From cute animals to snowmen, showstoppers and Strictly, these are the must-see shows
THE AMAZING MR BLUNDEN Christmas Eve, Sky Max, 7pm
“Sometimes ghosts are people who come back, seeking help,” says the mysterious Mr Blunden, played by a marvellous Simon Callow in this fantastical remake of the 1972 movie.
Teenagers Jamie and Lucy relocate to the country after a strange old man called Blunden offers their widowed mum a job as caretaker of a ruined, haunted house.
Also starring Tamsin Greig and Mark Gatiss as excellent villains, pictured this is a time-travelling adventure to right a wrong.
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL Christmas Eve, Channel 5, 9pm
It’s Christmas in Darrowby and Helen (Rachel Shenton) and James (Nicholas Ralph) realise they haven’t agreed on where they’re spending Christmas Day.
Mrs Hall is expecting them at Skeldale and Jenny at Heston Grange. But the drama centres on Mrs Pumphrey’s (Patricia Hodge) beloved Pekingese Tricki Woo, who is taken seriously ill.
THE GREATEST SNOWMAN Christmas Eve, Channel 4, 8pm
Five celebrities compete in three epic challenges from a snowy Alpine mountainside, culminating in them building the greatest snowman ever.
“Yes, sometimes we really do just start with a title and then work our way backwards,” quips host Sue Perkins.
Johnny Vegas, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Dani Dyer, Liam Charles and Cherry Healey go head-to-head to build incredible structures from tonnes of snow and ice, helped out by pro sculptors, and engineers.
CALL THE MIDWIFE Christmas Day, BBC1, 8pm
This has become as much a part of Christmas Day as a turkey roast and the Queen’s speech.
Set in 1966, this edition promises to be a memorable one at Nonnatus House as Lucille (Leonie Elliott) and Cyril (Zephryn Taitte) prepare for their winter wedding.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF 2021 Christmas Day, Channel 4, 8pm
It’s A Sin stars swap their Pink Palace for the famous Bake Off tent in this fun festive instalment.
Olly Alexander, Nathaniel Curtis, Lydia West and Shaun Dooley compete for the coveted Christmas Star Baker title, also hoping for a Hollywood handshake and approval from Prue.
THE LARKINS AT CHRISTMAS Christmas Day, ITV, 9pm
Father and son Bradders and Barney Walsh team up as Pop Larkin and PC Harness, on the hunt for a burglar causing chaos – can they find the culprit?
At least Mariette and Charley are home for the holidays, but Charley’s disapproving parents are in tow.
And that’s not the only trouble this Christmas. A power cut leaves the entire village without light or heat.
Time for some Larkin optimism.