares and their foals. EEJ
Sunday 21, 7pm, BBC Two
Celebrity MasterChef: Christmas Cook Off
Another year, another four famous faces hoping to claim the coveted Golden Whisk. But who among Top Boy actor Kola Bokinni, BBC disability correspondent Nikki Fox, influencer GK Barry and standup Iain Stirling has the chops to impress 2024 winner and guest judge Vito Coppola? GV
Monday 22, 8pm, BBC One
Secrets of the Conclave
Even though the process has been the subject of an Oscar-nominated film, there’s still a sense of intrigue around the method by which a new pope is selected – especially after taking place in real life this year. This documentary, while probably niche in its appeal, gets impressive access to people on the inside and reveals a mixture of prayer, debate, politics and spiritual reflection. PH
Monday 22, 9pm, BBC Two
Inside the Christmas Factory With Paddy and Cherry
While the endless excitement of presenters Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey can get a bit much, there’s no denying the weird fascination of following gingerbread biscuits as they journey from production line to Christmas tree. Away from the factory, Cherry visits an indoor ski slope and gets to turn on the snow machine. PH
Tuesday 23, 8pm, BBC One
Innes Lloyd: The Producer
A detailed, perhaps slightly too sedate, profile of the TV producer who became synonymous with the work of Alan Bennett – but who influenced the medium greatly elsewhere with his work on Doctor Who and Thirty-Minute Theatre. The myriad obscure archive clips form a pleasing partial history of BBC drama itself. JS
Tuesday 23, 8.25pm, BBC Four
Christmas Carols on ITV
Bring in the wee hours of Christmas Day with this lovely countdown of carols. Myleene Klass hosts a traditional evening from St Elisabeth’s Church in Stockport, where she gives a piano performance alongside her cellist daughter Ava. Other star performers include Corrie’s Catherine Tyldesley and the EAGA Gospel Choir. HR
Christmas Eve, 11.40pm, ITV1
Entertainment
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing
Entertainment pick
Time for a very welcome slower-paced hour with the nation’s favourite fishing buddies. Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are by the West Country rivers Lyd and Camel, reminiscing about Christmases past, before heading to the coast to spend a cosy afternoon with guest Dawn French – though she declines their invitation to get into the hot tub with them (“I’d rather poke my eyes out”). Lovely stuff, as always. HR
Christmas Eve, 9pm, BBC Two
Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel
A typically convivial episode of the revolutionary gameshow, with Chris Eubank as the wild card and Tony Blackburn setting records for the most incorrect answers. A lot ultimately depends on how much Alma’s Not Normal star Sophie Willan knows about boxing … JS
Saturday 13, 8.05pm, BBC One
Christmas Hits: The Videos That Sleighed
From Wham!’s snowy Christmas getaway to the Pogues’ dark festive fantasia, certain music videos have become as fundamental to the season as the songs themselves. This documentary explores the stories behind the films: expect Paul McCartney, Spice Girls, Mariah Carey and East 17 to feature, too. PH
Saturday 13, 8.05pm, BBC Two
Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter
It’s all about refashioning in this episode of Tom Daley’s jolly knitting competition, as the remaining contestants form teams to turn classic Aran jumpers into chic wool dresses. Then, for the last solo challenge before next Sunday’s final, it’s time for the knitters to repurpose fabric into yarn for some uniquely stunning bags. NV
Sunday 14, 8pm, Channel 4
Jamie’s Cook-Ahead Christmas
A lick of the fingers! A surfeit of superlatives! A yorkshire pudding the size of actual Yorkshire! It can only be Jamie Oliver, with the second part of his yuletide meal prep guide. His “most delicious turkey ever” is a highlight, alongside crunchy yet fluffy “potatoes of perfection”. HJD
Monday 15, 8pm, Channel 4
The Big Quiz: Coronation Street v Emmerdale
Nothing signals the end of the year quite like a celebrity quizshow – and this one is for the ITV soap lovers. Jack P Shepherd heads up Team Corrie, with Jodie Prenger, Sam Aston and Georgia Taylor assisting, while Lucy Pargeter, Bradley Riches, Shebz Miah and captain Mark Charnock go in to bat for Emmerdale. NV
Monday 15, 9pm, ITV1
First Dates Beach Club
An expansion of Fred Sirieix’s match-making empire as First Dates welcomes its latest batch of singles to a delightful beachside restaurant in Spain. This time, ex-bouncer Charlie hopes to show his softer side to Layla while teacher Jessie feels a connection with Darren. Whatever happens, at least they can go for a dip after. PH
Monday 15, 9pm, Channel 4
Inside M&S at Christmas
M&S’s product development team are nothing short of miraculous. Burrata baked with ’nduja, anyone? How about “the world’s first snowing chocolate box”? Or their “riskiest festive sandwich yet” – the Christmas sando? It’s not all plain sailing: bumps in the road include pigs in blankets that keep unravelling and a yule log’s splitting ganache. Argh! HR
Tuesday 16, 9pm, ITV1
Rob & Romesh vs Hip Hop
Romesh Ranganathan is a huge hip-hop head so the stakes feel unusually high when he and Rob Beckett head to NYC to see if they have any rapping aptitude. Wu-Tang Clan veteran Raekwon offers advice on unlocking their flow, but can Rom really cut the mustard at a kerbside freestyle rap battle in Union Square? GV
Tuesday 16, ,9pm, Sky Max
A Mary Berry Christmas
Mary Berry celebrated her 90th birthday this year but she shows no sign of slowing down this Christmas. Pigs in blankets cassoulet, cherry and lemon mille feuille, and a pear and ginger steamed pudding are all on her menu, as she is joined by Alison Steadman, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Zoe Ball. First, though, she needs to pick a Christmas tree. HR
Wednesday 17, 9pm, BBC One
A League of Their Own
After 15 years and 20 seasons, the final whistle looms for the rowdy sports quiz refereed by Romesh Ranganathan. Regulars Jamie Redknapp, Jill Scott and Micah Richards are assisted by Olympic gold-winning cyclist Laura Kenny, boxing veteran Tony Bellew and street food champ Big Zuu for one last hurrah. GV
Wednesday 17, 9pm, Sky Max
Celebrity MasterChef Final
Who will be Celebrity MasterChef 2025? After five weeks of culinary competition, it’s down to the final three, each of whom is tasked with preparing a three-course meal for the judges. And don’t expect Grace Dent and John Torode to go easy on them, either. Fame is no excuse for an unseasoned side or an oversweetened coulis. EEJ
Friday 19, 8pm, BBC One
The Last Leg
There’ll be plenty of bad news happening in the run-up to Christmas to keep Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker going as they mock the week that has been. Joining them in trying to find the cheer is reliably hilarious comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri. HR
Friday 19, 10pm, Channel 4
The Graham Norton Show
Hamnet is set to be an Oscars-magnet weepathon – and here its star Jessie Buckley tells all about the highly anticipated adaptation. Also on the red sofa are Jack Black and Paul Rudd with their horror reboot Anaconda, and comedian Michelle de Swarte. HR
Friday 19, 10.40pm, BBC One
Westlife 25: Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Yep, Ireland’s smooth serenaders have been at it for a quarter of a century. While you digest that, they take to the stage with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London, to play their hits, share memories and make grown women scream. HR
Saturday 20, 5.30pm, ITV1
Blankety Blank Christmas Special
It’s a Christmas edition, so expect even more tinsel and panto-type humour than usual from the long-running, Bradley Walsh-hosted gameshow. The celebrities helping to fill in the blanks include singer Charlotte Church, actor Daniel Mays and comedian Jack Dee. There’s even a cameo from the real man of the hour, Father Christmas himself. EEJ
Saturday 20, 6.20pm, BBC One
Madness at the BBC
Ever since they skanked on to Top of the Pops with The Prince in 1979, the Camden Town Nutty Boys’ storied career has been documented at every stage by the BBC. Frontman Suggs and keyboardist Mike Barson get together for a dose of nostalgia as their musical lives flash before their eyes. PH
Saturday 20, 10.20pm, BBC One
The Royal Variety Performance 2025
The new Paddington musical just scored five-star reviews, and there’s a peek at one of the numbers in this stage bonanza. Plus, Jessie J and Madness provide live music, while Stephen Fry and magician Harry Moulding make special appearances. It all ends with an epic Les Misérables finale. HR
Sunday 21, ,7.05pm, ITV1
University Challenge
The festive edition kicks off with a first-round contest that sees last year’s champions Durham take on series 10 runners-up Manchester. Amol Rajan oversees six more head-to-heads over two weeks before the first semi-final on New Year’s Eve. HR
Monday 22, 8.30pm, BBC Two
Taskmaster: Champion of Champions 2025
It is time. Another Champion of Champions must be selected from the five most recent series victors – namely Andy Zaltzman, John Robins, Maisie Adam, Mathew Baynton and Sam Campbell. This one-off battle will decide it, with fiendish tasks efficiently administered by Alex Horne and the ultimate decision coming down to the Taskmaster, Greg Davies. EEJ
Monday 22, 9pm, Channel 4
Only Connect Pub Quiz Special
Victoria Coren Mitchell begins a week of the “pub quiz” special edition of the show – with added packets of pork scratchings. This time, the Hopsters will be taking on the Taverners via logic and lateral thinking. HR
Tuesday 23, 8pm, BBC Two
First Dates at Christmas
All they want for Christmas is a snog under the mistletoe. Linda is a 75-year-old retired nurse who goes on her first date in 16 years – but will it be rusty with furniture-maker Harry? Plus, some exciting news as a couple of daters from six years ago return. HR
Tuesday 23, 9pm, Channel 4
Live at the Apollo
Santa hats in the audience and a Josh Widdicombe routine about advent calendars herald a generally pretty unfestive edition of the standup comedy showcase. Sets include Andrew Mensah affectionately skewering middle-class mores, and Last One Laughing’s Harriet Kemsley on dating and divorce. JS
Tuesday 23, 9.45pm, BBC Two
Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message
Last December, newly crowned Strictly winner Chris McCausland used his Alternative Christmas Message platform to lobby the government to improve its Access to Work service for the disabled. At time of going to press, the presenter of the 2025 edition has yet to be announced but expect another illuminating perspective. GV
Christmas Day, 5.45pm, Channel 4
The Great Christmas Bake Off
“Brown’s savoury, white’s the treat.” And if you recognise that bread-based quote, you won’t want to miss this special Bake Off-Peep Show pair-up, in which stars from the much-missed sitcom compete for the title of Festive Star Baker. The best-sounding part? They must recreate their favourite Peep Show moments in the form of a cake. AC
Christmas Day, 8pm, Channel 4
Would I Lie to You?
This is one of the BBC’s most successful panel games ever, so it’s a safe bet for seasonal cheer as Rob Brydon, David Mitchell and Lee Mack welcome an eclectic group of guests. You can predict what David Walliams will be like but Radio 1Xtra DJ Swarzy Shire, actor Helen George and veteran music broadcaster Jools Holland, probably not so much. JS
Boxing Day, 7pm, BBC One
The Repair Shop
Santa’s elves may get Boxing Day off but there’s no rest for the Repair Shop gang. Their festive special includes Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson and pal Rob Brydon bringing in her granny’s toy farmhouse for renovation, while Helen Mirren is hoping that a cello vandalised by Nazis can be belatedly restored. GV
Boxing Day, 7.30pm, BBC One
The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2025
In this festive edition of the pottery competition, novice potters Amber Gill, Colin Murray, Sarah Hadland and Tim Vine roll up their sleeves for some clay crafting. After creating a north pole scene, the TV stars must try not to crack under pressure in a challenge of throwing as many reindeer water bowls as possible. NV
Boxing Day, 7.45pm, Channel 4
Lesley Garrett at the BBC
Lesley Garrett, the pride of Doncaster, shares a quality (street) selection of some of her finest performances for the channel, ranging from opera classics to the hits of musical theatre, including the deathless Somewhere and Tonight from West Side Story. AC
Boxing Day, 8pm, BBC Four
Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2025
Katy Perry’s space flop, Coldplay’s viral affair moment and Lily Allen’s Pussy Palace tour … it’s time to test your knowledge on the year that’s been with quizmaster Jimmy Carr. The cracking team guests are Katherine Ryan, Jonathan Ross, Richard Ayoade, Nick Mohammed, Roisin Conaty and Lou Sanders. HR
Boxing Day, 9.05pm, Channel 4
Family
Finding Father Christmas
Family pick
“Father Christmas is real and I’m going to prove it to you!” Lenny Rush is a treat as optimistic teenager Chris, who is desperate to convince his widowed dad (James Buckley) that Santa exists. He enlists the help of the nation’s smartest people – Stephen Fry, Hannah Fry, Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Fox – who he believes are part of a Christmas conspiracy. It’s a hoot but has plenty of heart too, thanks to Rush and Buckley’s lovely father-son dynamic. Have the tissues to hand. HR
Christmas Eve, 7.30pm, Channel 4
Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball 2025
Raye, Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, Anne-Marie and Leigh-Anne headline the O2’s annual pop spectacular. And that’s not all: Cat Burns, Mimi Webb, Rizzle Kicks, Louis Tomlinson and Tinie Tempah are also on the bill, performing the biggest hits of the year. HR
Saturday 13, 4.50pm, ITV1
Alan Carr’s Picture Slam
Keep feeding us Alan Carr on a drip! The Celebrity Traitors winner continues to host this shout-at-the-screen competition as contestants answer image-based questions. Gemma and Andy from Billericay are the next couple to say what they see to try to win £10,000. HR
Saturday 13, 5.50pm, BBC One
Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly semi-finals! After Katya and Lewis’s shock exit, the glitterball is anyone’s for the taking. But that’s not all: next Saturday’s final will be a bittersweet moment as Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly put away the fake tan and sequins and say goodbye to the show they’ve presented for so many years – but they’ll be back to host the special at 5.30pm on Christmas Day. HR
Saturday 13, 6.35pm, BBC One
Accidental Tourist
Stephen Mulhern isn’t a particularly adventurous man. According to his friend Anthony McPartlin, “he won’t even try hummus”. But for the purposes of this show, his pals Ant and Dec are sending him on holiday to South Korea to react hysterically to fancy foreign food, customs and other challenges. Out of his comfort zone, will he thrive? PH
Sunday 14, 9pm, ITV1
Inside Legoland at Christmas
The world’s biggest Lego Christmas tree! Jumper dog day! Grottos! This look at the magic behind Legoland’s winter wonderland is a child’s dream come true (or a chance to flog some tickets, depending on your cynicism). From putting up 700 real trees to rehearsing seasonal shows, you can’t help but feel tired for the team. HR
Wednesday 17, 8pm, Channel 4
The Scarecrows’ Wedding
An irresistibly sweet animation about two scarecrows in love, based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s book (which is, in fact, Donaldson’s favourite). Betty O’Barley (Jessie Buckley) and Harry O’Hay (Domhnall Gleeson) are getting married. But when snazzy new scarecrow Reginald Rake (Rob Brydon) arrives a disaster happens – who will save the day? Sophie Okonedo narrates. HR
Christmas Day, 3.10pm, BBC One
The Read: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Steffan Rhodri lends his warm Welsh tones to CS Lewis’s family classic on its 75th anniversary. It follows the second world war evacuee Pevensie siblings who find an old wardrobe leading to the great land of Narnia. Even if you know it well, the story never loses its magic. HR
Christmas Day, 7pm, BBC Four
The Masked Singer: Christmas Special
“Take it off!” It feels good to shout that again as the bananas singing contest returns for a one-off. Four famous people will anonymously take to the stage while the judges try to work out who they are. Meanwhile, pantomime icons Su Pollard, Christopher Biggins, Basil Brush and Lesley Joseph are on hand to help. HR
Christmas Day, 7.30pm, ITV1
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