DRAMA
All Creatures Great And Small: Christmas Special
This drama series about vets in the chocolate-box Yorkshire Dales is first-class comfort viewing (Callum Woodhouse, above)
This drama series about vets in the chocolate-box Yorkshire Dales is first-class comfort viewing. It’s Christmas Eve and James is trying to come to terms with the fact that Helen is marrying Hugh in the morning – although she doesn’t seem very happy about it. Tuesday 22, Channel 5, 9pm
Worzel Gummidge: Saucy Nancy
Viewers of a certain age who recall Jon Pertwee’s Worzel were sceptical about Mackenzie Crook (above) and his reboot, but last Christmas’s two films were a triumph
Viewers of a certain age who recall Jon Pertwee’s Worzel were sceptical about Mackenzie Crook and his reboot, but last Christmas’s two films were a triumph. This time Worzel is helping out his old friend, ship’s figurehead Saucy Nancy (Shirley Henderson here but the late Barbara Windsor in the Pertwee version). Christmas Eve, BBC1, 5.55pm
Roald And Beatrix: The Tail Of The Curious Mouse
Roald Dahl claimed to have met Beatrix Potter when he was a child. Dahl was a proven fantasist but this imaginative film accepts that the meeting took place and speculates about what might have happened.
Dawn French is the middle- aged Potter, Harry Tayler the young Dahl. Christmas Eve, Sky One, 8.15pm
Black Narcissus
Gemma Arterton (above) and Alessandro Nivola star in this brooding, beautifully filmed adaptation of Rumer Godden’s novel
A group of nuns attempts to establish a school in the Himalayas but the wild, elemental nature of the place has a disturbing effect on them. Gemma Arterton and Alessandro Nivola star in this brooding, beautifully filmed adaptation of Rumer Godden’s novel, also made into a classic Powell and Pressburger film with Deborah Kerr in 1947. Sunday 27, BBC1, 9pm
Uncle Vanya
This stage production of Chekhov’s play received rave reviews when it opened in January but its run was cut short by Covid. A special film of it was made during lockdown.
Toby Jones is brilliant in the title role, and the themes of regret and wasted lives seem more resonant than ever. Wednesday 30, BBC4, 10pm
Doctor Who
She’s back, of course, and so are the Daleks (above, in Downing Street), Captain Jack and ruthless businessman Jack Robertson
She’s back, of course, and so are the Daleks (in Downing Street), Captain Jack and ruthless businessman Jack Robertson. The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) is actually in a high-security alien prison at the start of this special, which will also see us saying goodbye to companions Graham and Ryan. New Year’s Day, BBC1, 6.45pm
The Serpent
French star Tahar Rahim (above with Jenna Coleman, Billy Howle and Ellie Bamber) – so brilliant in The Looming Tower – is Sobhraj, nicknamed The Serpent
Drama series based on the real-life serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who preyed on Western backpackers on the hippy trail of South East Asia in the 1970s. French star Tahar Rahim – so brilliant in The Looming Tower – is Sobhraj, nicknamed The Serpent.
Jenna Coleman plays his accomplice. New Year’s Day, BBC1, 9pm
COMEDY
Upstart Crow: Lockdown Christmas 1603
The plague has hit London again and Will (David Mitchell) and Kate (Gemma Whelan) are in lockdown, in Ben Elton’s festive two-hander. Kate bakes, Will gets cracking on another play – or tries to.
As we know, in real life Shakespeare did write some of his greatest plays as the plague raged. Monday 21, BBC2, 9pm
Ghosts
Excellent episode of the spooky sitcom. The ghosts of Button House aren’t huge fans of Christmas so it seems unlikely that Mike’s plans to make things perfect for his visiting family will go without a hitch.
And we learn much more about trouserless MP Julian in flashbacks to one of his Christmases. Wednesday 23, BBC1, 8.30pm
Motherland Christmas Special
How are the middle-class mothers coping this Christmas? It’s alpha mum Amanda’s (Lucy Punch) seasonal soiree, and although the rest of the gang aren’t invited, they turn up anyway and proceed to ignore Amanda’s many rules (dark drinks indoors are verboten, obviously).
Chaos – and hilarity – ensues. Wednesday 23, BBC2, 9pm
Cinderella: A Comic Relief Pantomime For Christmas
There’s a cracking Christmas cast including Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter and Tom Hollander for this panto produced by Richard Curtis and the Comic Relief team.
Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page is Prince Charming and The Queen’s Gambit’s Anya Taylor-Joy plays Cinders. Christmas Eve, BBC2, 8.15pm
Victoria Wood: The Secret List
Years before she died at the age of 62, Victoria Wood made a list of her sketches that she regarded as the best but, for some reason, the ‘best of’ show was never made. Here, better late than never, across two hour-long episodes are the comic’s favourite skits from her first solo series, Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV from 1985. Christmas Day, BBC2, 9.10pm; Boxing Day, BBC2, 9.05pm
Mrs Brown’s Boys
Agnes Brown (Brendan O’Carroll, above) and family prepare for Christmas and New Year and… well, you know the drill
Agnes Brown and family prepare for Christmas and New Year and… well, you know the drill. Expect all the usual mugging to camera, the ad-libbing and the broad (as a barn door) double entendres. Christmas Day, BBC1, 9.10pm; New Year’s Day, BBC1, 10pm
Not Going Out
Ahead of the 11th series, the zinger-packed Lee Mack sitcom returns along with Hugh Dennis, Abigail Cruttenden, Deborah Grant and the late Bobby Ball, who died in October.
Lee and Lucy are hosting New Year’s Eve but seasonal goodwill is not much in evidence when New Year’s resolutions are mooted. Wednesday 30, BBC1, 9pm
ENTERTAINMENT
Miranda’s Games With Showbiz Names
Robbie Williams and Shirley Ballas are among the names joining Miranda Hart for what the comedian describes as a ‘half-hour of silliness’. Celebrity couples take part in daft challenges in their own home. Christmas Eve, BBC1, 9.45pm
Strictly Come Dancing
The 25 most popular dances from 16 years of the show (including last year’s winner, Kelvin Fletcher), as voted for by viewers, including the perfect performances and the routines that have made us laugh.
The 25 most popular dances from 16 years of the show (including last year’s winner, Kelvin Fletcher, above with Oti Mabuse), as voted for by viewers
With commentary from Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, the judges, professionals and contestants. Christmas Day, BBC1, 4.45pm
Britain’s Got Talent Christmas Spectacular
For once, David Walliams (above) and his fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Ashley Banjo take their turn on the stage
For once, David Walliams and his fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Ashley Banjo take their turn on the stage. Christmas Day, ITV, 8pm
The Repair Shop At Christmas
Among the items in this emotional episode on The Repair Shop At Christmas is a rocking horse (above) that belonged to a little girl who died
This gentle show in which beloved heirlooms are renovated has become a viewers’ favourite. Among the items in this emotional episode is a rocking horse that belonged to a little girl who died. Boxing Day, BBC1, 6.45pm
The Masked Singer
The start of the second series of the surreal singing show. Twelve new celebrities disguised in weird elaborate costumes will be singing as viewers and the panel – Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan – try to guess who they are.
Joel Dommett hosts. Boxing Day, ITV, 7pm
The Great British Sewing Bee
Who knew competitive sewing could be so entertaining? Joe Lycett presides over two festive season specials featuring celebrities such as Sara Pascoe, Denise Van Outen and Sally Phillips.
Joe Lycett (above, with judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young) presides over two festive season specials featuring celebrities such as Sara Pascoe, Denise Van Outen and Sally Phillips
Judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young unpick their mistakes. Boxing Day, BBC1, 7.45pm; New Year’s Eve, BBC1, 8pm
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Among the celebrities trying to win a million for charity is Mail on Sunday columnist Piers Morgan, whose relationship with quizmaster Jeremy Clarkson has been… ahem… chequered.
Clarkson promises ‘some skilful game play, some wild stabs in the dark and some moments of toe-curling embarrassment’. Boxing Day, ITV, 9.30pm; Sunday 27, ITV, 9.15pm
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny
Jools Holland’s guests, including Tom Jones and Róisín Murphy, provide a soundtrack to seeing in the New Year. The next day, don’t miss the best of the programme from 28 years. New Year’s Eve, BBC2, 11.15pm; New Year’s Day, BBC2, 10.45pm
DOCUMENTARIES
Michael Palin’s Himalaya: Journey Of A Lifetime
The pandemic has meant that there’s a lot of ‘revisiting’ going on in the schedules but Michael Palin (above) is always a welcome presence
The pandemic has meant that there’s a lot of ‘revisiting’ going on in the schedules but Michael Palin is always a welcome presence. Here he revisits his 2004 show about the Himalayas. Sunday 20, BBC2, 8pm
Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain’s Children
Documentary about footballer Marcus Rashford’s hugely successful campaign this year to raise awareness about child food poverty. Monday 21, BBC1, 7pm
Jennifer Saunders’ Memory Lane
Saunders takes the Welsh star Michael Sheen for a drive into his past in Port Talbot, where he grew up. The town also gave us Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Rob Brydon.
Is it something in the water? Wednesday 23, ITV, 9pm
Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure…
The comic, battling Parkinson’s disease, is retiring from performing. This documentary looks at his career as a stand-up and features interviews with fans such as Paul McCartney and Whoopi Goldberg. Monday 28, ITV, 9.30pm
Stephen Fry’s 21st-Century Firsts
Fry looks at the advances and cultural changes of the past two decades and considers how they have changed our lives – not necessarily for the better. Wednesday 30, ITV, 8.30pm
Chitty Flies Again With David Walliams
The superfan wants to fly the car but he also considers what made the 1968 film a classic – including, of course, the Child Catcher. New Year’s Day, Channel 4, 7.30pm
FAMILY
Dr Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!
The much-loved classic children’s book is brought to life in a heartwarming, hilarious stage musical with Glee star Matthew Morrison under the make-up as the curmudgeonly Grinch. Sunday 20, Sky One, 3.30pm
Jack And The Beanstalk: After Ever After
David Walliams imagines what happened after the end of the fairy tale in this comedy. It seems the giant might not have been killed when the beanstalk was chopped down – he simply lost his memory and now thinks Jack is his friend. Wednesday 23, Sky One, 8pm
Zog And The Flying Doctors
Zog the dragon (Hugh Skinner) and his friend Princess Pearl the doctor (Patsy Ferran) care for a variety of creatures
We first met the animated version of Julia Donaldson’s dragon two years ago, and now he’s back in an equally enchanting sequel. Zog the dragon (Hugh Skinner) and his friend Princess Pearl the doctor (Patsy Ferran) care for a variety of creatures.
Lenny Henry narrates. Christmas Day, BBC1, 2.35pm
Quentin Blake’s Clown
Sir Quentin’s picture-book about a toy clown comes to life in this animated version narrated by Helena Bonham Carter (above)
Sir Quentin’s picture-book about a toy clown comes to life in this animated version narrated by Helena Bonham Carter. Clown tries to find a new home for himself and some other toy friends after they were all thrown away. Christmas Day, Channel 4, 7.40pm
FOOD
Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off
Monday sees Vicky Pattison, Dev Griffin, Janet Street-Porter and Christopher Biggins cooking up a Christmas storm. On Wednesday it’s Craig Revel Horwood, Amar Latif, Crissy Rock and Spencer Matthews doing battle in the kitchen. Monday 21 & Wednesday 23, BBC1, 9pm
Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat Christmas Special
Nigella Lawson’s (above) doing Northern European nosh for Chrimbo, with mouthwatering Nordic fare such as black bread with smoked salmon and Norwegian pork ribs
Nigella Lawson’s doing Northern European nosh for Chrimbo, with mouthwatering Nordic fare such as black bread with smoked salmon and Norwegian pork ribs and, for afters, Dutch doughnuts – a Netherlands New Year tradition. Tuesday 22, BBC2, 8pm
Mary Berry Saves Christmas
Doing the Christmas cooking for the first time? Let Mary help you out. She’s teaching three people who have never cooked before how to prepare a variety of dishes with the help of The One Show’s Angela Scanlon, Jay Blades from The Repair Shop and comedian Tom Allen. Wed 23, BBC1, 6.30pm
The Great Christmas Bake Off
After its most successful season since moving from the BBC, the baking competition returns with some of the best bakers from previous years taking part in Christmas challenges.
Prue Leith, Paul Hollywood (above) and Matt Lucas are officiating along with Tom Allen, standing in for Noel Fielding (who’s on paternity leave)
Prue Leith, Paul Hollywood and Matt Lucas are officiating along with Tom Allen, standing in for Noel Fielding (who’s on paternity leave). Christmas Eve, Channel 4, 7.40pm
FILMS
Maleficent
This explains why that evil fairy became so wicked and asks whether she really is that evil, after all? Angelina Jolie (above) leads the somewhat scary fairytale fun
We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty, with its princess, spinning wheel and evil fairy. This explains why that evil fairy became so wicked and asks whether she really is that evil, after all?
Angelina Jolie leads the somewhat scary fairytale fun. Sunday 20, BBC1, 2.45pm
Genevieve
It’s almost 70 years old now, so a little dated, but there’s still nostalgic fun to be had as two old friends become fierce rivals on the annual London to Brighton vintage car rally.
Kenneth More, Kay Kendall and Larry Adler’s unforgettable harmonica star. Sunday 20, Talking Pictures, 7.10pm
The Mask
Some parts Jim Carrey (above, with Cameron Diaz) was simply born to play, and that of mild-mannered bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss
Some parts Jim Carrey was simply born to play, and that of mild-mannered bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss, who finds a mysterious mask and is transformed into a manic whirlwind of chaos when he puts it on is surely one of them.
Smokin’… Monday 21, 5 Star, 7pm
Mission: Impossible
The beginning of the film franchise, itself a reboot of the much loved 1960s TV series. Jim Phelps (Jon Voight) and new point man Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) are dispatched to Prague… This recommendation will self-destruct in five seconds. Monday 21, BBC1, 10.45pm
Miss Congeniality
FBI agent Gracie Hart is devoted to her job: she has no time for femininity. But then she makes an error of judgment, gets sidelined and finds the only way back is to go undercover at the Miss United States pageant and foil a terrorist plot.
Sandra Bullock is on top form. Tuesday 22, ITV2, 6.50pm
Casablanca
‘Of all the gin joints… in all the world, she walks into mine…’ Humphrey Bogart is the world-weary Rick Blaine, who runs the Casablanca nightclub Rick’s Café Américain, a magnet for wartime refugees.
Humphrey Bogart (above, with Ingrid Bergman) is the world-weary Rick Blaine, who runs the Casablanca nightclub Rick’s Café Américain, a magnet for wartime refugees
Ingrid Bergman is the beautiful old flame who walks in one night… with her husband. ‘Play it, Sam.’ Wed 23, BBC2, 2.15pm
Phantom Thread
Daniel Day-Lewis is couturier Reynolds Woodcock, who heads the hugely popular House of Woodcock in 1950s London. His personal life is as well ordered as his business… until he meets a headstrong German waitress.
The frocks are fabulous, but we’re heading somewhere dark. Wednesday 23, BBC2, 10pm
It’s A Wonderful Life
Settle back and enjoy the great James Stewart playing George Bailey, a blameless small-town bank manager suddenly facing ruin on Christmas Eve and contemplating suicide.
Until a guardian angel called Clarence memorably intervenes. Christmas Eve, Channel 4, 2.35pm
Paddington 2
Paddington (above) – beautifully voiced again by Ben Whishaw – is looking for a 100th birthday present for his Aunt Lucy
This sequel is brilliant, with Hugh Grant superb as the vain actor Phoenix Buchanan. Elsewhere, Paddington – beautifully voiced again by Ben Whishaw – is looking for a 100th birthday present for his Aunt Lucy. Christmas Eve, BBC1, 4.15pm
La La Land
From the moment the cars grind to a halt on an LA freeway and their occupants leap out and launch into Another Day Of Sun, it’s clear this is going to be one of the great film musicals.
Ryan Gosling is the jazz-loving pianist with dreams, Emma Stone the wannabe actress awaiting her big break. The rest is Oscar-scooping history. Christmas Day, BBC2, 10.10pm
Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan delivers a cleverly pared-down and immaculately executed retelling of the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan delivers a cleverly pared-down and immaculately executed retelling of the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. A modern, military epic. Boxing Day, BBC1, 9.05pm
The Greatest Showman
The critics mostly hated it, the public – at least the part that like musicals – loved it, won over by Hugh Jackman’s (above) tuneful turn as the circus impresario, P. T. Barnum
The musical that divided critics from the public. The former mostly hated it, the latter – at least the part that like musicals – loved it, won over by Hugh Jackman’s tuneful turn as the circus impresario, P. T. Barnum. New Year’s Day, Channel 4, 5.30pm
Matthew Bond
RADIO
SUNDAY
The Haunting of M. R. James Radio 4, 3pm
Mark Gatiss stars in a chilling play about the master of the ghost story, M. R. James, who used to read a tale to his Cambridge students every Christmas. In Neil Brand’s drama he finds that the horrors he has created are being reflected in real life.
MONDAY
A Maigret Christmas Radio 4 Extra, 2pm, Monday-Friday
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a story by Georges Simenon, in which the Paris detective is visited by a young woman who says she has seen Father Christmas in her room cutting a hole in the floor. As the snow falls, Maigret investigates…
The Mystery of Edwin Drood Radio 4, 7.45pm
In Mike Walker’s ten-part adaptation of Charles Dickens’s unfinished suspense novel, the author’s daughter Kate tells the story, in which Drood disappears after his fiancee becomes the focus of choirmaster and opium addict John Jasper’s attention.
WEDNESDAY
A Winter’s Journey Radio 3, 4.30pm
London’s Wigmore Hall hosted the first concerts since lockdown began in March. Highlights include cellist Steven Isserlis with Schumann’s Three Romances, and tenor Mark Padmore performing Schubert’s song-cycle Winterreise.
CHRISTMAS EVE
A Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols Radio 4, 3pm
Live from King’s College, Cambridge, nine Bible readings interspersed with carols old and new. No congregation this year, just the world-famous chapel choir.
Excuse Me, Are You John Shuttleworth? Radio 4, 6.15pm
The singer/organist reveals the man behind the character (musician Graham Fellows) and recalls his 40-odd years in showbiz, from 1977 when he came up with his first creation, Jilted John. Shuttleworth will be adding his thoughts too.
CHRISTMAS DAY
With Great Pleasure at Christmas Radio 4, 7am
Seventy years of The Archers is marked by the cast as they present readings, music and behind-the-scenes anecdotes – one for each decade of the drama’s run.
Drama: Christmas By the Lake Radio 4, 2.15pm
Rachel Joyce’s play concerns Walter and Mary (Robert Lindsay and Niamh Cusack), in their 60s and hating Christmas. After an incident at the titular lake, an unlikely friendship develops that brings a sparkle to the festive season.
BOXING DAY
Neil Gaiman’s The Sleeper and the Spindle Radio 4, 3pm
Neil Gaiman’s tale combines Snow White and Sleeping Beauty and stars Penelope Wilton and Gwendoline Christie. On her wedding day, a soldier-queen tries to save her kingdom from a sleeping sickness.
Mark Cook