TV WEEK: 23 DEC - 5 JAN
TUNE IN TO CLOSER’S PICK OF THE TOP FESTIVE TELLY WITH TV EDITOR HANNAH WRIGHT
FAMILY FAVOURITES
NEW SERIES
RESTAURANT RELOCATES TUE 2 JAN, 10PM, C4
Dating show First Dates heads to Bath for the 10th anniversary series, with maître d’ Fred Sirieix (recently seen on I’m ACelebrity! of course) and his team of Cupids back to matchmake for a new batch of singletons. We’re promised “some of the most unforgettable moments ever featured” – with a format refresh and brand-new cast members.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR BAKE OFF
SEASONAL LARKS IN THE TENT XMAS EVE, 8.15PM/ NY DAY, 7.40PM, C4
If you want to catch Paul Hollywood snoozing in his bed dressed as Scrooge, this is where it’s at! With chucklesome starting credits, this year’s festive special sees six bakers from Christmases past welcomed back into the tent. There’s another special on New Year’s Day – featuring 2021’s Jürgen on the trombone!
STRICTLY COME DANCING CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
STARRY LINE-UP XMAS DAY, 4.40PM, BBC1
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Sugababe Keisha Buchanan and former England rugby star Danny Cipriani are getting their dancing shoes on for this year’s special. They’ll join actress/presenter (and Bobby Brazier’s ex) Tillie Amartey, history broadcaster Dan Snow and BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent. Just like in the main show, judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke will be doling out the scores – but it’s the studio audience who’ll decide the winner on the night.
ROYAL CAROLS: TOGETHER AT CHRISTMAS
FESTIVE ANNUAL EVENT XMAS EVE, 7.45PM, ITV1
For the third year in a row, the Princess of Wales (aka Kate Middleton) hosts a special royal carol service from Westminster Abbey. Filmed in early December, it airs on Christmas Eve for our viewing pleasure.
MICHAEL MCINTYRE’S CHRISTMAS WHEEL
HE SPINS THEM RIGHT ROUND, BABY, RIGHT ROUND XMAS DAY, 6.50PM, BBC1
Rylan Clark, Peter Crouch and Nicole Scherzinger compete to win money for their chosen charities in this starry special. Celebs sharing their expertise on all things Christmassy (or not, as the case may be) are Abbey Clancy, Nigel Havers, Carol Vorderman, Aled Jones, Judi Love, Joe Marler and Scott Mills. Spin the wheel!
ANT & DEC’S SATURDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAY PRESENTS: MURDER AT BIGWIG MANOR
WHODUNNIT? XMAS EVE, 4.50PM, ITV1
Achance to watch all of the LOL-packed skits in one go, where Ant and Dec, along with other TV presenters such as Dermot O’Leary, AJ Odudu and Davina MCall, are summoned to a remote mansion by their boss. But as the celebs are murdered one by one, it’s up to the plucky Geordie duo to find the killer. Great fun.
MOG’S CHRISTMAS
ONE FOR THE KIDS XMAS EVE,
