This Christmas season there are so many exciting appearances on television, and we’ve got you covered! FromCall the Midwife Christmas Special to All Creatures Great and Small, here are our top picks for what to tune into this festive season.
Call the Midwife Christmas Special, BBC1 & BBC iPlayer, Christmas Day, 8pm
It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a trip to Nonnatus House now would it? All the show’s familiar faces will return, including Helen George, Stephen McGann, Jenny Agutter and Leonie Elliott, while Miriam Margolyes will be reprising her role as Sister Mildred for the special episode. Dr Turner’s son, Max, will also be returning from medical school, and his father is in for a particularly busy Christmas.
Not too much has been given away regarding the plot, but earlier this year the team behind the show did share a post on the official Call The Midwife Instagram account, featuring a picture of Reggie (played by Daniel Laurie) standing outdoors in some pyjamas and and Lucille (played by Leonie Elliott) wrapped up in the snow. The caption teased: “Of course, we're not going to tell you what happens in this episode, except to say that our own lovely Lucille has a LOT to prepare for…” followed by some wedding emojis. We can’t wait!
The Larkins Christmas Special, ITV, Christmas Day 9PM
The entire Larkins family will be making a return to our screens during the festive period, following on from the series finale in mid-November. The feature-length episode will see Mariette and Charley return to Kent for Christmas and take their relationship to the next level by bringing Charley’s parents along to meet the rest of the Larkin clan.
However, the meeting doesn’t go to plan (of course) as the village experiences a power cut and are left with no heating or lighting, and there’s been a series of burglaries throughout the village. It will be an eventful Christmas at the Larkins to say the least!
Dr Who: Eve of the Daleks, BBC1, New Years Day
The Doctor, Yaz and Dan are back for another action packed episode to kick start the New Year. The trio find themselves trapped at ELF storage and stuck in a scary time loop with the terrifying Daleks. The gang will have to work together to avoid being exterminated, but will the succeed and make it out of the storage facility to see New Years Day?
The exact time hasn't been confirmed, but we will update this article as soon as we know.
Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, ITV, Christmas Eve, 7:30pm
The carol event will provide a moment for the nation to come together and reflect, to think not only of the extraordinary challenges that we have faced, but also to celebrate the acts of kindness that we have witnessed across our nation. Carols will be sung by the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir, alongside musical performances from Leona Lewis, Tom Walker and Ellie Goulding, as well as special readings from The Duke of Cambridge, Kim Daybell and Kate Garraway.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special, Channel 5, 24 December, 9pm
All the show's familiar faces will be making a return including Nicholas Ralph as vet James Herriot, Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall, Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon and Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson. There could potentially be a wedding on the cards too, as we saw James propose to Helen at the end of series 2, so watch this space!
A Boy Called Christmas, Sky Cinema, available now on Sky Cinema on Sky TV, Sky Q and NOW
Sky are bringing us an original family festive tale, the tale of Father Christmas. It follows the story of young Nikolas who sets out on an adventure with his reindeer, Blitzen and pet mouse, to search for his father, who’s also on the hunt for a village of elves. There’s a fantastic cast too, including Dame Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey, Harry Potter) and Sally Hawkins (Paddington).
Death in Paradise Christmas Special, BBC1, Boxing Day, 7:30PM
This will be the first Christmas Special for the Death in Paradise cast and we’re super excited to see what’s going down in Saint Marie. The official synopsis for 90 minute feature-length episode reads: "It’s Christmas time on Saint Marie and Neville is preparing to head to Manchester to spend the holiday with his family. But his plans are abruptly changed when a billionaire shipping magnate dies in mysterious circumstances.
"Things only get stranger when a minicab driver in London receives a Christmas card with an ominous message inside that turns the entire case on its head. For Neville and the team, will this be a case they can crack together?"
Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad at Christmas, ITV, Christmas Eve, 9pm
We’re delighted that we're getting double Bradley Walsh on our screens over the festive period and even better, he’s joined by his son Barney. The pair will head off to Iceland for another adventure in their famous RV, where they’ll take in the amazing sites, including glaciers and volcanos.
Speaking about the special episode Bradley said: “Barney knows I hate the cold but I love Christmas, so I had to say yes to a festive road trip around Iceland. I just hope I can find somewhere to roast my chestnuts.”
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, 25 December, 7:10pm
If your panicking there'll be Strictly hole left in your heart then don’t, as six new celebs will be dancing in the Christmas Special. The contestants hoping to be crowned champion this year include the likes of Fred Sirieix (First Dates), previous Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc, broadcaster Moira Stuart OBE and singer Anne-Marie.
The Great British Bake Off Festive Special, Channel 4, 25 December, 8pm
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The cast from Channel 4’s award-winning show ‘It’s A Sin’ will be putting their baking skills to the test in the Bake Off tent, while being judged by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and under the watchful eye of Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas.
Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs at Christmas, ITV, Christmas Day, 5pm
This heartwarming series, which sees Paul follow the lives of animals at Battersea’s Dog and Cat Home has been a family favourite, so we’re delighted to see it return for the festive period. In this episode we can see Paul trying to sprinkle some festive cheer at the animal shelter and help more pooches find their forever home. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig, Channel 4, 28 December, 8pm
The national treasure will be whisking away another of the nation’s most fascinating and funny woman off on a festive escape. There’ll be lots of delicious food, tempting tipples and the pair will reflect on the most important things in life.
A Very British Scandal, BBC1, Boxing Day, 9pm
This three-part series is perfect for lovers of period drama and stars The Crown’s brilliant Claire Foy. It follows the divorce of Duke and Duchess of Argyll (Foy) and the media that surrounded it in the 1960s.
EastEnders Christmas Special, BBC1, Christmas Day, 9pm and Boxing Day, 10pm
This year there’s a double winter wedding in Albert Square, with Denise, Jack, Chelsea and Gray, but, as always, there’s drama luring in the background, meaning this special day could turn icy pretty quickly!
Coronation Street, ITV, Christmas Day, 8pm and Boxing Day, 7:30pm
Emma is getting ready to marry her dream man, Curtis, but some secrets begin to unfold about her husband-to-be which could ruin their special day. We’ll also see people still shaken by Seb’s death, with Nina particularly struggling. Nothing goes smoothly in the land of soaps.
Emmerdale Christmas Special, ITV, Christmas Day, 7pm
As the residents of Emmerdale wake up to what’s believed to be a thin layer of snow flashbacks begin to occur explaining what really happened the night before, with some things “changed forever”.
The Girl Before, BBC1, 19 December, 9pm
If thrillers are more your thing then this should keep you well entertained up towards Christmas. Based on JP Delaney’s bestselling novel of the same name, this four part psychological thriller follows a woman named Jane, who gets to move into an impressive, minimalist house. But there’s one catch, to live in it she must abide by the architect's rules. Jane then makes a shocking discovery about the girl who lived there before her and begins to question whether her fate will end up being the same.
Strictly The Real Full Monty, ITV, 13 and 14 December, 9pm
Led by Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo, 10 celebs will be baring all to raise awareness of life-saving cancer checks. This time he’s got some new dance mentors assisting him for what’s said to be “the most ambitious Full Monty yet”.
The Royal Variety Performance 2021, ITV, 19 December, 7.20pm
This year The Royal Variety Show marks the Royal Albert Hall's 150th anniversary. So far the confirmed line up includes Ed Sheeran, Sir Rod Stewart, James Blunt and Bill Bailey.
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