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It arguably sounds more festive than Christmas Day – but there’s still a section of the best Christmas TV on December 24 anyway.
We’ve got all the classic TV revivals you could hope for, from a Birds of a Feather Christmas special to Worzel Gummidge and even The Price is Right, plus newer rates, including a very 2020 virtual pantomime.
As you wait for the big man to arrive on his sled, here’s what to watch in the meantime.
Paddington 2 – 4:15 p.m., BBC One
There are few films more warm or caring than the famous Paddington 2, which sees the iconic bear doing odd jobs to give Aunt Lucy the perfect gift, only to have the gift stolen. Seek out (and listen to) a star-studded UK cast, including Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, and Hugh Grant in rare villain roles.
King’s Christmas Carols – 5:30 p.m., BBC Two
BBC / Leon Hargreaves / King’s College
For a truly magical start to the evening and to Christmas, you can’t go wrong with the century-old tradition that is Carols From King’s. There may not be a congregation this year, but the show will continue, with a socially distant choir singing Christmas carols such as In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Still, Still, Still, O Come All Ye Faithful, and, of course, Once In Royal. The city of David.
Worzel Gummidge: Saucy Nancy – 5:55 p.m., BBC One
After a successful rebirth last year, Mackenzie Crook returns as titular Scarecrow Worzel Gummidge to bring back another classic character from the original series Jon Pertwee. The ship’s figurehead Saucy Nancy – memorable played by the late Barbara Windsor in the 1979-81 series – will reunite with her old friend Worzel who, along with Susan and John, tries to reunite Nancy with the sea. Bridget Jones and the actress Harry Potter’s Shirley Henderson will play Nancy this time around, while acting legend Vanessa Redgrave has also landed a role of Peg.
The Great Christmas Bake Off – 7:40 p.m., Channel 4
Channel 4
Perfect Christmas viewing, this festive special of the Great British Bake Off Christmas special will see 2019’s Jamie Finn and Rosie Brandreth-Poynter, 2018 finalist Ruby Bhogal and 2017 nominee James Hillery battle for the honor of the Star of Noel Baker. Tom Allen, who is no stranger to Bake Off as the host of Extra Slice and The Professionals edition, will take over as Noel Fielding is on paternity leave and Alexandra Burke will also join in for a festive rendition of Silent Night.
Cinderella: A Comedic Relief Pantomime for Christmas – 8:15 p.m., BBC Two
With pantomimes shut down across the country, BBC2 is here to save the day with a very special virtual panto performance of Cinderella, all with the help of Comic Relief. It’s a truly star-studded cast – Anya Taylor-Joy, Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Hollander, Guz Khan, and more. If that wasn’t enough, the online action will be lovingly animated by acclaimed illustrator Quentin Blake.
Christmas Special from Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow – 8:15 p.m., ITV
ITV
Another ’80s revival that aired tonight, Alan Carr resurrects The Price is Right for a Christmas special in his Epic Gameshow series. Lucky attendees will be invited to “come in” to, you guessed it, see if the price is really fair for what we imagine to be Christmas treats. The right candidates will then be able to spin the wheel and take on the epic showcase for more prizes.
One night at Hamley’s – 9 p.m., channel 4
While the title may sound like one of Channel 4’s documentaries, it couldn’t be further from the truth. One Night in Hamley’s sees comedians Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett and Tom Allen living out every child’s dream of being locked in the iconic toy store, free to do whatever they want as long as everything is back in place in the morning. . Without sleep allowed, expect toy problems, silly games, and a fun story or two.
Birds of a Feather – 9:15 p.m., ITV
ITV
Over 30 years after it was first broadcast and Birds of a Feather is still on our TV screens. Sadly, Pauline Quirke has excluded herself from this new special, which means Sharon will be missing as Tracey and Dorien drive each other insane. Joining the fray instead is none other than Les Dennis, playing Dorien’s new man, Graeme, who is sure to experience a Christmas in Essex like no other.
Miranda Games with Showbiz Names – 9.45pm, BBC One
BBC / Monkey Kingdom
Miranda Hart has become a bit of a Christmas TV regular lately and returns this year with a special called Miranda’s Games with Showbiz Names. As the title suggests, Miranda will be playing silly (virtual) games with some really big names – singer Robbie Williams, Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas and football specialist Jermaine Jenas to be precise.
The Jonathan Ross Christmas Show – 10 p.m., ITV
ITV
A bit of a Christmas tradition now, Jonathan Ross returns for a festive edition with an additional line-up of special guests. Breaking Dad Bradley and Barney Walsh’s father-son duo will be in remote headquarters, with Our Girl star Michelle Keegan, comedian Kevin Bridges, chart-topping singer Jess Glynne as well as newly-released Mo Farah. passage in the I ‘m A castle of celebrities.
Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV guide.
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