The festive season is upon us and with it comes a plethora of television entertainment, ranging from specials and gripping dramas to comedic shows and seasonal documentaries.
The BBC has unveiled its highly anticipated Christmas schedule, which includes the return of some of the nation's most beloved characters, such as Gavin and Stacey in their final episode, an Outnumbered reunion, and Wallace and Gromit in a new feature-length film.
Viewers can look forward to holiday specials of popular shows like Doctor Who, Strictly, Call The Midwife and The Masked Singer, as well as brand new dramas including Playing Nice with James Norton and Out There with Martin Clunes. Other highlights include An Evening With Dua Lipa, Sky comedy Bad Tidings, and a new series of the hit Netflix show Squid Game.
Also on the cards is a festive film about Wham! and a fresh Julia Donaldson animation titled Tiddler. Here's a sneak peek at some of the best offerings this magical holiday season...
Gavin and Stacey: The Finale, BBC One/iPlayer, Christmas Day
It's been half a decade since we last saw Nessa (Ruth Jones) proposing to Smithy (James Corden).
A lot has transpired since then. The cast have reunited for this final episode, promising viewers much-needed closure, reports the Mirror.
Also, keep an eye out for an inspiring documentary that narrates the journey of one of Britain's most cherished sitcoms as it concludes after 17 years.
Squid Game, Season 2, Netflix, Boxing Day
A spine-chilling preview has arrived, teasing viewers with a fresh group of hopefuls all vying for a hefty cash prize despite the mortal danger they face. One contestant is heard exclaiming, "I have played these games before. We will all die if we keep playing."
Why would they risk it again?
It appears some are compelled to play one last time, promising an onslaught of eerie dolls, gunshots, tears, and nail-biting suspense.
'Strike - The Ink Black Heart' - BBC One and iPlayer this December 16, 17, 23, and 24
'Strike - The Ink Black Heart' is set to bring murder mystery thrills to your Christmas. Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger reprise their roles in the beloved detective series, based on J.K. Rowling's bestsellers, delving into the intriguing case of a cartoonist haunted by a shadowy online presence.
'The Great Christmas Bake Off' - Channel 4, Christmas Eve
Get ready for festive baking excitement with 'The Great Christmas Bake Off' on Channel 4 this Christmas Eve. With Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond at the helm, and judging from Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, this glittering special gathers five soap legends aiming to impress in the kitchen.
Dean Gaffney and Natalie Cassidy from EastEnders team up with Sheree Murphy, known for her roles on Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, alongside Coronation Street's Shobna Gulati and Chris Bisson from Emmerdale.
Mariah Meets Rylan, BBC Two, December 7
Catch 'Mariah Meets Rylan' on BBC Two, come December 7, for an exclusive sit-down between TV host Rylan Clark-Neal and legendary songstress Mariah Carey. In this intimate conversation, Rylan digs into Mariah’s life, her music, the jobs she undertook pre-fame, her star-studded circle, and there's even room for chatter about her timeless holiday anthem 'All I Want For Christmas'.
Plus, don't miss Mariah attempting an 'EastEnders' audition showcasing her English accent.
Out There, ITV1/X, December
Out There, a gripping drama set to air on ITV1/X in December, delves into the world of county lines drug dealing and the rising crime wave plaguing the British countryside. Martin Clunes stars as a farmer grappling with these sinister forces infiltrating his rural community, alongside Louis Ashbourne Serkis.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, BBC1, Christmas Day
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is set to return on BBC1 on Christmas Day. The dazzling ballroom show features comedian Josh Widdicombe, Drag superstar Tayce, presenter and podcaster Vogue Williams, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, actress Tamzin Outhwaite and racing driver Billy Monger.
The Ballroom will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland as the celebs aim to impress judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Anton du Beke, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.
Playing Nice, ITV1/X, December
Playing Nice, another thrilling psychological drama airing on ITV1/X in December, follows two couples who discover their babies were switched at birth. Faced with monumental decisions, one couple uncovers more about the other family than they initially thought.
The show boasts stellar performances from James Norton, Niamh Algar, James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay.
The Masked Singer Christmas Special, ITV1, December
The Masked Singer Christmas Special is also set to air on ITV1 in December.
Four celebrities will compete undercover, hidden in extreme and extraordinary festive costumes, singing with their identities concealed. As each celebrity performs, the panel of detectives, including Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and special guests, attempt to reveal their festive faces and uncover TV's best kept secret.
An Evening With Dua Lipa, ITV1, December
An Evening With Dua Lipa is set to air on ITV1 in December. Recorded at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall, global superstar Dua Lipa reimagined her hit pop songs especially for the occasion, accompanied by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, a 14-strong choir and her seven-piece band - and a surprise cameo from Elton John.
This special is intercut with interviews as she reflects on the pivotal moments in her life and career.
Outnumbered Christmas Special, BBC One/iPlayer, December
The Brockmans are back for an Outnumbered Christmas Special on BBC One/iPlayer in December. This special episode follows the chaos in the downsized home of Pete and Sue (Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner) as they grapple with the challenges of parenting kids who are now adults, with their own lives to lead. Turns out, parenting doesn't get any easier.
Tiddler, BBC1 and iPlayer, Christmas Day
Tiddler, a magical animation adapted from children's book creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, is now a staple of the Christmas Day TV schedule on BBC1 and iPlayer.
It's a tale about a small fish with a grand imagination who finds himself lost in the ocean, only to follow his own story back home. The show features Hannah Waddingham as the narrator, alongside Lolly Adefope, Jayde Adams and Rob Brydon.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, BBC One/iPlayer, Christmas Day
The much-anticipated return of Wallace and his best pal Gromit comes with a brand new feature-length adventure where they tackle a crime wave of stolen garden goods.
Wallace and his smart gnome, Norbot, are the prime suspects. It's down to Gromit to combat the sinister forces or Wallace may never invent again.
Call The Midwife Christmas Specials, BBC One/iPlayer, December
For the first time, the heartwarming period drama will deliver not one but two specials, complete with a Christmas cliffhanger.
All the midwives at Nonnatus House in 1969 are busy delivering babies when the funfair arrives in Poplar, bringing two unwelcome visitors - influenza and the Hong Kong flu. There's also an escaped prisoner on the loose.
Doctor Who: Joy To The World, BBC One/iPlayer, Christmas Day
Starring Ncuti Gatwa as the iconic Doctor and Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan as Joy, fans are in for a festive treat with a time-travel adventure that explores Earth's history. While plot specifics haven't been released, showrunner Steven Moffat has given us a hint, saying: "Imagine in the far, far future that a hotel chain got hold of the idea of time travel. What would they do? They'd realise they had an opportunity to sell all the unsold nights in their own hotels in history."
WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped, BBC Two/iPlayer, December
It's been four decades since the release of the Christmassy anthem 'Last Christmas', and to mark this milestone, BBC Two/iPlayer presents WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped—an hour-long tribute. It delves into how George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley crafted this seasonal staple into a cultural icon with insights from industry heavyweights, fellow artists, and producers.
That Christmas, Netflix, December 4
Netflix gears up for the festive season with That Christmas, set to premiere on December 4. Brought to you by Richard Curtis, the brilliant mind behind Love Actually, this animated fantasy comedy boasts the voices of Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy.
We're promised a patchwork of interwoven stories about love, isolation, family, friends, a festive snowstorm, and Santa dropping the ball—alongside an overwhelming number of turkeys.
Gladiators Celebrity Special, BBC One/iPlayer, December
And don't miss the Gladiators Celebrity Special coming to BBC One/iPlayer this December, where celebrities like Rob Beckett, Louise Minchin, Joel Dommet, and Ellie Taylor strap on their sneakers to take on one of TV's most challenging shows. Will these stars stand the test of the Gladiator arena? Stay tuned!
Rob comments: "I can't wait to be absolutely crushed by the Gladiators in front of my wife and children in spandex whilst I watch Joel Dommett and his six-pack sprint past me on the travelator."
The Split: Barcelona, BBC One/iPlayer, December
The Split: Barcelona, a sun-drenched two-parter of the hit legal drama, sees Nicola Walker reprise her role as Hannah, alongside Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey, Fiona Button, and Deborah Findlay. Picking up two years after the last series, the family find themselves in Spain for a wedding.
Death In Paradise Christmas Special, BBC One/iPlayer, December
Death In Paradise fans can bask in winter warmth with the show's Christmas special set in Saint Marie. A new Detective Inspector joins the team for a feature-length case, and spin-off Beyond Paradise presents two seasonal mysteries.
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The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland, Sky Max/NOW, December 13
Sky Max is decking its halls with The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland, featuring Gerard Butler, Emilia Clarke, and Simone Ashley, in which Santa Claus heads to a festive Wonderland—for a twist on two cherished classics. .
A Ghost Story For Christmas: Woman Of Stone, BBC Two/iPlayer, December
Mark Gatiss takes on the roles of adapter and director in this eerie tale about newlyweds Jack and Laura, portrayed by Éanna Hardwicke and Phoebe Horn. As they make a home in a small cottage, their housekeeper fills their ears with superstitious tales about two marble tomb effigies said to rise once a year.
Bad Tidings, Sky Max/NOW, December
In Bad Tidings, airing on Sky Max/NOW in December, Chris McCausland not only writes but also stars as Scott, who finds himself at odds with his neighbour Neil, played by Lee Mack. However, to rescue Christmas, these bitter rivals must join forces to become local heroes, taking on a local crime family to save the day.
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