BEST OF THE REST
DRACULA
BBC1, 9pm
HE’S had more incarnations than hot dinners, but when we tell you that this new version of the most famous vampire of them all comes from the team who re-invented Sherlock Holmes, you know you’re in for a good time.
It’s seriously dark and terrifying, with more than hint of humour and sexiness, and it’s about to have us all scared silly over the next three nights.
Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have written and produced this new adaptation, which begins in 1897 with The Rules of the Beast, as English lawyer Jonathan Harker (John Heffernan) travels to Transylvania to meet a new client, who it seems has a bloodthirsty ambition to conquer the world. Count Dracula himself is played by the excellently-named Claes Bang (the Danish dude who starred in The Affair and Bron/Broen).
THE GREAT FESTIVE BAKE OFF
Channel 4, 7.40pm
THIS is a sweet festive treat that’s not to be missed, as two of Channel 4’s biggest and best shows collide in a glorious way. For this New Year’s seasonal special, the Derry Girls cast are taking over the Bake Off tent.
Their appearance is subtly indicated in the opening credits, as Paul Hollywood dresses up as a Mother Superior, and his fellow judge Prue Leith and presenters Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding are all in the familiar schoolgirls’ uniforms.
Taking part in the festive challenges and hoping to conjure up some delicious treats are Saoirse-Monica Jackson (who plays Erin), Nicola Coughlan (Clare), Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (mouthy Michelle), Dylan Llewellyn (honorary Derry Girl James) and Siobhan McSweeny (the wonderful eye-rolling nun Sister Michael).