HIGHLIGHTS
SATURDAY
Christmas In The Park Three, 7pm
This Kiwi Christmas classic – featuring festive songs and performances – is now in its 26th year. Gracing the stage at the Auckland Domain for 2019 are Ladi6, Sons Of Zion, dance troupes Studio 246 and Drury Lane Dance, and many more. Hosts are Clinton Randell and Lana Searle.
The Queen And I Prime, 7.30pm
Based on the novel by Sue Townsend (Adrian Mole), this comedy follows the royal family after Britain becomes a republic and the Firm is forced to live on a council estate. Samantha Bond (above, Silent Witness) stars as the Queen while David Walliams is the Prime Minister, who liberates the monarch of her shiny crown, telling her “you’re going to live like common people”.
SUNDAY
Elton John: Uncensored TVNZ 1, 8.10pm
Tonight, Graham Norton is taking a seat on someone else’s sofa. He is in Elton John’s opulent mansion in the South of France to discuss the life and career of the artist formerly known as Reg Dwight. And Sir Elton doesn’t hold back from dishing the dirt, discussing his feuds with Tina Turner and Rod Stewart and spilling other encounters of the celebrity kind.
MONDAY
Celebrity Bake Off NZ TVNZ 2, 7pm
Hot on the heels of Sunday night’s The Great Kiwi Bake Off finale comes this celebrity edition. For one night only, Toni Street, Art Green, Paula Bennett and other local personalities whip up sweet treats to win cash for their chosen charities. Toni Street told TV Guide, “I’ve always fancied myself as a bit of a cook in the kitchen so it was quite exciting to be part of a reality show.”
The Chase Christmas Special TVNZ 1, 8pm
Bah humbug to Mondays. Chase away the weekday blues with this special festive quiz. See your favourite Chasers embrace the Christmas spirit in costume as celebrities compete for charity.
The Graham Norton Show: Christmas Special Three, 9.35pm
Graham Norton (left) pulls the stars of Star Wars out of his Christmas stocking tonight. John Boyega and Daisy Ridley join Graham for a Yuletide tipple in advance of the release of the final instalment, Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. Singer Robbie Williams will also perform a song from his new album The Christmas Present.
TUESDAY
Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show TVNZ 2, 7.15pm
Just like Santa, comedian Michael McIntyre brings gifts every year in the form of his annual Christmas special. Along with McIntyre’s usual comedic antics, opera singer Katherine Jenkins performs David Bowie’s Heroes.
Corries Of Christmas Past Special TVNZ 1, 9.25pm
It’s Christmas on the cobbles and time to raise a glass to the regulars of the Rovers. Relive all your favourite festive Coronation Street moments with this special, which also features interviews with current and past cast members.