PICK OF THE DAY

A MERRY TUDOR CHRISTMAS WITH LUCY WORSLEY

9PM, BBC2 ★★★★

No one alive can remember a time when Santa Claus, grand decorated trees, or even mince pies weren’t a staunch part of Christmas. But, as historian Lucy Worsley (right) discovers, many of the traditions we know today didn’t exist during Tudor times, 500 years ago. She re-creates yuletide as Henry VIII would have known it, with boughs of bay leaves and a spectacular feast at Hampton Court Palace. She also learns where some of our modern practices began. So, pour out the mead and settle in for a really royal festive knees-up.

SECRETS OF THE CHRISTMAS FACTORY

8PM, CH5 ★★★

The season isn’t complete without sprouts, crackers and tinsel, but you’ll be surprised to learn just how much work goes into making our festive favourites. From the trees that take seven years to grow to the 100,000 jumpers made in Leicester, take a fun peek inside factories across Britain.

CORONATION STREET AT CHRISTMAS

8.30PM, ITV ★★★★

Since it began in 1960, Corrie has given us all manner of Christmas delights, from breakups to weddings – and who could forget Katy giving birth at a Nativity while dressed as Mary in 2011? Former regular Sue Johnston looks back at the best moments in this fun oneoff, with help from the cast.

BALL & BOE: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

9.30PM, ITV ★★★★ Formidable duo Michael Ball and Alfie Boe come together again to perform beautiful renditions of our favourite festive songs. In this stunning musical special, they also sing alongside the amazing Shirley Bassey, actor and singer Luke Evans and jazz sensation Gregory Porter. TESSA JONES