Girls’ night in… and out
1 Strictly Come Dancing Final
SAT 16 DEC, BBC ONE, 6.30PM, AND CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, 25 DEC, 6.30PM With more sparkle and glitter than 5,000 Christmas trees (as Bruno Tonioli might say), this festive season there are two helpings of our favourite TV dancing show. First up is the grand final, where we discover – after weeks of stiff competition – which couple are waltzing away with the coveted glitterball. And then, on Christmas Day, get ready with the special, in which former contestants return to show off their moves. The old faces include Judy Murray, Kimberley Walsh, Colin Jackson, Katie Derham and Robbie Savage, who will be strutting their stuff with the pro dancers and springing some special surprises. And, as ever, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be on hand to make sure everyone ‘ keeeps dancing’.
2 300 Years Of French And Saunders
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC ONE, 10.35PM To celebrate three decades together, national treasures Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are appearing side-by-side on TV again! The show’s full of new material, greatest hits, rarities, and neverbefore-seen footage.
3 The Great Christmas Bake Off
CHRISTMAS DAY, CHANNEL 4, 7.45PM Spice up your life with two helpings of the baking show – given a festive twist. Four former contestants return to compete to see who is king or queen of the Christmas cakes.
4 Doctor Who
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC ONE, 5.30PM It’s a ground-breaking day for Doctor Who fans as Jodie Whittaker is unveiled as the firstever-female Doctor! The special also guest stars Mark Gatiss as a World War I soldier, and will be Pearl Mackie’s last appearance as Bill Potts.
5 Birds Of A Feather Christmas Special
MONDAY 18 DECEMBER, ITV, 9PM It’s Christmas in Chigwell, and the birds are back. Tracey has big plans that could upset the festive harmony of the trio, Sharon has found a novel way of doing her Christmas shopping, and Dorien is on the trail of a mystery.
6 Mary Berry’s Christmas Party
MON 18 DEC, BBC ONE, 8.30PM Who wouldn’t want to go to Mary Berry’s Christmas party? The kitchen queen whips up a feast with guests Fearne Cotton, Darcey Bussell and Alex Jones, while Myleene Klass belts out a few tunes on the piano.
7 Call The Midwife
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC ONE, 7.40PM In the very bleak midwinter of 1962, Poplar is covered in snow and ice. At Nonnatus House, the freezing temperatures test the patience of the midwives. But, of course, the babies keep on coming. Anita Dobson guest stars this year as Mabel.