Doctor Who to Downton Abbey: Your complete Christmas TV and radio guide
Like a giant tin of Quality Street, Christmas telly has something for everyone, be it Doctor Who (Christmas Day, BBC1, 6.15pm), Strictly Come Dancing (Christmas Day, BBC1, 5pm) or an Irish mammy being singed by her fairy lights in Mrs Brown’s Boys (Christmas & New Year’s Day, BBC1, 10.05pm & 9.35pm).
And this year’s festive collection is no different.
Tradition dictates that laptops, tablets and smartphones be put aside as the family gather round the gogglebox for a blast of Frozen (Christmas Day, Sky Movies Premiere, 12.30pm & 7pm) or some good old EastEnders cheer (Christmas Day, BBC1, 9pm).
Cracking dramas include Harry Hill as a bonkers boffin in The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm (Christmas Eve, BBC1, 8.30pm), while your heart will be warmed to its very cockles on Christmas Day as Call The Midwife (BBC1, 7.50pm) segues neatly into Downton Abbey (ITV, 9pm).
Downton Abbey: The Crawleys are away for a shooting party – but back at Downton shocking secrets are revealed among the servants
On Boxing Day, David Walliams referees the adaptation of his debut novel, The Boy In The Dress (BBC1, 6.55pm), about a 12-year-old boy who finds freedom from his family problems with a spot of cross-dressing.
Finally, if you’re wondering why James Corden is proferring a pair of tortoises (far right), that’s because New Year’s Day sees Richard Curtis’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot (BBC1, 6.30pm), starring Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman. (And what does Esio Trot spell backwards?)
But perhaps the most anticipated festive fare is the long farewell to Miranda, which gallops off into the sunset with a two-part special (Christmas & New Year’s Day, BBC1, 7.15pm & 8pm).
When last we met, our galumphing heroine had received not just one marriage proposal but two…
Surely, she’s not setting herself up for one last pratfall, is she?
DRAMA
Doctor Who finds himself with a new companion: a cheery fat man named Santa Claus
Olive Kitteridge
SUNDAY 14 & MONDAY 15, SKY ATLANTIC, 9pm
An exceptional piece of storytelling, this melancholy mini-series portrays the life of a troubled teacher (Frances McDormand) in a small American town over 25 years.
Black Mirror: White Christmas
TUESDAY 16, CHANNEL 4, 9pm
Mad Men lead Jon Hamm stars in a feature-length festive edition of Charlie Brooker’s darkly funny drama series.
Playhouse Presents: Marked
THURSDAY 18, SKY ARTS 1, 10pm
Stephen Fry and Kiefer Sutherland star in the festive story of a bungled assassination attempt by a man in financial difficulties.
The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm
CHRISTMAS EVE, BBC1, 8.30pm
Harry Hill is the potty inventor whose hare-brained schemes always go up in smoke. David Mitchell and Vicki Pepperdine also star.
Doctor Who
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC1, 6.15pm
When an Arctic base comes under attack, the Doctor finds himself with a new companion: a cheery fat man named Santa Claus…
Call The Midwife
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC1, 7.50pm
Chummy (Miranda Hart) rescues a failing home for mothers and babies in a special, featuring the on-screen debut of narrator Vanessa Redgrave.
Downton Abbey
CHRISTMAS DAY, ITV, 9pm
The Crawleys are away for a shooting party – but back at Downton shocking secrets are revealed among the servants.
The Boy In The Dress
BOXING DAY, BBC1, 6.55pm
David Walliams’ cross-dressing coming-of-age comedy follows Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny into the Christmas schedules.
Agatha Raisin And The Quiche Of Death
BOXING DAY, SKY1, 8.30pm
A poisoned quiche leads to suspicions of foul play in a Midsomer Murders spoof, starring Ashley Jensen and Robert Bathurst.
That Day We Sang
BOXING DAY, BBC2, 9pm
Victoria Wood shows off her superlative wordsmith skills in this musical about middle-aged love. Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton star.
Last Tango In Halifax
SUNDAY 28, BBC1, 9pm
The Bafta-winner returns, with lashings of bittersweet comedy and shocking twists in the autumnal romance of Anne Reid and Derek Jacobi.
Mapp And Lucia
MONDAY 29, BBC1, 9.05pm; TUESDAY 30 & NEW YEAR'S EVE, BBC1, 9pm
Anna Chancellor and Miranda Richardson star as warring ladies in a small English town as EF Benson’s comic novels are adapted.
Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot
NEW YEAR'S DAY, BBC1, 6.30pm
In Roald Dahl’s tale, an eccentric bachelor (Dustin Hoffman) courts his neighbour (Judi Dench) – but can she be distracted from her beloved tortoise?
ENTERTAINMENT
Bette Midler: One Night Only
MONDAY 15, ITV, 9pm
The award-winning actress and singer showcases her many talents in a one-off gig hosted by Joanna Lumley.
Text Santa
FRIDAY 19, ITV, 8pm
Downton Abbey fans will think it’s, er, Christmas, as George Clooney drops in on the Crawley family in a sketch in this charity extravaganza. Christine Bleakley hosts.
Strictly Come Dancing
SATURDAY 20, BBC1, 6.30pm & 8.50pm
Four celebrities will step onto the dancefloor, but only one will step off with the glitterball trophy at the end of the final.
Surprise Surprise Christmas Special
SUNDAY 21, ITV, 8pm
Holly Willoughby hosts a festive selection of feel-good treats and surprises.
Celebrity Mastermind
MONDAY 22, BBC1, 7pm
John Humphrys invites celebrities to answer questions in the big black chair.
Julie Walters: A Life On Screen
CHRISTMAS EVE, BBC2, 9.30pm
From Educating Rita to Mo Mowlam, this run through Julie Walters’ career will leave you grinning.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC1, 5pm
Bruce Forsyth returns to the ballroom as former celebrity hoofers dance off for the Christmas trophy.
A Christmas Cracker
BOXING DAY, ITV, 8pm
Bradley Walsh hosts a seasonal spectacular with guests including The Muppets, Cirque du Soleil and Al Murray.
Through The Christmas Keyhole
BOXING DAY, ITV, 9.30pm
Jonathan Ross, Louis Walsh and Kym Marsh help Keith Lemon to identify the mystery celebrity houses.
Bruce’s Hall Of Fame
SATURDAY 27, BBC1, 8.30pm
Bruce Forsyth invites stars, including Alfie Boe and Jon Culshaw, to pay tribute to those who inspired them.
Darcy Oake: Edge Of Reality
SATURDAY 27, ITV, 9.50pm
The Britain’s Got Talent magician shows his skills in a one-off special.
Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular
NEW YEAR'S EVE, CHANNEL 4, 9pm
Jonathan Ross, Gok Wan, Alesha Dixon and James Corden join in the fun.
COMEDY
Brian Pern: A Life In Rock
TUESDAY 16 & MONDAY 22, BBC2, 10pm & 10.30pm
Simon Day returns as the over-the-top prog-rock star in a cameo-filled, Peter Gabriel-inspired mockumentary.
Citizen Khan
FRIDAY 19, BBC1, 8.30pm
Mr Khan’s cheer is dented when a host of Nativity characters descend on his house.
Rik Mayall: Lord Of Misrule
SATURDAY 20, BBC2, 10.05pm
Friends remember the late funny man who brought ‘utter joy and confidence’ to every role he made his own.
John Bishop’s Christmas Show
MONDAY 22, BBC1, 9pm
The comedian and guests, including Jack Whitehall, present an evening of entertainment.
The Wrong Mans
MONDAY 22 & TUESDAY 23, BBC2, 9pm
The Wrong Mans: What are James Corden and Mathew Baynton’s hapless council lackeys doing in a Texas jail? A second batch of thriller misadventures begins
What are James Corden and Mathew Baynton’s hapless council lackeys doing in a Texas jail? A second batch of thriller misadventures begins.
Stella: Christmas Special
MONDAY 22, SKY1, 9pm
Ruth Jones returns as the cheery nurse in a festive edition of the Welsh Valleys sitcom. Will her first Christmas with Michael (and his family) go without a hitch?
Derek – The Special
MONDAY 22, CHANNEL 4, 10pm
Derek: This one-off special is set to be our last visit to the care home, so make the most of this final episode of Ricky Gervais’s sitcom
This one-off special is set to be our last visit to the care home, so make the most of this final episode of Ricky Gervais’s sitcom.
Man Down Christmas Special
TUESDAY 23, CHANNEL 4, 10pm
Can Dan (Greg Davies) look forward to a relaxed festive season? Not likely in this festive episode of the sitcom.
Not Going Out Christmas Special
CHRISTMAS EVE, BBC1, 9.30pm
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Lee’s father causing chaos – and this year is no different after a night on the lash sees Lee and his dad banged up.
Cuckoo Christmas Special
CHRISTMAS EVE, BBC3, 10.25pm
Taylor Lautner’s eternal adolescent gives Christmas his own New Age twist. What will Ken (Greg Davies) think?
Miranda
CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR'S DAY, BBC1, 7.15pm & 8pm
Two final episodes wrap up Miranda’s comic misadventures once and for all. Is love on the cards at last?
Mrs Brown’s Boys
CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR'S DAY, BBC1, 10.05pm & 9.35pm
There are raucous laughs aplenty as the Christmas plans in the Brown household go predictably pear-shaped.
Michael McIntyre’s Very Christmassy Christmas Show
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC1, 10.40pm
Jamie Oliver, Rob Brydon, Barbara Windsor, Mrs Brown, Robbie Williams and Jamie Cullum join the beaming comedian in the studio.
Still Open All Hours
BOXING DAY, BBC1, 6.25pm
David Jason is back as the luckless Granville, as a festive special returns to Arkwright’s corner shop to kick off a new series of the nostalgic sitcom.
Birds Of A Feather
BOXING DAY, ITV, 9pm
A Christmas special kicks off the second series of the revamped adventures of Sharon, Tracey and Dorien.
House Of Fools Christmas Special
SUNDAY 28, BBC2, 10pm
In a festive edition of the anarchic sitcom, Vic and Bob are on the hunt for Phil Collins’s bobble hat…
Charlie Brooker’s 2014 Wipe
TUESDAY 30, BBC2, 10pm
The broadcaster takes a satirical look at the past 12 months, from the Tower of London’s poppy display to ice-bucket challenges.
FACTUAL
Bullseyes And Beer: When Darts Hit Britain
MONDAY 15, BBC4, 9pm
A look back to the era when darts ruled the small screen and players such as Eric Bristow and Bobby George were superstars.
The Apprentice
SUNDAY 21, BBC1, 9pm
Eleven weeks of bluster and buzzwords conclude as the failed candidates return to help out the last two wannabes in the series’ finale.
Gadget Man’s Guide To Christmas
MONDAY 22, CHANNEL 4, 8pm
Jonathan Ross, Stephen Merchant and Adam Hills are among those joining Richard Ayoade to investigate festive gizmos.
Tsunami: Survivors’ Stories
MONDAY 22, ITV, 9pm
A decade on, survivors of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Thailand tell their stories.
Storyville: Panto! Mayhem, Make Up And Magic
MONDAY 22, BBC4, 9.25pm
This warm-hearted documentary follows a Nottingham community theatre group as its members stage Puss In Boots.
Roman Britain From The Air
TUESDAY 23, ITV, 8pm
Christine Bleakley takes to a helicopter to get a new viewpoint on ancient ruins.
The Queen’s Garden
CHRISTMAS DAY & SUNDAY 28, ITV, 3.10pm & 6pm
Alan Titchmarsh gets into the garden-party groove at Buckingham Palace.
James May’s Toy Stories
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC2, 5.10pm
In his latest playful documentary, Top Gear’s Captain Slow tries to breathe life back into vintage toy soldier, Action Man.
Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs At Christmas
CHRISTMAS DAY, ITV, 5.50pm
Fast becoming a Christmas tradition, Paul O’Grady catches up with more dogs at Battersea.
Top Gear Patagonia Special
SATURDAY 27 & SUNDAY 28, BBC2, 8.30pm & 8pm
The gang’s controversial trip to South America sees them embark on a 1,600-mile road trip down the continent in a trio of sports cars.
RI Lectures
MONDAY 29 - NEW YEAR'S EVE, BBC4, 8pm
Professor Danielle George presents this year’s lectures. The theme? How To Hack Your Home.
Snow Wolf Family And Me
MONDAY 29 & TUESDAY 30, BBC2, 9pm
Gordon Buchanan hangs out with a wolf pack in the Arctic, finding a group of creatures oddly lacking in aggression.
Al Murray’s Great British Spy Movies
MONDAY 29, BBC4, 9pm
The history of British espionage films, from James Bond to George Smiley and beyond.
Darcey Bussell’s Looking For Audrey
MONDAY 29, BBC1, 10.30pm
A profile of the style-defining Hollywood legend, Audrey Hepburn.
Tigers About The House – What Happened Next
NEW YEAR EVE'S & NEW YEAR'S DAY, BBC2, 7pm & 7.30pm
Tigers About The House – What Happened Next: Continuing the story of Giles Clark, and the two Sumatran tiger cubs he adopted, as he highlights illegal hunting methods
Continuing the story of Giles Clark, and the two Sumatran tiger cubs he adopted, as he highlights illegal hunting methods.
ARTS & MUSIC
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga give classics a modern twist in this New York concert
The Choir: New Military Wives
TUESDAY 16 & CHRISTMAS EVE, BBC2, 9pm & 8.30pm
Gareth Malone searches for 100 women to sing in a classical Proms concert to mark the centenary of the First World War.
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek Live!
FRIDAY 19, BBC1, 11.55pm
The old crooner and the queen of pop give classics a modern twist in this New York concert.
Rewind The Christmas Hits
SATURDAY 20, CHANNEL 4, 8pm
From the Pogues to Boney M, the stories behind the UK’s biggest Christmas hits.
Songs Of Praise
SUNDAY 21, BBC1, 5.25pm
Katherine Jenkins, The Swingle Singers and Jermain Jackman perform carols at the Royal Albert Hall.
Michael Bublé’s Christmas 2014
MONDAY 22, CHANNEL 5, 9pm
Barbra Streisand, Ariana Grande and Miss Piggy join the Canadian singer.
Len Goodman’s Big Band Bonanza
TUESDAY 23, BBC4, 9pm
The Strictly… judge remembers the time when swing was king.
Kylie: Kiss Me Once
TUESDAY 23, ITV, 10.40pm
Highlights from the Aussie songstress’s current tour, recorded in Glasgow.
Katherine Jenkins, The Swingle Singers and Jermain Jackman perform carols at the Royal Albert Hall
Carols From King’s
CHRISTMAS EVE, BBC2, 5.25pm
One of the great traditions celebrates its 60th year of music and readings from Cambridge.
The Proms
CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY, BBC2, 2.45pm & 5.25pm
First, songs from Kiss Me, Kate, before Boxing Day sees music from the stage version of War Horse.
The Winter’s Tale From The Royal Ballet
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC4, 7pm
Love and loss are the themes in an elegant new staging of the Shakespeare story.
Tim Rice – A Life In Song
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC2, 9pm
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Minchin and Rufus Wainwright are among those paying tribute to lyricist Sir Tim Rice in concert.
Queen + Adam Lambert Rock Big Ben Live
NEW YEAR'S EVE, BBC1 (not scot), 11.15pm
A rocking farewell to 2014: Brian May and Roger Taylor are joined by the 2009 American Idol runner-up.
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny 2014
NEW YEAR'S EVE, BBC2, 11.20pm
Joss Stone, Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding join Jools Holland for his annual big bash.
New Year’s Day Concert Live From Vienna
NEW YEAR'S DAY, BBC2, 11.15am
The grand traditional concert from Vienna pays tribute once again to the family Strauss.
CHILDREN
Tree Fu Tom: The Sprite Before Christmas
MONDAY 15, CBEEBIES, 5.05pm
The residents of Treetopolis are preparing for Winterfest, but Tom and Twigs’s excitement threatens to spoil the party.
Strange Hill High
MONDAY15, CBBC, 5.30pm
Mitchell’s meddling causes the school to freeze over, trapping the students inside for a very peculiar Christmas.
Jake And The Never Land Pirates
MONDAY 15, DISNEY JUNIOR, 5.50pm
Captain Hook stars in an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Sarah & Duck
TUESDAY 16, CBEEBIES, 5.20pm
Following tracks in the snow, Sarah and Duck visit the zoo to find out who delivered their Christmas presents.
A Christmas Panic!
TUESDAY 16, CBBC, 5.30pm
Christmas is cancelled after Chief and Cowboy accidentally destroy Horse’s yule log. Can the toys save the day?
Hey Duggee
WEDNESDAY 17, CBEEBIES, 5.25pm
Alexander Armstrong narrates a new pre-school animated series about an energetic brown dog and his Squirrel Clubhouse.
Millie Inbetween
WEDNESDAY 17, CBBC, 5.30pm
it’s Millie and Lauren’s first Christmas since their parents’ separation, and Millie is keen to invent some new traditions.
Q Pootle 5
THURSDAY 18, CBEEBIES, 4.45pm
Christmas is in jeopardy on Okidoki, when the residents receive a mayday call during rehearsals for Groobie’s pantomime.
Topsy And Tim
THURSDAY18, CBEEBIES, 5.15pm
On Christmas Eve, the twins decorate the tree, wrap presents and prepare for Santa’s arrival.
Blue Peter: It’s Christmas!
THURSDAY 18, CBBC, 5.30pm
Iggy the new puppy enjoys her first Christmas, with carols around the tree, a world record attempt and a performance.
CBeebies Peter Pan
FRIDAY 19, CBEEBIES, 5pm
Mr Bloom stars as JM Barrie’s classic boy hero in the traditional pantomime, featuring a host of familiar CBeebies’ faces.
The Thundermans
FRIDAY 19, Nickelodeon, 5.30pm
The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future visit teenage super- villain-in-waiting Max.
The Furchester Hotel
FRIDAY 19, CBEEBIES, 5.45pm
Chaos ensues in the Muppet-run hotel, as they gear up for Monster Monster Day, when the friendliest monster of all visits.
Zack And Quack
SATURDAY 20, CHANNEL 5, 8.40am
When the frost means Zack is unable to post his letter to Santa Claus, he decides to take it to the big man himself.
Thomas & Friends
TUESDAY 23-BOXING DAY, CHANNEL 5, 7.30am
The engines of Sodor celebrate Christmas with four festive episodes of the beloved pre-school animation.
The Snowman
TUESDAY 23, CHANNEL 4, 7.30pm
Raymond Briggs’s animated classic. Sequel The Snowman And The Snowdog is on Christmas Eve (7.55pm).
Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom
CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY, CHANNEL 5, 7.55am
Christmas is under threat when King Thistle ends up in a cracker, the queen gets trapped in a toy fairy castle, and Wise Old Elf is stuck up a tree.
On Angel Wings
CHRISTMAS EVE, BBC1, 4.15pm
Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s Nativity story, this charming animation is the story of a young shepherd who recalls the night he witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ.
Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas
CHRISTMAS DAY, ITV, 4.20pm
A delightful retelling of the enduring Christmas film, Elf, this stop-motion animation tells the story of a cheery elf who visits New York to meet his father.
Tickety Toc
BOXING DAY, CHANNEL 5, 8.45am
It’s up to Tommy and Tallulah to save Christmas when Santa crash-lands in Tickety Town, scattering presents far and wide.
FOOD
EAT: The Story Of Food
SUNDAY 14, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 7pm
An ambitious U.S. series exploring the history of food, from caveman to celebrity chef. Nigella Lawson is among the talking heads.
The Great British Bake Off Christmas Masterclass
TUESDAY 16, BBC2, 8pm
Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry put their money where their mouths are as they demonstrate how to create perfect Christmas treats worthy of The Great British Bake Off tent.
Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites
FRIDAY 19, BBC2, 8.30pm
Part two of Mary Berry’s guide to seasonal cooking turns to the big day itself, with recipes for mulled wine, mini filo beef Wellington canapés, a turkey crown with all the trimmings, and traditional mince pies.
Jamie’s Cracking Christmas
SUNDAY 21, CHANNEL 4, 6pm
The Naked Chef draws on global inspiration for an Italian bread-and-butter pudding and Korean steamed buns.
Food Unwrapped’s Christmas Dinner
MONDAY 22, CHANNEL 4, 9pm
Why is farmed salmon pink? Is frankincense edible? The team travel the world to learn about the key ingredients in festive feasts.
MasterChef: The Professionals
TUESDAY 23, BBC2, 8pm
It’s the final of the competition and just one three- course meal stands between the chefs and the coveted crown.
FILMS
The Inbetweeners 2
FROM MONDAY 15,ON DEMAND
The enjoyably exuberant final outing for the lads (Simon Bird, James Buckley, Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison) sees the crude foursome heading to Australia for a road-trip holiday.
Muppets Most Wanted
FRIDAY 19, SKY MOVIES PREMIERE, 4.30pm & 8pm
Muppets Most Wanted guest stars a-go-go (including Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey) as The Muppets return for a second globetrotting adventure
It’s guest stars a-go-go (including Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey) as The Muppets return for a second globetrotting adventure.
Escape From Planet Earth
FRIDAY 19, SKY MOVIES PREMIERE, 6.30pm
A dusty old sci-fi trope gets turned on its head in this good-looking animation about a band of friendly aliens trying to escape from the galaxy’s most dangerous planet: Earth.
Men In Black 3
SUNDAY 21, CHANNEL 4, 7pm
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones (plus Josh Brolin as the young Agent K) dust down their suits and shades as the alien hunters try to stop a time-travelling extraterrestrial changing the past.
Salmon Fishing In The Yemen
SUNDAY 21, BBC2, 8pm
Ewan McGregor is the fishing expert hoping to turn the desert into a hub for anglers in this sweet adaptation of Paul Torday’s novel. Emily Blunt co-stars.
Gran Torino
SUNDAY 21, CHANNEL 5, 9pm
Gran Torino: Clint Eastwood’s final film appearance sees the former Dirty Harry playing a grumpy retired car-factory worker who finds himself battling a local gang when he reluctantly tries to help out a young boy
Clint Eastwood’s final film appearance (to date) sees the former Dirty Harry playing a grumpy retired car-factory worker who finds himself battling a local gang when he reluctantly tries to help out a young boy.
Million Dollar Arm
FROM MONDAY 22,ON DEMAND
Slumdog Millionaire meets Field Of Dreams in this heartfelt drama in which Jon Hamm’s sports agent travels to India in search of cricket players he can train to play baseball.
Cinderella
MONDAY 22, BBC1, 4pm
It’s ‘Bibbidi- Bobbidi-Boo’ time as the classic Disney cartoon retells the story of the girl in the glass slippers.
Big Miracle
CHRISTMAS EVE, CHANNEL 4, 12.30pm
Drew Barrymore is the Greenpeace volunteer battling to save a family of grey whales trapped under the ice in a heartwarming true adventure.
The Lego Movie
CHRISTMAS EVE, SKY MOVIES PREMIERE, 2.30pm & 8pm
Can ordinary fella Emmet save his building block city? Find out in a toy spin-off that’s imaginative and hilarious in equal amounts.
Skyfall
CHRISTMAS EVE, ITV, 8pm
Daniel Craig’s most recent outing as 007 is his best to date – a dark adventure that pits him against a crazed former agent.
Inspired by The Snow Queen, Frozen is the most successful animated movie of all time
Frozen
CHRISTMAS DAY, SKY MOVIES PREMIERE, 12.30pm & 7pm
Inspired by The Snow Queen, this is the most successful animated movie of all time.
Noah
CHRISTMAS DAY, SKY MOVIES PREMIERE, 2.30pm & 9pm
Russell Crowe heads up an all-star cast in a full-blooded big-screen version of the Biblical tale.
Puss In Boots
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC1, 3.10pm
The Antonio Banderas-voiced feline from the Shrek movies gets a well-deserved solo spin-off, and goes on a quest for a magical golden goose. Salma Hayek is Kitty Softpaws.
Arthur Christmas
CHRISTMAS DAY, Channel 4, 6pm
Festive feel-good silliness, as Santa’s bumbling son (voiced by James McAvoy) tries to deliver a gift to a forgotten little girl.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
BOXING DAY, SKY MOVIES PREMIERE, 11.45am, 5.45pm & 10.10pm
As much a spy thriller as a superhero action flick, Captain America’s second solo movie outing is a slick, smart and cool adventure co-starring Robert Redford.
The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists!
BOXING DAY, BBC1, 4.40pm
Charles Darwin teams up with the crew of a down-at-heel pirate ship in a marvellous animated comedy from the team behind Wallace & Gromit.
Avengers Assemble
BOXING DAY, BBC1, 8.30pm
The biggest of big-budget action flicks as Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor team up on the big-screen for the very first time to battle alien invaders.
The Guest
FROM MONDAY 29,ON DEMAND
Dan Stevens shrugs off his Downton Abbey reserve in a smart thriller about a mysterious man who moves in with the grieving family of a dead soldier.
The Muppets
MONDAY 29, BBC1, 6.20pm
Breathing life into a flagging franchise, this Muppet reboot sees the gang reuniting to save their old theatre from demolition.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
TUESDAY 30, BBC1, 6.05pm
Will teaming up with a circus help the quartet of not-so-wild critters escape from Europe? It’s fun finding out in the finale to the zoo animal’s animated adventures.
The Look Of Love
TUESDAY 30, CHANNEL 4, 10.20pm
Steve Coogan takes the lead in this entertaining true-life drama about a porn publisher who went on to become one of Britain’s richest men.
The Help
NEW YEAR'S EVE, BBC2, 8.30pm
The Help: This intelligent and moving drama about race-relations in 1960s America draws fantastic performances from Emma Stone and the Oscar-winning Octavia Spencer
This intelligent and moving drama about race-relations in 1960s America draws fantastic performances from Emma Stone and the Oscar-winning Octavia Spencer.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
NEW YEAR'S DAY, SKY MOVIES PREMIERE, 12.30pm & 7pm
Andrew Garfield returns as the webbed wonder to battle Jamie Foxx’s sparky supervillain Electro.
The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn
NEW YEAR'S DAY, BBC1, 4.25pm
Steven Spielberg helms a loving big-screen animated adaptation of the books about the globetrotting boy reporter and his pet dog Snowy.
Snow White And The Huntsman
NEW YEAR'S DAY, CHANNEL 4, 8pm
Snow White And The Huntsman: Twilight meets Thor as Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth star in a reinvention of the classic fairy tale alongside Charlize Theron’s evil queen
Twilight meets Thor as Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth star in a reinvention of the classic fairy tale alongside Charlize Theron’s evil queen.
Quartet
NEW YEAR'S DAY, BBC2, 9pm
A fine cast (Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins and Tom Courtenay) enliven an affecting drama about retired musicians.
The Dark Knight
NEW YEAR'S DAY, ITV, 9pm
Christian Bale’s second outing as Batman is nicked from under him by the late Heath Ledger’s spine-chilling turn as psychopathic uber-villain, The Joker.
RADIO
SUNDAY 14
Desert Island Discs
RADIO 4, 11.15am
Sarah Millican chooses her essential items for that enforced break, while the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (Dec 21) and actor Ray Winstone (Dec 28) follow.
The Rest Is History
RADIO 4, 7.15pm
New six-part series in which self-confessed history dunce Frank Skinner looks at moments in time with celebrities and experts.
MONDAY 15
Composer Of The Week
RADIO 3, midday
Known for his conducting skill, five marriages and that Morecambe & Wise sketch, André Previn’s own compositions are revealed.
TUESDAY 16
Death Of An Orchestra
RADIO 4, 11.30am
Alan Bennett fondly recalls the post-war Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra.
The Shooting Of Sam Cooke
RADIO 2, 10pm
What really happened on the night the King of Soul died in a downtown LA motel in 1964?
THURSDAY 18
Take That In Concert
RADIO 2, 8pm
New trio Gary, Howard and Mark talk to Jo Whiley and perform songs from their album III.
Victoria Pendleton – Mind Of A Cyclist
RADIO 5, 8pm
The Olympic gold medallist looks at the mindset and psychology of successful track and road cyclists.
FRIDAY 19
Friday Night Is Music Night
RADIO 2, 8pm
Top actors, West End musical stars, the BBC Concert Orchestra and a 16-strong choir feature in a programme stuffed with seasonal favourites.
SATURDAY 20
A Christmas Carol
RADIO 4, 2.30pm
Robert Powell stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in an atmospheric new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic for voices and orchestra by Neil Brand.
SUNDAY 21
The influential queen of punk, designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, talks about her colourful life
Private Passions
RADIO 3, MIDDAY
The influential queen of punk, designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, talks about her colourful life and how classical music has influenced her creations.
MONDAY 22
The Molesworth Report
RADIO 4, 10.45am
Imelda Staunton stars as schoolboy Nigel Molesworth, the Curse of St Custard’s, in this lively adaptation of the books by Geoffrey Willans and Ronald Searle.
Soul Cities With Tony Blackburn
RADIO 2, MIDDAY
The DJ and soul disciple explores three cities, Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia, that have dominated the scene and produced myriad music and stars.
Len Goodman Investigates: Glenn Miller, 70 Years Of Mystery
RADIO 2 , 10pm
The Strictly judge muses on the enduring appeal of the band leader’s work and his mysterious disappearance in 1944.
Good Omens
RADIO 4, 11pm
The first dramatisation of the 1990 comic fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, a droll view of Armageddon as seen through the eyes of a jaded angel and his demonic counterpart.
TUESDAY 23
Cabin Pressure
RADIO 4, 6.30PM
It’s the final touchdown for MJN Air and John Finnemore’s long- running comedy starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephanie Cole and Roger Allam.
White Christmas – Mica On Barry
RADIO 2, 8PM
Mica Paris celebrates unlikely pop star Barry White and plays 20 of his hits – as voted for by listeners.
Big Man, Big Band –The Billy Cotton Story
RADIO 2, 10pm
Fearne Cotton presents the fascinating story of her great-uncle, with the help of Roy Hudd. Wakey! Wakey!
CHRISTMAS EVE
David Sedaris: The Santaland Diaries
RADIO 4, 11.30am
The U.S. humorist recalls his time working as one of Santa’s elves (Crumpet) at Macy’s department store in New York.
Christmas Eve With Heston
RADIO 2, MIDDAY
Cookery tips, music and a sprinkling of festive sparkle from chef Blumenthal.
Wise Women
6 MUSIC, 4pm
Over the next three days, Neneh Cherry, Alison Goldfrapp and St Vincent – aka Annie Clark – present their own choice of music.
Christmas With Damien Trench
RADIO 4, 6.15pm
Cookery writer Trench offers tips for festive survival, plus Radio 4 comedy characters Ed Reardon and Claire Barker.
All Is Calm
RADIO 2, 10pm
John Hurt narrates this moving evocation of the Christmas Day truce in the trenches of World War I in 1914 and the other works inspired by that remarkable event.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Angelina Jolie chats to Clare Balding about her new film, Unbroken
Good Morning Christmas With Clare Balding
RADIO 2, 8am
Angelina Jolie chats about her new film, Unbroken, which pays tribute to Olympian and Second World War veteran Louis Zamperini.
Junior Choice With Ed Stewart
RADIO 2, 10am
Nostalgia buffs of a certain age can tune in here as ‘Stewpot’, who helmed the children’s request show for 11 years, presents plays of the past.
With Great Pleasure At Christmas
RADIO 4, 5pm
Ian Hislop chooses his favourite pieces of writing, read by Jim Broadbent and Tamsin Greig.
There Is Nothing Like A Dame
RADIO 2, 6pm
Christopher Biggins reviews his cross-dressing panto career, with anecdotes from other stars, including Clive Rowe – the first black dame.
George Michael In Concert
RADIO 2, 7pm
Music from the former Wham! star’s Symphonica tour, presented by David Walliams.
James Blunt
RADIO 2, 8pm
The Grammy-nominated, multi-million-selling singer-songwriter plays his favourite tracks and talks about his musical influences.
Infinite Monkey Cage
RADIO 4, 11pm
Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince take an irreverent look through the window of science at the history of The Bible.
BOXING DAY
Today
RADIO 4, 6am
Guest editors John Bercow MP, musician Tracey Thorn, Lord King of Lothbury, Baroness Butler-Sloss and Lenny Henry take over the show across the next few days.
Count Arthur Strong’s Radio Show!
RADIO 4, 11.30am
The raging old thespian is invited to star in the local pantomime in a festive special.
Johnnie Walker Meets Dolly Parton
RADIO2, 2pm
Exclusive interview with the first lady of country and Dollywood mastermind.
Afternoon Drama: Blithe Spirit
RADIO 4, 2.15pm
The entire Ambridge Christmas production of Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, with Lynda Snell as Madame Arcati.
SUNDAY 28 Early Music Show
RADIO 3, 2pm
The ancient Anglo-Saxon tradition of wassailing, which involved singing carols door-to-door and drinking hot mulled cider.
MONDAY 29
Essential Classics
RADIO 3, 9am
With the help of Top Gear presenter James May, Rob Cowan delves into the work of illustrious Italian conductor Riccardo Muti.
15 Minute Drama: Eating For England
RADIO 4, 10.45am
An adaptation of Nigel Slater’s acclaimed food memoir, with Julian Rhind-Tutt and Celia Imrie.
TUESDAY 30
Marking 50 years in music, Suzi Quatro talks of her Detroit upbringing, Elvis and leather catsuits
A Portrait of Andrew Motion
RADIO 4, 3.30pm
An absorbing encounter between two creative forces as artist Fiona Graham-Mackay paints the former Poet Laureate.
I’ve Never Seen Star Wars
RADIO 4, 6.30pm
The new series opens with Ann Widdecombe trying camping, Jägerbombs and The Thick Of It.
Suzi Quatro Unzipped!
RADIO 2, 8pm
Marking 50 years in music, the 1970s rocker talks of her Detroit upbringing, Elvis and leather catsuits.
The Documentary: Musa’s Money
WORLD SERVICE, 8.30pm
Discovering Mansa Musa, a 14th-century Muslim from Mali, who was the richest man who ever lived.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
The Rivals
RADIO 4, 11.30am
This four-parter sees Inspector Lestrade taking revenge on Sherlock Holmes by penning his own version of his life.
Murder On The Dance Floor
RADIO 2, 8pm
Party time! Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays uplifting tunes, including disco and 1990s dance tracks.
5 Live Formula 1: Review Of The Year
RADIO 5 LIVE, 9pm
British World Champion Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Nico Rosberg talk about an amazing season.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
War And Peace
RADIO 4, 9am
Devour the Tolstoy tome in just 12 hours in this version by Timberlake Wertenbaker. John Hurt and Simon Russell Beale star.
New Year’s Day Concert From Vienna
RADIO 3, 10.15am
Zubin Mehta conducts the traditional concert, in which the Strausses feature prominently.
Sharleen Spiteri – Out On The Floor
RADIO 2, MIDDAY
The Texas frontwoman recalls her love affair with Northern Soul as a Glasgow teenager.
Frank Sinatra – The Dream Concert
RADIO 2, 5pm
Opening a season marking the centenary of the singer’s birth, this is a special compilation of Old Blue Eyes’ finest live performances.
AMAZON
Carols By Kindlelight
Now available
Annie Lennox and Alfie Boe are among those taking part in a carol concert at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Gortimer Gibbon’s Life On Normal Street
from Friday 19
Full of magical adventure, this new U.S. live-action comedy series for six- to 11-year-olds is sure to delight.
Mozart In The Jungle
From tuesday 23
Gael GarcÃa Bernal stars as the revolutionary new conductor of the New York Symphony Orchestra in a superlative drama series created by Roman Coppola.
NETFLIX
Breaking The Taboo
NOW AVAILABLE
Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter feature in this documentary about the impact of the UN-sanctioned war on drugs.
Stephen Fry: More Fool Me
FROM SUNDAY 14
The polymath introduces his third volume of autobiography at a live event.
Zach Galifianakis: Live At The Purple Onion
FROM SUNDAY 17
Filmed in 2005, before he shot to fame in The Hangover, this stand-up gig features Galifianakis’s self-deprecating brand of humour and piano accompaniment.
All Hail King Julien
FROM FRIDAY 19
The party-loving ‘Lord of the Lemurs’, King Julien, stars in his own series, a spin-off from the popular Madagascar films.
Mickey’s Magical Christmas
FROM FRIDAY 19
A snowstorm traps Winnie the Pooh, Ariel, Cinderella and Snow White in The House of Mouse, along with Mickey Mouse et al.
BBC iPLAYER
The Heart Of Country: How Nashville Became Music City USA
AVAILABLE UNTIL BOXING DAY
Nashville’s success stories, including Dolly Parton, reveal the colourful history of the home of country music, a city that has been paved with gold for some and broken the spirits of others.
SKY ON DEMAND
Game Of Thrones
NOW AVAILABLE
Game Of Thrones: The first series of the gruesome TV show that everyone’s been talking about – HBO’s impressive fantasy based on George RR Martin’s ongoing novels
The first series of the gruesome TV show that everyone’s been talking about – HBO’s impressive fantasy based on George RR Martin’s ongoing novels.
Little Crackers
NOW AVAILABLE
Autobiographical festive shorts, written by and starring Joanna Lumley, Rebecca Front, Dylan Moran and Jason Manford.
David Attenborough’s Conquest Of The Skies
FROM CHRISTMAS DAY
A week before its TV premiere, Attenborough’s latest natural-history series is available exclusively to Sky customers.
Downton Abbey
FROM BOXING DAY
Catch the first four series of Julian Fellowes’ grand period drama.
DEMAND 5
Britain’s Bloodiest Dynasty
AVAILABLE UNTIL NEW YEAR'S EVE
Historian Dan Jones presents a gripping four-part history of the Plantagenet dynasty, beginning with Henry II.
SOAP
Emmerdale
CHRISTMAS DAY, ITV, 7pm
Will it be second time lucky for childhood sweethearts Andy and Katie as their wedding day dawns? Not if brother Robert has anything to do with it…
Coronation Street
CHRISTMAS DAY, ITV, 8pm
Steve pulls out all the stops to hide his depression, but there’s no hiding over at the Platts’ when Callum pays Kylie a call and winds up David, destroying their family life forever.
EastEnders
CHRISTMAS DAY, BBC1, 9pm
The Carters are about to learn there’s never much Christmas cheer in Walford. Mick’s life is set to implode when Linda tells Stacey that Dean raped her, and Mick brings his old mum (or so he thinks), Sylvie, Christmas lunch.
SPORT
Premier League Football
SUNDAY 14-NEW YEAR'S DAY, SKY SPORTS 1 & BT SPORT 1, TIMES VARY
The festive five rounds of top-flight fixtures see the champions, Manchester City, and Arsenal, both in televised action twice; Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle three times; and Manchester United and Chelsea four.
PDC World Darts Championship
FROM THURSDAY 18, SKY SPORTS DARTS, 7pm
On a dedicated channel, England’s 16-time world champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor (right) sets out to regain his crown from young Dutch pretender ‘Mighty’ Michael van Gerwen.
Premiership/PRO12 Rugby Union
FROM FRIDAY 19, BT SPORT 1&2/SKY SPORTS 1, TIMES VARY
After the European action ends on Sunday 14, two rounds of domestic matches follow across the two weekends.
Horse Racing
BOXNIG DAY & SATURDAY 27, CHANNEL 4, 1.15pm & 1.10pm
The King George VI Chase at Kempton Park is the traditional post-Christmas National Hunt classic. The next day, Chepstow hosts the Welsh Grand National.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-2870294/Doctor-Downton-Abbey-complete-Christmas-TV-radio-guide.html#ixzz3LsC79Xux
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