Stranger Things, Amanda Holden, and Strictly Come Dancing: A Pop Culture Roundup

Wiht Mariah Carey fully defrosted and mince pies disappearing at an alarming rate, families everywhere are poring over surely the most important item in any household – the Christmas TV listings guide.

This year’s festive schedules are, as ever, packed with specials, from the traditional to the truly bizarre. But what’s worth your time? Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights.

First up, The Great british Bake Off will be serving up a celebrity feast for Comic Relief, with a special edition featuring Peep Show stars David mitchell and Robert Webb. Expect awkward silences and questionable pastry skills. There’s also a New Year’s Day special featuring Tom Allen and Maisam Ali.

Over on the BBC, Doctor Who returns with a festive adventure starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. Meanwhile, Sir David Attenborough will present Planet Earth III, offering a breathtaking look at the natural world.

Channel 4 is pulling out all the stops with a star-studded line-up. Alison Hammond and Olivia Colman will be joining forces for a festive special, while Sanditon returns for a third series.

For those who prefer a bit of drama, ITV has a treat in store with Nolly, a three-part drama about the life of Crossroads star Noele Gordon.

And, of course, no Christmas TV schedule would be complete without a pantomime. This year, Jack and the Beanstalk will be gracing our screens, starring Julian Clary and Paul Chuckle.

Two Doors Down Returns for a Christmas Special

Two Doors Down, the delightful comedy about a group of eccentric neighbours, is back for a Christmas special ahead of what we hope will be a full series return (the show took a break in 2023 following the death of co-creator simon Carlyle).

in a new episode by co-writer Gregor Sharp, Michelle and Alan prepare for the arrival of their first child, while Beth and Eric inadvertently kick off the Christmas celebrations early on Latimer Crescent when they put their tree up in November.

On BBC One and iPlayer at 22:00

What to Watch on Christmas Day: your TV Guide to Festive Cheer

Christmas Day is a marathon of festivities, and a crucial part of that is the television schedule! Here’s a rundown of what’s on offer this year, from royal engagements to blockbuster films and brand new dramas.

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Morning

* BBC One: Kickstart your day with Paddington (9:00am) followed by Shaun the sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (9:30am).
* ITV: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (8:00am) offers a magical start to the day.
* Channel 4: Enjoy The snowman and The Snowdog (10:00am) – festive classics for all ages.

Afternoon

* BBC One: The queen

Amandaland Christmas Special Promises Family Drama with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley

Amandaland, the accomplished spin-off to motherland, is set to return for a Christmas special, bringing with it a delightful reunion for comedy fans. Jennifer Saunders will guest star alongside her former Absolutely Fabulous co-star, Joanna Lumley.

Saunders will play Aunt Joan, who is hosting the family’s Christmas celebrations at her country home. However, a long-standing rivalry between Joan and her sister, Felicity (played by Lumley), threatens to disrupt the festive cheer and unleash a wave of family drama.

## The Scarecrows’ wedding (and other animated delights)

Julia Donaldson’s book The Scarecrows’ Wedding,about two devoted scarecrows planning their big day,has been a firm favorite with children as its publication in 2016. Rob Brydon and Jessie Buckley voice characters in the TV adaptation.

Meanwhile, Shaun the sheep: Fleece Navidad is a 10-minute treat which sees the flock help the farmer produce a better Christmas card than his selfie-obsessed neighbours.

Other animated highlights include repeats of the delightful screen adaptation of The Tiger Who Came To Tea, and Christmas classic The Snowman.

* 08:20 and 08:50 respectively, both on Channel 4

Stranger Things (season five, volume two)

The fictional US town of Hawkins, Indiana has been turned into a military zone, with Eleven being hunted as she and her friends continue to try and find the powerful Vecna. But he has vanished, and his whereabouts and plans are unknown.

The next three episodes of season five are technically released on Christmas Day in the US, but the timezone difference means it will be Boxing Day for UK fans.

The End of an Era

your bank account might still be recovering from Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras tour, but Disney+ are now letting fans relive it with a six-part docuseries.

The End of an Era launched earlier this month with new episodes weekly, offering behind-the-scenes insight and interviews with family members and friends including Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Gracie Abrams.

* The final two episodes launch on Disney+ from 00:01

Other highlights

The Celebrity Apprentice: Festive Edition to Air This Christmas

A new festive edition of The Apprentice is coming to BBC One this Christmas, airing over two nights on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th December at 21:00. This special will precede a full-length celebrity series planned for next year.

The challenge? A group of stars will go head-to-head making and marketing gingerbread biscuits.

The line-up includes Rob Rinder, AJ Odudu, JB Gill, and returning favourite Thomas Skinner, who originally appeared on the 2019 series. Shazia Mirza will also be taking part.

Christmas and Boxing Day TV Guide 2024/2025: What to Watch

As the festive season approaches, planning your television viewing is key to a relaxing holiday. Here’s a look at some of the highlights scheduled for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day 2024/2025 across major UK channels, based on currently available information. Please note that schedules are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with the broadcasters directly for the most up-to-date listings.

BBC Christmas & Boxing Day Highlights

the BBC is offering a range of festive entertainment. Key programmes include:

* Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special (Christmas Day, 18:00): A festive edition of the popular dance competition. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z99x

* only Connect (Christmas Day, 20:30): The challenging quiz show returns for a special Christmas edition. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z99x

* University Challenge (Christmas Day, 21:00): Another festive special of the iconic student quiz. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z99x

Channel 4 Christmas & Boxing Day Highlights

Channel 4 is providing a mix of familiar favourites and festive fun:

* Gogglebox Christmas Day Compilation (Christmas Day, 21:15): A compilation of the best moments from the popular show. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/gogglebox

* the Festive Pottery Throwdown (Boxing Day, 19:45): A christmas-themed edition of the pottery competition. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-pottery-throw-down

Channel 5 Christmas & Boxing Day Highlights

Channel 5 offers heartwarming and comforting viewing options:

* The Yorkshire Vet (Christmas Eve, 19:00): A festive episode featuring the work of the Yorkshire vets. https://www.channel5.com/show/the-yorkshire-vet

* All Creatures Great and small (Christmas Day, 21:00): A Christmas special of the beloved veterinary drama. https://www.channel5.com/show/all-creatures-great-and-small

key Takeaways

* Variety of Options: UK broadcasters are offering a diverse range of programming over the Christmas and Boxing day period.
* Familiar Favourites: Many popular shows are returning with special festive editions.
* Check Listings: TV schedules are subject to change, so confirm timings with the broadcasters.

As we move closer to the festive season, more detailed schedules will be released. Keep an eye on the BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 websites for the latest updates and enjoy your Christmas television viewing!