TV HIGHLIGHTS
MONDAY Revolting Rhymes, BBC1, 6.30pm
The first of two animations adapted from three poems written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake. Today’s are from Snow White & the Seven Dwarves, Little Red
Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. Snow White and Red Riding Hood become best friends and the former takes on the Wicked Queen, while the latter is called home to deal with a pair of ravenous wolves one of which has eaten her grandmother and dressed in her clothes. The other can’t help satisfying his appetite with some unsuspecting piggies. Part two is tomorrow.
The Great Christmas Bake-Off, BBC1, 7pm
In this festive edition, eight contestants of Bake-Off’s past return to don their aprons and create something delicious for the judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. For the bakers, this is a chance to battle it out and leave the tent a winner. Mel and Sue are also on hand to bring out the best in the contestants with some good-natured ribbing. For a chance at glory, the bakers face a tough bread challenge from Paul and of course, the final challenge will require them to make a trio of Christmas favourites. Mince pie anyone?
Still Open All Hours, BBC1, 8.30pm
In this new series, Granville and Gastric find themselves playing marriage counsellors while Leroy adopts a disguise to avoid relationship trouble. Elsewhere, Mrs Featherstone is not feeling festive while Kath attempts to bring the street together as one harmonious choir — and it looks like Granville has a trick up his sleeve to help her out. David Jason and James Baxter star.
TUESDAY A Night with Olly Murs, TV3, 7.30pm
The cheeky chappy has come a long way from runner up in The
X Factor in 1997. In this onehour entertainment special, the likeable Olly will perform some of his most popular hits such as Dear Darlin and Heart Skips a Beat as well some of his more recent material, including foottapping single Wrapped Up. The singer is accompanied by a live band the show will also feature star appearances.
Witness for the Prosecution, BBC1, 9pm
The last in the series will add some scandal and intrigue to your Tuesday evening. It’s 1920s London and a beautiful woman has lost her life. All fingers are pointing at Leonard, a young chancer who seduced the older woman into leaving him her fortune before killing her. A penniless solicitor is charged with leading the case and becomes convinced of the boy’s innocence.
Inside No 9, BBC2, 10pm
The award-winning anthology of comedy dramas returns with a macabre special. It’s Austria, 1977 and all the good children are given presents by St. Nicholas and the naughty ones are punished by the demonic Krampus — it only remains to find out, who has been good and who has been bad? Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith star.
WEDNESDAY Celebrity Home of the Year, RTE1, 6.30pm
This festive special sees a number of famous faces opening their doors to see which of them has the honour of having their house crowned Home of the Year. Overseen by eagleeyed judges Hugh Wallace, Declan O’Donnell and Deirdre Whelan, this programme sees five celebrities battling it out, including Darren Kennedy, Norah Casey and Brent Pope.
Ethel & Ernest, BBC1, 7.30pm
This beautiful animated film is based on the award-winning book of the same name, written by Raymond Briggs. This is the story of the author’s own parents, two Londoners who lived through a period of immense social upheaval. The film depicts the most defining moments of the 20th century from the Great Depression to VE Day. British talent breathing life into the characters include Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn.
Jonathan Creek Christmas Special, BBC1, 10.50pm
You’re in for a festive treat with a difference with this chilling special. According to legend, a 19th century sorcerer named Jacob Surtees summoned demons to torture his victims. Eye-witness accounts of the time describe his eye-popping feats such as telekinesis which to this day remain unexplained. Some 150 years on, Daemons’ Roost is now occupied by another cold character — horror film director Nathan Clore. The sleuth is called in to help when Clore finds himself dealing with sinister events.
THURSDAY Life in the Snow, BBC2, 9pm BBC1, 8pm
It’s not Christmas without some fluffy animals to make us feel all warm and fuzzy. In this seasonal special, Gordon Buchanan meets the amazing animals who live in real-life winter wonderlands. We meet polar bears, owls and penguins and that’s not all... we also get a glimpse into the life of reindeer and robins. If this doesn’t make you feel good, nothing will.
Charlie Brooker’s 2016 Wipe,
And now for something a whole lot different. The razor-tongued critic returns with his annual review of the year. It’s been an eventful one too. Business tycoon Donald Trump managed to pull out his (ahem) trump card and win the presidential race to the White House. Even more shocking... Bake-Off deserted BBC 1. Charlie will be joined by the ever-insightful Philomena Cunk who will be trying to understand what it is that Professor Brian Cox is actually saying.
Bruce Springsteen: In His Own Words, Channel 4pm, 10pm
This exclusive documentary sets out to reveal the enigmatic man behind the music. With exclusive access to home video from the singer’s youth, and footage from his early years performing solo in Greenwich Village, the 90minute special provides a unique insight. He’s sold 160 million albums around the world and now Springsteen has become a number one best-selling author, following the release of his autobiography Born to Run. He also talks about his first foray into prose writing and explains his greatest influences, detailing the experiences that motivate him to continue to write.
FRIDAY Xpose: Access All Areas, TV3, 6.30pm
Now for a dose of celebrity gossip, fashion and beauty. Xpose takes you behind the scenes and backstage of the hippest and most happening events of 2016. From the prestigious New York Fashion Week to the star-studded Victoria Secret show, the girls get the skinny on the latest news from the beautiful people.
Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast, Channel 4, 8pm
Jamie and Jimmy are back on Southend Pier for a brand new fourth series. In this episode, Jamie shows John Bishop how to make the tastiest lasagne ever and Jimmy builds a log hive hoping to attract wild bees to his farm and Jamie continues his crusade for healthy children by trying to change how they’re fed on holidays. Other star guests include Alesha Dixon and jungle queen Scarlett Moffatt.
The Real Marigold on Tour, BBC2, 9pm
It’s the last in the series of the colourful reality show. Miriam, Wayne, Bobby and Rosemary head east to a place which boasts the longest life expectancy in the world — Japan. There, they experience living like Japanese retirees in Kyoto and taking part in early morning keep fit class called Radio Taiso. Bobby and Miriam also look at work geared towards senior citizens and entertain the thought of taking a dip in a hot spring.
SATURDAY Winnie-the-Pooh: The Most Famous Bear in the World, Channel 4, 6pm
Alan Titchmarsh celebrates the 90th birthday of the much beloved bear, Winnie the Pooh. Huge fan of A A Milne’s children’s stories, Titchmarsh visits the department store at Harrods where Milne bought the toys that inspired his world-famous characters. He also sets out to find out why Milne changed direction and decided to write for children. There are also interviews with Ann Thwaite, Milne’s biographer, children’s author Brian Sibley, social historian Hester Barron and journalist Matthew Sweet. It’s certainly one for small (and big) children.
New Year’s Eve Live – Centenary Special, RTE1, 10.15pm
As the 1916 Centenary year comes to a close, join Claire Byrne, Kathryn Thomas and Bryan Dobson as they look back on an important year for the emerald isle. Claire hosts proceedings in Iveagh House on St Stephen’s Green while Aidan Power brings us highlights from Dublin’s NYF Festival including the ‘3 Countdown Concert’ featuring Irish five-piece Walking on Cars. Bryan will broadcast live from New York and Kathryn will be in the heart of London.
The Graham Norton Show, BBC1, 10.25pm
It’s New Year’s Eve and what better way to kicks off the celebrations by settling down in front of the telly with mulled wine or a flute of fizz. On the famous sofa tonight are actors Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard who are co-starring in Assassin’s Creed. X-Man star James McAvoy will also be on the sofa, chatting about his new film Split. Host of Room
101, Frank Skinner and Irish Olympic rowing heroes Gary and Paul O’Donovan complete the star-studded lineup. Last but not least, Pete Tong and The Heritage provide the musical entertainment. All you need to do is count down the dongs.