Top TV Picks
Elton John: The Nation's Favourite Song
ITV3, New Year’s Eve
A countdown of the singer’s 20 most popular songs, chosen by viewers to celebrate his 70th birthday. Elton discusses the stories behind the tracks in a candid conversation with David Walliams, while celebrity fans and friends reveal what their favourite numbers mean to them. With contributions from Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox, Stephen Fry and Elton’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.
Spectre
ITV, New Year’s Eve
James Bond goes rogue after receiving a cryptic message that sets him on the trail of a secretive criminal network. While his colleagues face a new threat closer to home, 007 embarks on a globetrotting journey in search of the elusive mastermind behind the syndicate – whom he discovers may have links to his own past and had involvement in previous events during some of Bond’s most dangerous missions. Spy thriller, starring Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw and Ralph Fiennes.
Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks
BBC One, New Year’s Day
Jodie Whittaker returns as The Doctor for a holiday special, featuring guest stars Aisling Bea (This Way Up), Adjani Salmon (Dreaming Whilst Black) and Pauline McLynn (Father Ted, Shameless). Sarah (Bea) runs ELF storage and Nick (Salmon) is a customer who visits every year on New Year’s Eve. This year, the night has surprises in store. The episode is one of a trilogy of 2022 specials that mark the end of
Whittaker’s time as The Doctor.
Match of the Day
BBC One, New Year’s Day
Gary Lineker presents highlights of the latest Premier League fixtures, including Arsenal v Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Citizens recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory over Arsenal in August’s reverse fixture, with the Gunners’ cause not helped by Granit Xhaka's 35th-minute red card when the score was 2-0. Plus, Leicester City v Norwich City, Watford v Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace v West Ham United.
The Royal Variety Performance
ITV3, Sunday
Alan Carr hosts the event from the Royal Albert Hall, with music from Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart, AnneMarie, James Blunt, Years & Years, Gregory Porter and Elvis Costello, along with The Greatest Showman's Keala Settle. There is comedy from Judi Love, Bill Bailey, Chris McCausland and Josh Widdicombe, and performances by the casts of hit musicals Moulin Rouge and Matilda.