What to watch
Darcey Bussell: Looking for Fred Astaire
BBC ONE, 10.45PM
One dance star explores another in this unpretentious profile of Fred Astaire. Darcey Bussell traces Astaire’s journey from his hometown in Nebraska to New York, London and Los Angeles to examine his ascent to film stardom, achieved after nearly three decades as a professional dancer. She puts forward that he owed much of his success to three women – his mother, his sister and dancing partner Adele, and his first wife Phyllis – but wisely doesn’t labour the point.
Bussell peruses memorabilia and film footage – there’s a delightful clip of Astaire dancing with his long-time collaborator Hermes Pan – and discusses with historians Astaire’s work ethic and personality clash with Ginger Rogers. The commentary doesn’t uncover much that an Astaire fan wouldn’t already know, but Bussell is an enthusiastic guide. Strictly Come Dancing professionals Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara are touring a successful stage show called Remembering Fred – this film also reminds us of Astaire’s immeasurable contribution to dance, though it wouldn’t harm for it to air at an hour more suited to the ballroom dance-loving demographic. Vicki Power channel cops make a breakthrough in the search for the missing children. VP
Entertainment Masterchef: The Professionals: The Finals
BBC TWO, 8.00PM
It’s ladles at dawn for the three finalists as they tackle their last challenge. They’ll cook a three-course meal in three hours for the formidable judging trio of Wareing, Galetti and Wallace, who’ll then choose the champion. VP
Joanna & Jennifer: Absolutely Champers
BBC TWO, 9.00PM
On the premise of celebrating 25 years since the birth of Absolutely Fabulous, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley take a fizz-fuelled jolly to France to tour vineyards for this travelogue. VP
Donny Osmond’s Easy Listening Christmas
CHANNEL 5, 9.00PM
This Val Doonican-style one-off sees Donny Osmond counting down his 25 favourite festive songs. VP
Factual Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Great Christmas Roast
ITV, 9.00PM
It’s Celtic vigour versus Italian passion in this feelgood cookery special. TV chefs Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’acampo compete, with a team of celebrity helpers, to create the best Christmas banquet for 100 emergency services workers. VP