SOAP watch
Your guide to all the drama in the Square, on the cobbles and in the Dales Here’s our pick of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day shows for you to enjoy
Today, BBC1, 7.15pm
THIS fun entertainment show that challenges singers to get all 100 judges – including Geri Horner – on their feet brings us this celebrity edition.
Comedian Rob Beckett gives hilarious commentary as we hear from the likes of Chris Kamara, Sara Pascoe and Alison Hammond. Watch out for Gemma Collins, all sparkles and power stance, as she belts out Big Spender.
“You’re gonna hear it, put it that way,” she warns. Elsewhere, rugby player Ben Foden takes on a George Ezra hit and EastEnders actress Laurie Brett sings Wind
Beneath My Wings.
Today, BBC1, 9pm
ONCE you see Stephen Merchant dressed as an elf, you may never un-see it.
This comedy sees The Office and Extras star and People Just Do Nothing actor Asim Chaudhry play two mismatched neighbours. The odd couple must drive across the country to collect a toy to make a little girl’s Christmas dreams come true. But can they make it there and back in time? And are they likely to kill each other on route? Sparklehoof the Unicorn Princess, the must-have toy, has a lot to answer for.
ZOG
Tomorrow, BBC1, 4.50pm
ADULTS will enjoy this brilliant animation just as much as kids. Adapted from the book by Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this tells the enchanting story of an enthusiastic but accident-prone dragon
EMMERDALE Tonight, ITV, 7pm & tomorrow, 7.15pm
who is trying to learn the ropes at dragon school.
It has a stellar cast, with Hugh Skinner as Zog, Sir Lenny Henry as the narrator, Tracey Ullman as Madame Dragon, Patsy Ferran as Princess Pearl and Kit Harington as Sir Gadabout the knight.
Tomorrow, BBC1, 5.30pm
ONE last spin around the Strictly ballroom, before the sequins depart for another year.
This all-star festive special sees six veterans of the show return to the dance floor. The leading ladies are Anita Rani, Ann Widdecombe and Caroline Flack, while the leading men are Aston Merrygold, Jake Wood and Michael Vaughan.
Each will be competing for the coveted trophy with a Christmasinspired routine.
As ever, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are hostesses with the mostess, while Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood deliberate. WEDDING plotting continues apace on Christmas Eve, as Jessie tasks Marlon with getting Sam drunk, since he thinks Sam’s getting married. Meanwhile, an elf-attired Bob accompanies Santa on his hospital visits and clocks a video game among the presents. Will he take it? On Christmas Day, Jessie has no idea where Marlon is – he and Sam have woken up in the back of a booze delivery van. How will Marlon react when he finds out it is in fact his own wedding day?
Tomorrow, BBC1, 7.45pm
NOW a staple of our Christmas telly, the nuns of Poplar are back for a snowy edition. In this episode they travel to the Mother House to elect a new mother superior.
Watch out for the arrival of Miriam Margolyes as the singleminded and tireless Sister Mildred, who arrives unexpectedly. She has her hands full with four Chinese orphans en route to the Children’s Home.
Elsewhere, Trixie is back with her troubles well and truly behind her.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF Tomorrow, Channel 4, 8pm
IT’S the most magical time of the year and this is the cherry on top. Sandi Toksvig, Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are back in the tent with four former contestants battling it out for Star Baker.
EASTENDERS Tonight, BBC1, 8.30pm & tomorrow, 9.15pm
WITH Hayley and Alfie’s secret just waiting to be discovered, Christmas is bound to go with a bang in Albert Square. On Christmas Eve, Alfie leans in for a kiss with Hayley, trying to keep her sweet, but doesn’t realise someone is watching. Meanwhile, Phil gets locked in the Minute Mart store room and Linda wonders how Mick injured his hand.
On Christmas Day, Kat wants the perfect family occasion, but her world will be turned upside down when the explosive truth comes out. They are Liam Charles and Flo Atkins from 2017 – you may remember Flo’s ‘One in a Melon’ showstopper. Also Jane Beedle and Andrew Smyth from 2017. Andrew once made a basket of bread and wore it as a helmet. Watch out also for an invasion from The Darkness, who rock up to perform their smash hit Christmas Time.
Tomorrow, ITV, 9.15pm
A N-ICE (sorry) feature-length film for you to chill in front of on Christmas Day. Will Tudor and Poppy Lee Friar star as the iconic skating duo Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill. The drama follows the pair from their humble beginnings and family life in Nottingham through to coming together as partners and going on to become Olympic champions.
It also stars Anita Dobson as Jayne’s first coach, Stephen Tompkinson as Jayne’s feather and Jaime Winstone as the instructor who pairs them up for the first time.
CORONATION STREET Tonight, ITV, 7.30pm & tomorrow, 8.15pm
IT’S the nightmare before Christmas for Tim who has a sneaking suspicion he did something bad last night with Gina. What actually happened and will he confess the truth to Sally? On Christmas Day he visits her in prison, feeling guilty. But will he drop the bombshell? Meanwhile, Jenny is jealous when Johnny pays Liz a compliment and later accusations fly around. And Sinead is devastated to overhear Daniel confiding to Peter that he’s worried she’s going to die.