The festive season is upon us and with it comes a plethora of television entertainment, ranging from specials and gripping dramas to comedy shows and seasonal documentaries.
The BBC has today unveiled its highly anticipated Christmas lineup, which includes the return of some of the nation's most beloved characters.
This includes the final episode of Gavin and Stacey, an Outnumbered reunion, and a new feature-length film featuring Wallace and Gromit.
Viewers can look forward to festive specials of popular shows such as Doctor Who, Strictly, Call The Midwife, and The Masked Singer, alongside new dramas like Playing Nice starring James Norton and Out There featuring 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 brand new animation from Julia Donaldson titled Tiddler.
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, BBC One/iPlayer, Christmas Day
One of the standout offerings is the finale of Gavin and Stacey, airing on BBC One/iPlayer on Christmas Day. It's been five years since we last saw Nessa (Ruth Jones) proposing to Smithy (James Corden), and much has transpired since then, reports the Mirror.
The cast have reunited for this final episode, promising viewers some much-needed closure. Additionally, there will be a heartwarming documentary chronicling the journey of one of Britain's favourite sitcoms as it concludes after 17 years.
Squid Game, Season 2, Netflix, Boxing Day
Boxing Day will see the release of the second season of Squid Game on Netflix.
A spine-chilling trailer introduces a fresh group of contestants vying for a hefty cash prize on a game show that threatens their lives. One participant yells out in distress: "I have played these games before. We will all die if we keep playing."
Still, they're drawn back into the fray—some out of sheer desire for one last challenge.
Anticipate more haunting figures, higher stakes, and a rollercoaster of emotions.
Strike - The Ink Black Heart, BBC One/iPlayer, December 16, 17, 23, 24
Meanwhile, get ready to dive into a chilling murder mystery with 'Strike - The Ink Black Heart' airing on BBC One/iPlayer across December 16, 17, 23, and 24. Tom Burke alongside Holliday Grainger bring to screen yet another compelling drama, adapted from J.K. Rowling's popular novels.
This installment delves into the perplexing story of an animated character's creator who is being targeted by an enigmatic tormentor online.
The Great Christmas Bake Off, C4, Christmas Eve
Don't miss 'The Great Christmas Bake Off' airing on Christmas Eve over on Channel 4. Hosted by comedy favourites Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond and under the watchful eyes of culinary experts Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, this festive favourite is graced by five soap stars, all mixing it up for the title of top baker.
In the lineup are EastEnders' icons Dean Gaffney and Natalie Cassidy, joined by soap veterans Sheree Murphy of Emmerdale and Hollyoaks fame, Coronation Street’s own Shobna Gulati, and Chris Bisson also representing Emmerdale.
Mariah Meets Rylan, BBC Two, December 7
Gear up for a sensational encounter as 'Mariah Meets Rylan' airs on BBC Two, December 7. In this exclusive sit-down, TV personality Rylan Clark-Neal holds a one-on-one with the legendary musician Mariah Carey.
Rylan will be probing into Mariah's life journey, her music career, the gigs she took before reaching stardom, her star-studded circle of friends, and naturally, her iconic seasonal tune 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. Plus, in a quirky EastEnders twist, Rylan challenges Mariah to test her British accent.
Out There, ITV1/X, December
This gripping drama delves into the world of county lines drug dealing and the rising crime wave that's infiltrating the British countryside. Martin Clunes takes on the role of a farmer who finds himself up against these sinister forces encroaching on his rural community.
The intense narrative also features Louis Ashbourne Serkis.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, BBC1, Christmas Day
The sparkling dance show returns with comedian Josh Widdicombe, Drag queen 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 celebrities aim to wow judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Anton du Beke, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.
Playing Nice, ITV1/X, December
This chilling psychological thriller 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.
Stellar performances are delivered by James Norton, Niamh Algar, James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay.
The Masked Singer Christmas Special, ITV1, December
Four celebrities will compete undercover in extreme and extraordinary festive costumes, their identities concealed as they perform. The panel of detectives, including Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and special guests, will attempt to reveal their identities.
An Evening With Dua Lipa, ITV1, December
An Evening With Dua Lipa is set to air on ITV1 in December. Recorded at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London, global superstar Dua Lipa will reimagine her hit pop songs for the occasion, accompanied by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, a 14-strong choir and her seven-piece band - with a surprise cameo from Elton John.
The special will also feature interviews where she reflects on pivotal moments in her life and career.
Outnumbered Christmas Special, BBC One/iPlayer, December
The Brockmans are returning for an Outnumbered Christmas Special on BBC One/iPlayer in December. This special episode follows the chaos in Pete and Sue's (Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner) downsized home as they grapple with parenting their now adult children, who have their own lives to lead.
It seems 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, will be airing on BBC1 and iPlayer on Christmas Day, becoming a staple of the Christmas Day TV schedule.
The story revolves around a small fish with a vast imagination who gets lost in the ocean. However, he manages to find his way home by following the trail of his own tale.
The show features Hannah Waddingham as the narrator, along with Lolly Adefope, Jayde Adams and Rob Brydon. Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl will be aired on BBC One/iPlayer on Christmas Day.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, BBC One/iPlayer, Christmas Day
After a long wait, Wallace and his best friend Gromit are back with a new feature-length adventure where they face a wave of garden goods thefts. Wallace and his smart gnome, Norbot, become the prime suspects.
It's up to Gromit to fight against the sinister forces, or Wallace may never invent again.
Call The Midwife Christmas Specials, BBC One/iPlayer, December
For the first time, the cosy 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 Doctor and Bridgerton's very own Nicola Coughlan as Joy, we're in for a holiday adventure that twists through Earth's history like tinsel on a Christmas tree. Fetch your scarves and sonic screwdrivers because plot details are shrouded in mystery, though showrunner Steven Moffat has dangled a tantalizing crumb: "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
WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped over on BBC Two/iPlayer this December is set to deck the halls with a festive toast to the 40th anniversary of the ultimate Christmas tune, 'Last Christmas'. Travelling back in time, it chimes in as a heartfelt hour dedicated to George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley who crafted a cultural milestone with their iconic hit.
With a stocking full of interviews from music gurus to artists and producers, it unwraps the captivating story behind the song's timeless charm.
That Christmas, Netflix, December 4
That Christmas, which drops onto Netflix on December 4, is Richard Curtis' latest bauble. He's the mastermind behind the much-loved Love Actually, and he's bringing us a sparkly animated fantasy comedy movie.
Boasting voice talents such as Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy, we're promised a gift-wrapped bundle of interlinked stories filled with love, solitude, kinship, comrades, a fierce snowstorm, and Santa himself caught in a hefty blunder. Plus, expect a flock of turkeys - quite a few, actually.
Gladiators Celebrity Special, BBC One/iPlayer, December
Meanwhile, a Gladiators Celebrity Special is gearing up on BBC One/iPlayer come December, where household names gear up to face the ultimate challenge. Comedian Rob Beckett, journalist Louise Minchin, funny man Joel Dommett, and comedian Ellie Taylor brace themselves against one of television's most gruelling battlegrounds.
Will these celebrities be ready to face the might of the Gladiators?
Rob chuckles: "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, airing on BBC One and iPlayer this December, offers a sunny two-part special of the popular legal drama featuring Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey, Fiona Button, and Deborah Findlay. Fast forward two years after the third series finale, and Hannah, played by Walker, finds herself amidst family turmoil during a destination wedding in Spain.
Death In Paradise Christmas Special, BBC One/iPlayer, December
Set against a Caribbean winter sun, the Death In Paradise Christmas Special is ready to entertain this December on BBC One and iPlayer. Expectations rise as viewers join the Saint Marie police team and greet a new Detective Inspector for an extended episode.
Plus, the spin-off Beyond Paradise is back with two holiday mysteries to solve.
The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland, Sky Max/NOW, December 13
The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland hits screens on Sky Max and NOW come December 13. In a spectacular ensemble of top-tier talent like Gerard Butler, Emilia Clarke, and Simone Ashley, the animated musical film intertwines the enchanting worlds of Alice In Wonderland with the festive narrative of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.
As Santa receives an urgent missive from the Princess Of Hearts, he embarks on a thrilling journey to Wonderland, where the Queen has declared war on Christmas cheer.
A Ghost Story For Christmas: Woman Of Stone, BBC Two/iPlayer, December
BBC Two/iPlayer prepares to present A Ghost Story For Christmas: Woman Of Stone this December, adding a haunting chill to the festive lineup.
Mark Gatiss takes on the roles of adapter and director in this eerie tale about newlywed Victorians, Jack and Laura (portrayed by Éanna Hardwicke and Phoebe Horn). As they make themselves at home in a quaint cottage, their housekeeper fills their ears with superstitious tales about two marble tomb effigies that are 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 in a feud with his neighbour Neil (played by Lee Mack). However, to rescue Christmas, these bitter rivals must join forces to become local heroes.
The unlikely duo take on a local crime family to save the day.
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