PICK OF THE BEST FILMS

BOXING DAY Match of the Day Live (BBC1 2.45pm)

BBC TV is broadcasting a live Premier League game on Boxing Day for the ever first time. The last time Aston Villa hosted Crystal Palace back in July, Egyptian winger Trezeguet scored twice as Dean Smith’s home side secured a first league win since January 21 to move to within four points of safety with three games to go. Meanwhile, Palace forward Christian Benteke, who was playing against his former club, was shown a red card by referee Martin Atkinson after the final whistle, as tempers boiled over between the two sets of players.

The Repair Shop at Christmas (BBC1, 6.45pm)

If you think the regular programmes are tearjerkers, wait until you get a hold of this. There’s the usual mix of nostalgia and moving tales, but throwing some good old-fashioned festive season sentimentality into the mix is enough to push even the hardest of hearts over the edge. First up, Vicar Steve and his wife Amanda hope the experts can revive the rocking horse they bought for their daughter when she was five years old; tragically she passed away just two years later, but the couple are hoping the sister she never met will be able to play with it in the future. Then siblings want to breathe new life into a battered stereogram that was once at the heart of their family Christmas.

The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special (BBC1, 7.45pm)

As head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Shirley Ballas spends most of her TV life telling people whether or not they’ve managed to master a skill. Now the table is about to be turned when she takes part in the first of two celebrity versions of the sewing competition. She, along with Denise Van Outen, Dr Ranj Singh and Sara Pascoe, will be going all-out to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young. First up they must master the pattern challenge, which involves making a pair of festive pyjama bottoms. Then it’s time to take some unwanted garment or fabric and transform it into a festive fancy dress outfit for a dog. Finally, the celebs must create a perfectly fitted dress to wear on Christmas Day. Afterwards, Patrick and Esme unveil the winner alongside host Joe Lycett.

Victoria Wood: The Secret List (BBC2, 9.05pm)

The second course of the comedian’s favourite sketches from her first solo series is supplemented with observations from Abby Morgan and Winsome Pinnock on how Victoria’s comedy subverted outdated preconceptions about women and ageing. Ken Loach and Russell T Davies also dissect her unrivalled use of language. Narrated by Sara Pascoe.

Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2020 (C4, 9.05pm)

It’s Boxing Day, we’ve all probably indulged a little too much and can’t be bothered to shift ourselves from the comfy groove we’ve worn into the sofa during the festive period. Thankfully, the most exercise we need to do involves reaching for the remote control and switching between some great programmes. This offering, hosted by Jimmy Carr, is a stalwart of the seasonal schedules and, once again, features some superstar question setters, including Charles Dance and Jon Snow, as well as pupils from Mitchell Brook Primary School.

SUNDAY Antiques Roadshow (BBC1, 8pm)

Over the years the experts have dealt with some extraordinary finds, from those with historical significance to others thought lost forever and some with eye-wateringly high valuations. Now Fiona Bruce is finding out what happened to several of them after their owners went home and let what they’d discovered sink in, including a guitar that once belonged to the Beatles and the blueprint for the Royal Albert Hall. She also visits Pinewood Film and TV Studios to learn about the part it played during the Second World War, its costumes and a certain famous golden gong.

The Supervet at Christmas (C4, 8pm)

It’s a busy time for the staff at Fitzpatrick Referrals, where Noel and the team are trying to make sure that all their patients can be home for Christmas. This year, there are also some famous faces, including Will Young, who has rescued Domino and Diamond, two dogs that were facing euthanasia in America. Noel discovers that both canines have significant joint problems, but can he give them a new lease of life? Meanwhile, Yasmin Le Bon and her daughters rush in their three-year-old French bulldog Willow, who his diagnosed with a disc extrusion so acute that she can’t stand or walk on her back legs at all.

We Love Only Fools and Horses (C5, 9pm)

Celebrity fans including Jonathan Ross, Theo Paphitis, John Thomson, Paul Whitehouse, Nina Wadia, Jamie Borthwick, and Martin and Shirlie Kemp talk about why they love the show

as they reminisce about watching the Trotters’ exploits. We also hear from the crew, and get first-hand insight into how such classic comedy moments were devised and executed – including the iconic chandelier scene, the bar fall, Batman and Robin and the watch auction, to name but a few. Plus the story behind some of the show’s famous catchphrases, and how the lead characters’ outfits were chosen.

Black Narcissus (BBC1, 9pm)

Rumer Godden’s 1939 novel has already been adapted for the screen in a classic 1947 film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, which managed the impressive feat of recreating the Himalayas in Pinewood Studios. So, this new three-part drama has a lot to live up, but it’s off to a great start with an impressive cast that includes Gemma Arterton, Jim Broadbent and the late Diana Rigg in one of her final performances. Set in the 1930s, during the later years of British rule in India, it follows ambitious young nun Sister Clodagh as she attempts to establish a mission in a remote palace, which holds many dark secrets. However, the haunting atmosphere and isolation takes its toll on the newcomers, particularly the volatile Sister Ruth (Aisling Franciosi).

Back to the 80s with Lenny Henry (C4, 9pm)

The Christmas and New Year TV schedules are always full of trips down memory lane, perhaps because we all get a little bit sentimental and nostalgic around this time.

This new series should sate our appetite for memory-jogging; each episode focuses sees a different celebrity host look back at a particular decade in Channel 4’s history since its launch in 1982, with Vic Reeves, Davina McCall and Jimmy Carr fronting the rest of the run. But here, it’s Lenny Henry who takes centre stage. Although he first came to fame in the 1970s, it was the 1980s that cemented his success as a small-screen comedian, so he should have plenty to say about programmes from the period, including such landmark shows as Brookside, The Tube and, of course, the mighty, unstoppable Countdown.

MONDAY Richard Osman’s Christmas House of Games Night (BBC1, 7pm)

The first primetime run of the Pointless co-host’s fun series went down a treat recently, and now a festive-themed episode is heading our way. Alex Horne – who’s used to posing the questions and challenges on Taskmaster – takes part alongside comedy actor Sarah Hadland, Craig Revel Horwood (who loves an opportunity to prove he has a fun side after pulling no punches as a Strictly Come Dancing judge) and newsreader Charlene White are the competitors. All that stands between them and the House of Games Christmas trophy is a selection of tricky quizzes.

Meerkat: A Dynasties Special (BBC1, 7.30pm)

David Attenborough lends his dulcet tones to this fascinating documentary, which follows the fortunes of young meerkat queen Maghogho, who calls the salt pans of Makagikadi in Botswana home. Thanks to the arid conditions, it’s one of the harshest environments on the planet, but she is determined to raise her pups there, with help from her extended family. Maghogho is their seemingly fearless leader, but battling dust storms and fights with rivals threatens their relationships – putting the clan’s survival at risk.

Britain’s Most Expensive Houses (C4, 8pm)

Mention Sotheby’s and what springs to mind? Probably very expensive items being sold to bidders with seemingly bottomless pockets. But paintings, antiques and other collectibles are not the only goods to pass through the auction house’s doors – the deeds to some of extraordinary properties are also bought and sold here as this documentary, which goes behind the scenes at UK Sotheby’s International Realty department, reveals. Even coronavirus is playing its part in the business as the mega-rich quit towns and cities, leaving the firm’s brokers to find people willing to take homes worth millions off their hands.

Two Doors Down – Christmas Special (BBC2, 9pm)

The award-winning comedy returns for a festive special – and it’s giving the neighbours a rare chance to get away from Latimer Crescent. Colin (Jonathan Watson) and Cathy (Doon Mackichan) had planned to go even further afield by spending the festive season in Dubai. Sadly, the pandemic put a stop to that, so they’re settling for a rented luxury lodge in the Highlands instead. They’ve invited Beth (Arabella Weir), Eric (Alex Norton), Christine (Elaine C Smith), Ian (Jamie Quinn) and Gordon (Kieran Hodgson) to join them for the bit between Christmas and New Year. However, just because the setting has changed, it doesn’t mean Cathy will be altering her behaviour, especially when she starts the celebrations a little too soon.

National Theatre: Jane Eyre (Sky Arts, 9pm)

Madeleine Worrall stars as the spirited heroine, with Felix Hayes playing the tormented Rochester, in Sally Cookson’s thrilling adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic which was part of the National Theatre at Home season. The story follows orphan Jane through a series of grim circumstances at her cruel aunt’s house, Lowood Academy and finally Thornfield Hall. The determined Jane survives poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal, before eventually taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart.

TUESDAY Penguins: Meet the Family (BBC1, 6.30pm)

Depending on which source you rely on, there are between 17 and 20 living species of penguin. Liz Bonnin narrates as viewers are introduced to them all, meeting penguins living in dense forests, desert burrows and city streets, from the Equator to deepest Antarctica. There is heart warming footage of an emperor penguin chick stepping away from the safety of it father’s feet and experiencing its first flurry of snow. Plus, majestic king penguins overcome a catastrophic molt, swapping their ragged feathers for a brand new outfit. Audiences will also join the penguins as they battle the elements, face the perils of rock climbing and confront dangerous sea lions. Plus, we see how these wonderful characters form lifelong bonds and become devoted parents, and find out how satellite imagery is revealing new penguin colonies we never knew existed before.

Celebrity Snoop Dogs at Christmas (C4, 7pm)

A new pack of dogs strap on Go-Pro cameras to snoop around their showbiz homes, which have been lavishly decorated for Christmas. But there’s a festive twist, as this time the celebrity dog owners are watching on and competing against each other to throw the others off the scent of whether it’s their home and four-legged friend. Can Celebrity Snoop Dog owners Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Gok Wan and Joanna Page identify whose home is whose, and who’s leading them astray? Expect to sniff out presents, paw at Christmas trees and get into the festive spirit with this mix of naughty and nice from a dog’s-eye view.

Master Chef the Professionals: A Festive Knockout (BBC1, 8pm)

The first of two special seasonal episodes of the culinary challenge, in which eight finalists

from past series return to face tests of their skills. The first episode features Bedfordshire born Steve Barringer from the 2011 series, 2018’s Oli Martin, originally from Lytham, as well as two finalists from last year’s series, Exose Grant Lopo-Ndiga and Olivia Burt. Monica Galetti sets them the task of making festive canapés, before they move on to the dreaded skills test and a seasonally themed two-course menu.

Chatsworth House (More4, 9pm)

This new six-part series goes behind the scenes at the stately home, belonging to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The first episode follows preparations for this year’s Christmas festivities – and planning for December actually begins at the height of summer. After months with no paying visitors due to Covid-19, the budget has had to be drastically cut, but the staff delve into the storerooms to recycle decorations from years gone by. Plans are also underway to make an ambitious light trail through the gardens.

Jamie and Jimmy’s Festive Feast (C4, 9pm)

Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty are joined by not one but two celebrity guests to get the New Year party going. Singer-songwriter Sam Smith and PE-teacher-to-the-nation Joe Wicks assist the duo as they prepare a range of delicious dishes. Jamie kicks things off with a mouthwatering, Italian-inspired pork and crispy double crackling, laid on a bed of beautiful veg and creamy beans. He then takes Sam to Mexico via Scotland, tracks down the singer’s favourite food memory from the Isle of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides, and making delicious haggis tacos. And if we can’t go to the pub then Jimmy is bringing the pub to us, as he prepares scampi and chips, washed down with sparkling mojitos.

WEDNESDAY Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles (Sky Arts, 7pm)

This documentary chronicle the complete story of the Broadway blockbuster musical Fiddler on the Roof by exploring the unexpected richness of its themes as well as its extensive reach across time and cultures. ‘Fiddler’ is the tale of Jewish immigrants coming to America, of refugees trying to escape persecution in their homeland, of the fraying of tradition, of generational tension and of the loss of roots. Featuring rare archival footage, the film includes personal insights into the show from the composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, as well as commentary from former cast and creative members and fans.

Stephen Fry’s 21st Century Firsts (STV, 8.30pm)

Almost 21 years ago, some of us were looking forward to the start of a new century, while others fretted about the impact of the so-called millennium bug. Seems like a long time ago, doesn’t? Those born that year are now coming of age, while others who were 21 back then have discovered whether or not life really does begin at 40. Here Stephen Fry takes a look at some of the momentous events, landmarks and technological advances made during that time, including the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, the social media revolution and the Tinder app. Fry also examines the impact of the first truly accurate satnav and meets one of the first women to voice one before exploring the impact of the smoking ban, which came into force in 2007. Other amazing moments featured include the legalisation of same sex marriage, Captain Sir Tom Moore’s recordbreaking efforts and Stormzy becoming the first solo British black man to headline

Glastonbury.

Not Going Out (BBC1, 9pm)

The festive edition of Not Going Out has become a comedy highlight of the season over recent years. And this year’s episode will be especially poignant because Bobby Ball, who plays Lee’s loveable but useless father Frank on the show, passed away in October. We meet up with Lee (Lee Mack) and Lucy (Sally Bretton) on New Year’s Eve. They’re joined by Frank, as well as Lucy’s pompous father Geoffrey (Geoffrey Whitehead), her mother Wendy (Deborah Grant), and friends Toby (Hugh Dennis) and Anna (Abigail Cruttenden). Everything goes swimmingly until someone comes up with the bright idea for a new parlour game, one that involves telling each other how

they can improve their behaviour and what New Year’s resolutions they need to make – including downtrodden Toby making suggestions to uptight Anna.

Tom Allen Goes to Town (C4, 9pm)

As a Bromley boy, comedian Tom Allen loves small-town Britain. In this show filmed in 2019, Tom champions one of these unsung places: Wakefield in West Yorkshire. In his week in ‘Wakey’ (which is, of course, a city rather than a town), Tom takes in one of the world’s biggest rhubarb crops, explores the beautiful cathedral and visits one of the only drive-in fish and chip shops in the world. He also buys a round of Wakefield’s famous steak pies and renovates

the local Caribbean restaurant for the family he’s been staying with. Concluding his week at the beautiful Theatre Royal, Tom is joined by Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp to host a specially composed singalong involving a cast of hundreds.

Pandemonium (BBC1, 9.45pm)

This brand-new video diary comedy penned by After Life star and Plebs writer Tom Basden boasts a stellar cast including Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd), Jim Howick (Ghosts), Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey), Tom Basen (After Life) and Tori Allen-Martin (Pure). Like a lot of families, the Jessops have seen their finances and plans devastated in 2020, and have had to abandon their holiday of a lifetime to California. With morale at an alltime low, the clan decides they’re going to have their summer holiday after all, even if it means doing it in December… in Margate. All filmed by their youngest son, Pandemonium charts the Jessops last, dogged attempt at some quality family time, despite the best efforts of a global pandemic to pull them apart.

HOGMANAY

Britain’s Bestselling Toys (C4, 7pm)

Every generation has their own must-have toys, from Barbie, Transformers and Cabbage Patch Kids to Tamagotchi, Furbys and Teletubbies. But what are the bestselling toys of the last 50 years? Taking in action figures, board games, electronic pets, cuddly best friends and beyond, Keith Lemon presents this quintessential countdown charting the memorable Christmas must-haves, big crazes and megasellers from the 1970s to the modern day. We delve deep into the heritage and design of some of Britain’s best-loved toys, and a host of famous faces relay their toy stories from childhood.

The Big New Year’s In (BBC1, 9pm)

There won’t be any fireworks in central London this New Year, but the BBC is still hoping to get the nation excited ahead of midnight. The festivities begin with this entertainment showcase hosted by the ever-charismatic Paddy McGuinness. Although details are scarce ahead of the show, the Beeb has described the countdown party as a “one-hour, live extravaganza of fun, music, games and surprises.” Quite what these surprises entail is yet to be revealed, but expect a good variety of interviews with special guests, music performances, and light-hearted silliness as we look back at 2020. And to cap off a year when many of us have been taking part in online lockdown quizzes, the Big New Year’s In will fittingly feature a quiz about the past 12 months that the whole nation can join in.

The Last Leg of the Year 2020 (C4, 9pm)

Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker say goodbye – and good riddance – to 2020 with an extra-special two-hour extravaganza. The Bafta-Winning trio will will be joined by a host of celebrity guests, including Tom Allen, Lorraine Kelly, James Acaster and Judi Love, in a satirical spectacular looking back and poking fun at the past year. Alex will attempt to do as many Paralympic sports as he can in the studio, while house band Alex Horne and the Horne Section will provide the musical entertainment as the team gives 2021 a euphoric welcome.

The Graham Norton Show: New Year’s Eve Show (BBC1, 1.10 am)

Graham continues BBC One’s countdown to 2021 in the company of a gaggle of guests. Tom Hanks talks about his new Western News of the World, while Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt discuss their new romantic drama Wild Mountain. Plus, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall gives advice on healthy eating, and Nish Kumar looks back over 2020. Finally, from New York, Jessica Chastain has the lowdown on her new psychological thriller Mothers’ Instinct in which she stars alongside Anne

Hathaway. Sophie Ellis-Bextor provides the music.

Jools’ Annual Hootenanny (BBC2, 11.15pm)

It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without Jools’ annual shindig. The Piano Man bids a musical farewell to another year as he strikes up his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for performances by Mercury Prize-winning Michael Kiwanuka, as well as Celeste, Sir Tom Jones, Roisin Murphy, Rick Wakeman, Ruby Turner, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and the Pipes and Drums of the First Battalion Scots Guards. There will also be archive footage of memorable moments from previous years, including performances by Ella Eyre, Madness, ABC and Aloe Blacc.

NEW YEAR’S DAY Doctor Who (BBC1, 6.45pm)

It’s nine months since we last saw Jodie Whittaker as everybody’s favourite Time Lord. Babies have been conceived and born in the intervening period, which is a sobering thought indeed. The sci-fi classic was a Christmas Day fixture for several years, but has now found a home at New Year instead, and this festive edition certainly kicks off 2021 in style by reintroducing the heroine’s most feared foe – the Daleks. Unfortunately for Yaz, Ryan and Graham, they can’t call on the Doctor’s help when they uncover the alien threat in their midst because she’s currently locked up in a high-security prison in some far-flung corner of the galaxy. Instead, the trio must find a way to battle the legion of evil themselves – which is far from easy. And to spice things up a bit, John Barrowman is back as Captain Jack.

Chitty Flies Again with David Walliams (C4, 7.30pm)

David Walliams is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the musical film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (although pedants might point out that the movie was actually released in 1968) by trying to fulfil his childhood dream of building a flying car. He’s recruited his own Caratacus Potts, in the form of aeronautical engineer Tony Hoskins, but can they really pull off this madcap plan? Along the way, David learns more about Chitty’s origins, from the car that inspired the original children’s book, written by Bond creator Ian Fleming, to the bigscreen adaption, which was penned by one Roald Dahl.

The Serpent (BBC1, 9pm)

Last night we were letting our hair down (in a socially distanced, own bubble kind of a way), so now it’s time to get serious with the Beeb’s new eight-part drama, which has been inspired by a true story. It takes place during the 1970s and focuses on the authorities’ efforts to bring Charles Sobhraj to justice. Back then he was the chief suspect in the murders of several young Western travellers on the so-called hippie trail across India, Thailand and Nepal. Despite being Interpol’s most-wanted man, he evaded capture. Tahar Rahim portrays him, while Billy Howle co-stars as Herman Knippenberg, a junior diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok who was on the killer’s trail; Jenna Colman also appears as MarieAndree Leclerc, who’s been described as Sobhraj’s most devoted follower.