Christmas & New Year’s TV Guide

MIKE MULVIHILL’S guide to the festive TV shows – and there are more unmissable treats on the next page...

SUNDAY 22

Once Upon A Time At Christmas 6.30PM, RTé ONE ★★★

This pantomime focuses on the Big Bad Wolf, who is determined to show that he’s changed his ways. However, Goldilocks isn’t convinced that he really has become the Big Good Wolf.

Home Rescue

7.30PM, RTé ONE ★★★★

Retiree Jim used to love entertaining, but now he’s too embarrassed to invite friends and neighbours into to his house in the Dublin suburb of Glasnevin. Can the team clear out the clutter and give him a home he can be proud of?

His Dark Materials

8PM, BBC1 ★★★★

This magical series comes to a close in suitably spellbinding fashion, with Lyra learning more about Asriel’s rebellion while the Magisterium closes in. Fans shouldn’t have to wait long for the new series – it has already been filmed.

A Christmas Carol

9PM, BBC1 ★★★★

There are numerous versions of the Dickens classic in the schedules (see page 31 for our round-up of some of the best), and here’s Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s eagerly awaited new adaptation. Guy Pearce stars as a haunted Scrooge, with Stephen Graham as the late Jacob Marley. Showing in three parts, it continues Monday and Tuesday.

The Christmas Misadventures Of Romesh Ranganathan

9PM, BBC2 ★★★

Having gone to the Arctic for last year’s Christmas trek, Romesh heads somewhere warmer this year as he embarks on a 700-mile journey across the Sahara – in July. Be warned, the local treatment for snake bites isn’t for the squeamish.

MONDAY 23

A Question Of Sport: Christmas Special 7PM, BBC1 ★★★

The show will be celebrating its 50th birthday on Friday, but first, this fun festive edition sees team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell joined by Olympians Amy Williams and Rebecca Adlington, ex-England striker Darren Bent and superbiker James Toseland.

The Secret World Of Toys At Christmas 7PM, CH4 ★★★

If you already have the presents bought and wrapped, here’s a great opportunity to see just what goes into the making and marketing of the toys under the tree.

The Goes Wrong Show: The Spirit Of Christmas 7.30PM, BBC1 ★★★★

We’ve had two Goes Wrong specials – Peter Pan in 2016 and A Christmas Carol in 2017 – and now, those clever people at Mischief Theatre bring us a six-part series of festive, farcical fun. This first finds the Cornley Drama Society staging the story of Santa bringing Christmas cheer – and indulging in far too much of it – to an unhappy family.

Rory O’Connell’s Christmas 2019 7.30PM, RTé ONE ★★★

Rory concentrates on snacks, including a new twist on that Christmas leftover staple, the turkey sandwich. He also reveals why polenta fries with blue cheese fonduta is perfect for unexpected guests.

MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch 2019 8PM, BBC2 ★★★★

This festive special pits five of the most successful contestants against each other. But first, judges Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing catch up with them at work and home to see how they’ve been faring.

Still Open All Hours 8.30PM, BBC1 ★★★

Granville dresses up as the Great Waldo and tries to put the magic back into Christmas, while Mr Newbold manages to wangle an invitation to Christmas lunch with Mrs Rossi.

Hugh Grant: A Life On Screen

9PM, BBC2 ★★★

The actor reflects on his career, from his early days to his 1990s romcom heyday to some of the more challenging roles he plays today. It’s a warm tribute, and Grant is engaging and eloquent. Richard Curtis, Sandra Bullock and Colin Firth are among the contributors.

Gordon, Gino & Fred: Christmas Road Trip – 3 Unwise Men 9PM, ITV ★★★

Gino D’Acampo had planned to take Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix to Jerusalem for Christmas, but after a mixup with the flights, they ended up 6,000 miles short – that’s the premise for a foodie road trip to Morocco that culminates in a festive feast like no other.

CHRISTMAS EVE

The Big Christmas Rewind 6.20PM, RTé ONE ★★★

A host of celebrities, including stars of

The Young Offenders, Mrs Brown’s Boys and Derry Girls, are sitting down with their families (both real and of the TV variety) to watch shows from Irish Christmases past.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea 7.30PM, CH4 ★★★★★

Enchanting adaptation of Judith Kerr’s 1968 children’s book about a tea-guzzling big cat who turns up in the home of an ordinary family. Benedict Cumberbatch and David Walliams lead the all-star voice cast.

Carols from Kilkenny Castle 9.20PM, RTé ONE ★★★★

Mary Kennedy is joined by Colm Wilkinson, Ronan Tynan, Roisin O and her new band Thanks Brother, Hudson Taylor,

the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and a host of local choirs for a very special carol concert.

Not Going Out Christmas Special 10PM, BBC1 ★★★★

In a hilarious festive treat, bickering husband and wife Lee and Lucy (Lee Mack and Sally Bretton) set out to buy an inflatable Santa Claus for the children. But then, Lucy’s purse is stolen, which sets off a chain of events that becomes funnier and funnier…

CHRISTMAS DAY

The Snail And The Whale 2.30PM, BBC1 ★★★★★

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas these days without an animated adaptation of a Julia Donaldson story. This one’s about a tiny sea snail with an unusual desire to see the world, and features the voice talent of Rob Brydon, Sally Hawkins and Diana Rigg.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 4.40PM, BBC1 ★★★★ Former contestants Chizzy Akudolu, Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson, Joe Sugg, Mark Wright and Richard Arnold are the shiny stars returning to the dance floor.

The Great Christmas Bake Off 7.10PM, CH4 ★★★★

Joining Noel, Sandi, Prue and Paul for their traditional Christmas bash are Tom and Yan from 2017 and Briony and Terry from 2018, while legendary rockers Status Quo drop by to play Rockin’ All Over The World.

Dolly Parton – Here I Am

8.30PM, BBC2 ★★★★

A hugely enjoyable profile of the singer who rose from a dirt-poor background to become one of the biggest country stars in the world. Archive footage combines with an interview with Dolly herself to tell the story. And, of course, there’s plenty of great music.

Jamie And Jimmmy’s Festive Feast 8.30PM, CH4 ★★★

After finishing your own Christmas dinner, head over to Southend Pier, where Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty are throwing a festive bash for family and friends.

The actor Taron Egerton is the celebrity guest helping to get the celebrity chef’s party started.

Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special 10.30PM, BBC1 ★★★ In a typically raucous episode inspired by the Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life, Agnes (Brendan O’Carroll) has her world turned upside down when an angel arrives in Finglas, and grants her wish to see what life would be like if she’d never been born. There are more laughs on New Year’s Day.

ST STEPHEN’S DAY

Mimi And The Mountain Dragon 3.20PM, BBC1 ★★★★ Michael Morpurgo’s children’s book is brought to life in this chaming animation. Mimi is the girl who finds a stranded baby dragon. Can she return it safely to its mother, and help to bring peace to her village?

Worzel Gummidge 6.20PM, BBC1 ★★★★ ‘You put a Wor after W, and a Wor after O, a Wor after R, and it’s away we go…’ Viewers of a certain age will have fond memories of Jon Pertwee as the walking, talking scarecrow. Now, more than 30 years after he was last on our screens, the series has been revived, with Mackenzie Crook in the lead role.

Pat Shortt’s Music From D’Telly Christmas Special 6.25PM, RTé ONE ★★★ Pat raids the archives to bring us classic Christmas favourites, along with some rarely seen performances, from artists including Mary Black, Sonny Knowles and Elvis Costello.

Paddington: The Man Behind The Bear 9PM, BBC2 ★★★★★

Hosted by Hugh Bonneville, who played Mr Brown in the Paddington films, this wonderful documentary celebrates the wit, charm and goodwill of Peru’s most famous export.

Stephen Fry and Bernard Cribbins are among the famous fans of Paddington sharing the love.

Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2019

9PM, CH4 ★★★★

Question master Jimmy Carr hosts as celebrity quizzers Dara O Briain, Maya Jama, Asim Chaudhry, Roisin Conaty, Noel Fielding and Richard Ayoade compete to see who can recall the most about the past 12 months.

Susan Hill’s Ghost Story

9PM, CH5 ★★★★

This atmospheric adaptation of Hill’s 2010 novel The Small Hand is heavy with Gothic chills, dark shadows and creaky floorboards. Douglas Henshall is the antique book dealer taking the hand of a ghostly child, and being led into a confrontation with his own past.

FRIDAY 27

The World’s Most Expensive Christmas Cruise Ship

8PM, CH5 ★★★

As the Seven Seas Explorer basks in the sunshine of Miami, the Cayman Islands and Mexico, the crew are pulling out all the stops to make sure it’s a Christmas cruise to remember for everyone on board.

A Question Of Sport At 50 8.30PM, BBC1 ★★★★

Current captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell are joined by some famous past contestants to share their memories of what has become the world’s longestrunning sports quiz.

Richard Osman’s World Cup Of The Decade 9PM, CH4 ★★★★ Settle back for some good old-fashioned nostalgia as the Pointless co-host and his famous guests celebrate the very best of the past ten years, including films, TV shows and celebrities.

Brendan Grace - Thanks For The Memories Concert

9.30PM, RTé ONE ★★★★

The much-loved entertainer was working on this concert right up until his death in July, and his friends have turned it into a fitting tribute to Brendan.

copy SATURDAY 28

The Many Faces Of Michael Caine 6.50PM, BBC2 ★★★★

The British actor has managed to convince in a wide variety of roles throughout his 60-year career. This profile, first shown in 2011, pays tribute with the help of archive clips and the words of friends and critics.

Ar Thóir na Crown Jewels 7.15PM, TG4 ★★★★

On July 6, 1907, the Irish Crown Jewels were stolen from Dublin Castle. Estimated to be worth about €20 million today, the stolen gems have never been found. Here, a descendant of the cleaner who uncovered the theft presents her thoughts.

Casualty 9.20PM, BBC1 ★★★

Ethan is elated by the news that he’s been given the opportunity to go to Costa Rica for a work placement, but Dylan is struggling in his role as the clinical lead of the ED.

Mystify: Michael Hutchence/ INXS: Live Baby Live

9.20PM/11PM, BBC2 ★★★★

Rare archive footage and intimate insights from family and friends combine to tell the story of the charismatic Australian singer who died, aged just 37, in 1997.

It’s followed by a chance to see him in concert with his band, INXS, at Wembley Stadium in 1991.

SUNDAY 29

The Secret Life Of Mary Poppins 2PM, BBC2 ★★★★

Victoria Coren Mitchell explores the complex life of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, looking at her 20-year battle with Walt Disney, whose 1964 film version she loathed. Saving Mr Banks, the film based on that relationship, starring Emma Thompson as Travers and Tom Hanks as Disney, is at 3pm.

Countryfile 6PM, BBC1 ★★★★ Steve Brown is in Somerset, celebrating the work that volunteers and communities do in the UK countryside, from counting bees to helping people with mental health issues.

The Repair Shop At Christmas

7PM, BBC1 ★★★★

In this charming Christmas special,

Jay Blades and his team of passionate and skilled craftspeople are beavering away like busy Christmas elves, repairing and rescuing beloved festive treasures.

Top Gear Nepal Special

9PM, BBC2 ★★★★

Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris are crossing the Himalayas in the least suitable vehicles possible: a very old Peugeot, a very old Renault, and Nepal’s first (and only) home-built car. The trio take part in a high-altitude journey from Kathmandu to the Forbidden City of Lo Manthan

Niall Toibin: Everyman

9.30PM, RTé ONE ★★★

Before he passed away in November, aged 89, just wight days shy of his 90th birthday, actor Niall Tóibín enjoyed a long and distinguished career appearing in the likes of Ryan’s Daughter, Veronica Guerin and Ballykissangel. This profile celebrates his life and work.

MONDAY 30

Snow Animals 7PM, BBC1 ★★★★ Liz Bonnin introduces a cast of charismatic animals, from Siberian chipmunks to Arctic foxes, revealing the strategies they use to survive in winter.

Christmas Sales: Supershoppers Special 8PM, CH4 ★★★

Sabrina Grant and Helen Skelton hit the sales to investigate the tricks that retailers use to get us to spend money.

Great Irish Interiors

8.30PM, RTé ONE ★★★

This new documentary series follows three multimillion euro historical building restorations. First up is Doneraile Court, whose doors have not opened to the public in half a century.

Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-Play 2019 9PM, ITV ★★★

The Chatty Man is hosting a night of fun and games that sees six celebrities taking seats on the sofa for a raucous look back at 2019.

The Best Of 2010-2015 Wipe

10.45PM, BBC2 ★★★★

Relive the best moments from Charlie Brooker’s cynical end-of-the-year show, which has sadly been missing from the schedules in recent years.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Dame Edna Rules The Waves 9.05PM, BBC1 ★★★★

Direct from her super-yacht, Dame Edna hosts an evening of music and chat with guests Sharon Osbourne, Rob Rinder, Emily Atack and Nile Rodgers.

The Graham Norton Show: New Year’s Eve Show

10.20PM, BBC1 ★★★★

Graham presents his traditional New Year’s Eve talk show, with guests

Tom Hanks, new Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse and Line Of Duty star Stephen Graham, plus music by Melanie C.

Una Healy’s New Year’s Eve Party 10.25PM, RTé ONE ★★★★ Una Healy and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, together with a star-studded cast including The Waterboys, David Gray, Wallis Bird, Brian Kennedy and many other guests will be celebrating a truly magical night.

Jools’ Annual Hootenanny 11.15PM, BBC2 ★★★★

Welcome in the 2020s with bluesman Jools Holland and his guests, who this year include the rapper Stormzy, Welsh rockers Stereophonics and, as usual, the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Leaving Limbo

6.30PM, RTé ONE ★★★★ Documentary featuring Natasha Maimba and Minahil Sarfraz, teenage best friends who met while growing up as asylum seekers in Direct Provision. Cameras follow the duo as they prepare to sit their Leaving Certificate exams.

Dracula 9PM, BBC1 ★★★★★

From the creators of Sherlock comes an interpretation of the Bram Stoker tale. Claes Bang gets his teeth into the role of the Count in this three-part drama, which shows over consecutive nights.

Earth’s Tropical Islands

9PM, BBC2 ★★★★

Over the next three nights, let yourself be transported to three stunning islands. The series begins with Madagascar, and continues with Borneo and Hawaii.

Bancroft 9PM, ITV ★★★★ We’ve had to wait two years for the return of Sarah Parish as the morally dubious Elizabeth Bancroft, but she blazes back on to our screens in style for a new, three-part case.