What to watch on TV this week: Christmas Eve to Friday 9 January

Ready for a jam-packed schedule of telly treats that’ll keep you entertained well into the new year? The countdown to Christmas is officially on and with it comes a whole host of holiday highlights, from the festive editions of Call The Midwife and The Great British Bake Off to Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, The Night Manager and the return of massive reality smash hit The Traitors. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With all this plus our usual sport and movie picks of the week, there’s something for all tastes across the service. And don’t forget, with Virgin TV Go, you can take your TV with you on the move.

There’s so much good stuff on this week that we’ve compiled a list of the best TV shows to watch. Bookmark this page to keep up to date with the latest changes.

Pick of the day: Finding Father Christmas
7.30pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Ever since Lenny Rush’s breakout performance in Am I Being Unreasonable? we can’t get enough of the BAFTA winner on our screens, and we’re eager to see his latest role in this heartwarming festive tale. Rush plays 16-year-old Chris (Rush), who still believes in Father Christmas, and when his concerned father (James Buckley, The Inbetweeners) finally decides to tell him “the truth”, this inspires Chris to embark on his own Yuletide quest to find scientific proof that Jolly Old Saint Nick is real and restore his father’s faith. Stephen Fry, Greg Davies, Asim Chaudry, Hannah Fry, Jason Fox and Maggie Aderin-Pocock also star.

What else to watch:

• The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special – 7.25pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Royal Carols: Together At Christmas – 7.25pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special – 9pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

• A Ghost Story For Christmas: The Room In The Tower – 10pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

Pick of the day: The Great Christmas Bake Off 2025
8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

To paraphrase Jo in Little Women, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a Bake Off special. Which means that Paul, Prue, Noel and Alison are back in telly’s most famous tent with some celebrity guests who are whipping up delicious festive bakes and cakes. This year they’re joined by the stars of Peep Show who are reuniting for the first time since the legendary sitcom wrapped in 2015, as David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman compete for the coveted title of Festive Star Baker. Quite possibly the most brilliant piece of Christmas telly ever.

What else to watch:

• Only Fools & Horses: Heroes & Villains – 11.40am, U&GOLD HD (CH 124)

• Gladiators: Celebrity Special – 3.35pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – 5.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Call The Midwife Christmas Special – 8.15pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Amandaland Christmas Special – 9.15pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Pick of the day: Call The Midwife Christmas Special
8.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Nonnatus House. But this year’s two-part festive episode finds some of its residents far away from home. When disaster strikes at the Branch House in Kowloon, Sisters Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and Veronica (Rebecca Gethings) make a mercy dash to the premises where they face unthinkable dangers from the Hong Kong cartel. Back in Poplar, the younger midwives are left to their own devices without supervision from their seniors and decide to throw a wild party. Can we come?

What else to watch:

• Would I Lie To You? Christmas Special – 7pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The Repair Shop Christmas Special – 7.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The Masked Singer Christmas Special – 7.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• The Festive Pottery Throw Down – 7.45pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Big Fat Quiz Of The Year – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Pick of the day: Judi Dench: Shakespeare, My Family And Me
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Oscar winner Judi Dench isn’t just a force of nature on the silver screen. She’s also played some of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles on stage including the likes of Ophelia, Lady MacBeth, Juliet, Cleopatra and Titania, the Queen of the Fairies. Now, at 90, Dench is revisiting her ancestral past to discover whether her family might have shared a special connection with the playwright in a chance meeting in 1606, while also travelling to the historical sites that inspired some of Shakespeare’s most famous works.

What else to watch:

• Biggest Night Of Musicals – 6.45pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Wheel Of Fortune Christmas Special – 7.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Lives Well Lived – 7.40pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Nordic Train At Christmas – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• The Good Ship Murder Christmas Special – 9.30pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

Pick of the day: Titanic Sinks Tonight
9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

A century and more may have passed since the Titanic’s disastrous maiden voyage took place. But this four-part docudrama gives viewers new insight into one of the most infamous chapters in maritime history. Drawing from a vast archive of eyewitness testimonies, Titanic Sinks Tonight dramatizes the Titanic’s tragic sinking as it unfolded in real time, capturing the acts of heroism and the desperate fight for survival as told by the passengers and crew members on board the doomed vessel. Charlotte McCurry (Leonard And Hungry Paul), Oisin Thompson (Trespasses) and Tyger Drew-Honey (Outnumbered) star.

What else to watch:

• Richard Osman’s Festive House Of Games – 7pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: Is There Life Beyond Earth? – 7pm, BBC Four HD (CH 108)

• Death In Paradise Christmas Special – 8.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Torvill & Dean: The Last Dance – 8.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Irish Blood – 9pm + 10pm, Sky Witness HD (CH 110)

Pick of the day: The Celebrity Apprentice: Christmas Specials
9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

In this two-parter, a dozen celebrity candidates are heading off to Lapland in a festive-fuelled mission to create, market and sell their own delicious gingerbread biscuits in aid of BBC Children In Need. Come along for the sleigh ride as Rob Rinder, AJ Odudu, Angela Scanlon, Sarah Hadland and more put their best Christmas bakes forward in an attempt to impress Lord Alan Sugar back in the boardroom. We might pass on those bubblegum and pepper flavoured biscuits though… 

What else to watch:

• Celebrity Escape To The Country – 6.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Only Connect – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Midsomer Murders – 8.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Classic FM Live: 25th Anniversary Concert – 9pm, Sky Arts HD (CH 123)

• Murder At The Post Office – 9pm, Sky Documentaries HD (CH 188)

Pick of the day: Rob & Romesh Vs Shakespeare
9pm, Sky Showcase HD (CH 109) + Sky Max HD (CH 111)

There’s never a dull day at the office for Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan. After taking on Bollywood, hip hop and the jungle in this new series, the chaotic comedy pair take to the stage for silliness and sonnets in a production of Romeo And Juliet at the world-famous Globe theatre with seasoned thespians Martin Freeman and Jessie Buckley. Break a leg, guys! Catch up on new Rob & Romesh Vs in Sky Max on demand now.

What else to watch:

• Hercules The Bear: A Love Story – 6pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• DIY SOS: Gladiators Special – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Midsomer Murders – 8.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• The Celebrity Apprentice: Christmas Specials – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes – 9pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

Pick of the day: The Graham Norton New Year’s Eve Show
10.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Pour yourself something fizzy and settle in for a night of top-quality entertainment at the hottest New Year’s Eve party in town. Kicking off the celebrations on Graham Norton’s sofa tonight are Tom Hiddleston, who’s in the long-awaited second series The Night Manager returning to screens on New Year’s Day, as well as actors Laura Dern, Will Arnett, Carey Mulligan, Tim Key and Owen Cooper, the star of 2025 TV phenomenon Adolescence. Stay tuned on BBC One for more festivities as Ronan Keating and friends ring in the new year in style.

What else to watch:

• The Weakest Link: Party Special – 6.40pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Here We Go – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The Last Leg Of The Year – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Katherine Ryan: First Born Daughter – 9pm, Sky Comedy HD (CH 112)

• Jools’ Annual Hootenanny – 11.30pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

Pick of the day: The Night Manager
9.05pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

After a near-decade hiatus, we’re ready to be sucked back into this world of high-stakes espionage inspired by John le Carré’s best-selling spy novel. The second series catches up with Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), who’s now living under a new identity and has walked away from his past. However, a chance sighting takes him deep into a dangerous Colombian arms operation. Olivia Colman reprises her role as Angela Burr while new cast members include Diego Calva (Narcos: Mexico) and Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six). And with Hugh Laurie serving as an executive producer, does this mean that we’ll see a surprise return of his seemingly deceased character? Only time will tell…

What else to watch:

• Wild London – 6.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The Great New Year Bake Off – 6.40pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• The Traitors – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Red Eye – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Shedites – 10.35pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Pick of the day: The Traitors
8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

It’s day two of 2026 and, in telly terms, it’s a great year so far as we settle in for the return of The Traitors. After the impeccable first series pulled us all in, we’ve since enjoyed two more brilliant outings as well as the magnificent celebrity version. Now that the new batch of Traitors and Faithfuls have had a chance to find their footing in the castle, we can’t wait to see how the next game of deception and deceit unfolds. Claudia Winkleman returns to host and model tweed coats.

What else to watch:

• Tom Read Wilson’s Magnificent Journey – 8pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

• Red Eye – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Taskmaster’s New Year Treat – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• I’m Chevy Chase And You’re Not – 9pm, Sky Documentaries HD (CH 188)

• Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job – 9.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Pick of the day: Taskmaster’s New Year Treat
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Greg Davies and “Little” Alex Horne return to screens with another New Year Treat for Taskmaster fans. Joining the mischievous duo for the two-parter is a starry line-up including Big Zuu, Jill Scott, Sam Ryder, Susie Dent and Rose Ayling-Ellis. Bask in all the usual easy-watching merriment and mayhem while you recover from all those New Year’s Eve festivities. Let the silliness commence!

What else to watch:

• The Masked Singer – 6.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• The Traitors – 7.45pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The 1% Club – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Waiting For The Out – 9.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Bowie: The Final Act – 10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Pick of the day: Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Another batch of 14 famous faces will be put through their paces to see if they have what it takes to join the Special Air Service. Spoiler: they rarely do. But this time round there’s a major twist as the British recruits will be welcoming Australian stars to the fray. Team GB includes former Love Islander Dani Dyer, rugby player Ben Cohen, Gladiator star Toby Olubi and cricketer Gareme Swann, while Team Australia counts actors Ryan Moloney, Axle Whitehead and Natalie Bassingthwaite, as well as cricketer Brad Hodge.

What else to watch:

• The Masked Singer – 6.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Celebrity Escape To The Country – 7pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The Great Pottery Throw Down – 7.30pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Pilgrimage With Simon Reeve – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• The Night Manager – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Pick of the day: Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake
9pm, U&W HD (CH 125)

Pete Wicks and his four-legged friends are back to help banish those January blues with some very good boys and girls on your screens. Get ready to meet a whole new pack of pups with the return of this award-winning series, as Wicks meets Dogs Trust teams around the UK who are helping furry friends get back up on their paws and find their furr-ever homes. Moving stuff.

What else to watch:

• Junior Bake Off – 5pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Corriedale – 8pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Lynley – 8.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Lucy Worsley: Victorian Murder Club – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Pick of the day: What Not To Eat
8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Many of us make a New Year’s resolution to eat more healthily – so allow scientist Professor Tim Spector and GP Dr Kandi Ejiofor to help you navigate the world of ultra-processed foods, which are thought to contribute to the UK's rising obesity rates. The experts reveal what goes into these foods as well as which seemingly healthy options are hiding ultra-processed ingredients, offering nutritious alternatives and easy recipes in a bid to transform the nation’s health. In this episode, Vicki and Rob from Scarborough tackle their instant-noodle addiction.

What else to watch:

• Rick Stein’s Australia – 7pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Inside The Factory – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Waterloo Road – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Catching A Killer: Buried Truths – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Dark Winds – 9pm, U&Alibi HD (CH 114)

Pick of the day: Can You Keep A Secret?
9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

The Vicar Of Dibley’s Dawn French is back where she belongs, starring in a BBC One sitcom slap back in the middle of your evening’s telly entertainment. French plays Debbie Fendon, a widow with a big secret: she’s not really a widow at all. Her husband William (Friday Night Dinner’s Mark Heap) is hiding in the loft after he was mistakenly declared dead. Just until the insurance pays out… But can they keep the truth from their son Harry (Craig Roberts) and, more importantly, his police-officer wife Neha (Mandip Gill)? Beans are in constant danger of being spilled in this mischievous comedy written by This Country producer Simon Mayhew-Archer.

What else to watch:

• Abandoned Engineering – 7pm, U&Yesterday HD (CH 127)

• The Traitors – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Kirstie And Phil’s Love It Or List It – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Patience – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Matlock – 9pm, Sky Witness HD (CH 110)

Pick of the day: Black Ops
9.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

After Dom (Gbemisoa Ikumela, The Paper) and Kay (Hammed Animashaun, The Wheel Of Time) somehow closed a huge case in the first series of this riotous comedy, they’ve secured themselves new roles… at, yes, MI5. But they’re no James Bonds and they’re stuck with decidedly unglamorous work – until Dom meets Steve, a charismatic spy offering the promise of more exciting, classified work. Put all enemies of the state on notice: Dom and Kay are on to you. Sort of.

What else to watch:

• The Traitors – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Live Well With The Drug-Free Doctor – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Patience – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Allegiance – 9pm, U&Alibi HD (CH 114)

• Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations With Si King – 9pm, More4 HD (CH 147)

Pick of the day: The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Somewhere along the way, The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year became a baked-in part of the UK’s Yuletide entertainment calendar. But its telly themed spin-off The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly should be a must-watch in your household too. Harry Hill, Judi Love, Tom Allen, Joanne McNally, Sam Campbell and Susan Wokoma battle it out to see who knows the most about TV, with Jimmy Carr returning as question master. Tune in to brush up on your pub quiz knowledge.

What else to watch:

• Would I Lie To You? – 7.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The Traitors – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Can You Make £10K In 10 Days? – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 101)

• Mystery Road: Origin – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job – 9.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Football: Premier League – Leeds United v Manchester United
Sunday 4 January, 11am, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

Leeds’ Daniel Farke and Man Utd’s Ruben Amorim seem like two of the calmest coaches in the Premier League, but neither has yet been thrust into the boiling cauldron that’s created when their teams come face to face on the pitch. Fans of these two clubs really don’t like each other, a rivalry dating back at least to the 1970s, and Leeds supporters’ feelings will be intensified by the fact that – whisper it – they haven’t beaten Man Utd in a league match for 23 years.

It’s been a tough season for Leeds but an unbeaten run-in December, including an impressive 3-1 win over Chelsea, showed what they’re capable of, especially when experienced striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin can stay fit. And although the Red Devils are still prone to a bit of defensive chaos, there’s no doubt they’re improving, boosted by the return of the talented Mason Mount.

Whatever the result, there will be a crackling atmosphere at Elland Road as these old adversaries renew their conflict. Don’t miss the action on TNT Sports on the first Sunday of the new year.

What else to watch:

Looking for more sport this week? We can help with that.

• All the best live sport you can watch on TV this week

• Got a Sky Sports subscription? Check out our monthly guide

• If you’ve got TNT Sports, your monthly guide is here

Chicken Run
New Year’s Eve, 7.10pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107/113)

With Aardman Animations set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, you can get ready for the festivities with one of the studio’s most beloved tales. When plucky avian Ginger (Julia Sawalha) tries to break free of her monotonous life of egg-laying on a chicken farm, she meets “flying” rooster Rocky Rhodes (Mel Gibson) and hatches a plan to escape the evil clutches of Mr and Mrs Tweedy – and liberate chickenkind once and for all. Catch more Aardman action including the new Shaun The Sheep: Fleece Navidad and lots of Wallace And Gromit in Apps > BBC iPlayer now. Cracking.

• Our monthly Sky Cinema guide featuring the best movies this month

• Looking for something on Netflix? Try our monthly guide to new releases

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