Christmas TV Picks: 21–27 December 2020
By: Dan Owen
Tags: Listings, Television, UK, Tv Picks, TV

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— MONDAY 21st —

★ UPSTART CROW: TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW: A LOCKDOWN CHRISTMAS 1603 — BBC2, 9PM.

Festive special of the historical sitcom with Shakespeare (David Mitchell) and Kate (Gemma Whelan) in lockdown as a plague ravages London.

Also watch:

A Very Country Christmas — BBC2, 4.15pm . New series looking at Christmas traditions from three rural parts of the UK. Hosted by Ellie Harrison & Angellica Bell. (1/3)

. New series looking at Christmas traditions from three rural parts of the UK. Hosted by Ellie Harrison & Angellica Bell. (1/3) Inside John Lewis: Trouble at the Tills — Channel 4, 8pm . Documentary looking at the hardships faced by one of the UK’s most famous retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented by Steph McGovern.

. Documentary looking at the hardships faced by one of the UK’s most famous retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented by Steph McGovern. Christmas University Challenge — BBC2, 8.30pm . Festive run with teams comprised of former university students who went on to become rich or famous. Hosted by Jeremy Paxman. Continues daily. (1/10)

. Festive run with teams comprised of former university students who went on to become rich or famous. Hosted by Jeremy Paxman. Continues daily. (1/10) Celebrity Masterchef: Christmas Cook-Off — BBC1, 9pm . Festive edition with celebrity chefs from previous shows returning to compete, including Janet Street-Porter, Christopher Biggins, Dev Griffin & Vicky Pattison. Judges are John Torode & Gregg Wallace. (1/2)

. Festive edition with celebrity chefs from previous shows returning to compete, including Janet Street-Porter, Christopher Biggins, Dev Griffin & Vicky Pattison. Judges are John Torode & Gregg Wallace. (1/2) The Big Soap Quiz: Coronation Street vs Emmerdale — ITV, 9pm . Return of the annual celebrity quiz featuring soap actors Jack P. Shepherd, Mark Charnock, Simon Gregson, Sair Khan, Karen Blick & Jay Kontzle. Hosted by Stephen Mulhern.

. Return of the annual celebrity quiz featuring soap actors Jack P. Shepherd, Mark Charnock, Simon Gregson, Sair Khan, Karen Blick & Jay Kontzle. Hosted by Stephen Mulhern. 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: Christmas Special — Channel 4, 9pm . Festive edition of the comedy panel show quiz, with guests Sarah Millican, David Mitchell. Hosted by Jimmy Carr.

. Festive edition of the comedy panel show quiz, with guests Sarah Millican, David Mitchell. Hosted by Jimmy Carr. David Jason: Britain’s Favourite TV Star — Channel 5, 9pm . Profile of the actor behind some of the UK’s favourite TV characters, like Del Boy, Pop Larkin, Granville & Jack Frost.

. Profile of the actor behind some of the UK’s favourite TV characters, like Del Boy, Pop Larkin, Granville & Jack Frost. Moonbase 8 — Sky Comedy, 9pm . New comedy about rival astronauts competing for a chance to go to the moon. Starring Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker & John C. Reilly. (1&2/6)

. New comedy about rival astronauts competing for a chance to go to the moon. Starring Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker & John C. Reilly. (1&2/6) Mock the Week: Christmas Special — BBC2, 10pm . Festive edition of the comedy panel show quiz. Hosted by Dara O’Briain.

. Festive edition of the comedy panel show quiz. Hosted by Dara O’Briain. When Classic Comedy Goes Wrong — Channel 5, 10.30pm. Archival clips of TV comedy show gaffes and blunders, from the 1960s onwards. Narrated by Chris Tarrant.

— TUESDAY 22nd —

★ THE GOES WRONG SHOW: THE NATIVITY — BBC1, 7PM.

Festive special of the fictional Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s annual Nativity play, which inevitably goes awry.

Also watch:

Nigella’s Eat, Sleep, Repeat: Christmas Special — BBC2, 8pm . Festive edition of the culinary show. Presented by Nigella Lawson.

. Festive edition of the culinary show. Presented by Nigella Lawson. Being Bridget Jones — BBC1, 9pm . Documentary celebrating 25 years of Helen Fielding’s fictional character and how society’s attitudes to women have changed during that period.

. Documentary celebrating 25 years of Helen Fielding’s fictional character and how society’s attitudes to women have changed during that period. All Creatures Great and Small: Christmas Special — Channel 5, 9pm . Festive edition of the period drama to end the first series.

. Festive edition of the period drama to end the first series. Cliff Richard: A Christmas Story — Channel 5, 10pm . Profile of the singer whose career has now spanned eight decades, with a focus on his Christmas hits and appearances.

. Profile of the singer whose career has now spanned eight decades, with a focus on his Christmas hits and appearances. Shaun the Sheep — Netflix. Series 5 of the stop-motion animated children’s comedy.

— WEDNESDAY 23rd —

★ GHOSTS: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL — BBC1, 8.30PM.

Festive edition of the sitcom about a young couple living in a mansion haunted by a variety of oddball ghosts. Starring Martha Howe-Douglas, Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Jim Howick & Laurence Rickard.

Also watch:

Mary Berry Saves Christmas — BBC1, 6.30pm . Culinary special where the beloved cook helps three people improve their kitchen skills.

. Culinary special where the beloved cook helps three people improve their kitchen skills. Burnt Bits — ITV, 8pm . A collection of TV gaffes and bloopers focusing on chefs and cooks.

. A collection of TV gaffes and bloopers focusing on chefs and cooks. Christmas on The Yorkshire Steam Railway— Channel 5, 8pm . Festive edition of the show to end the third series.

. Festive edition of the show to end the third series. Jack and the Beanstalk: After Ever After — Sky1, 8pm . Fantasy special revealing what happened after Jack defeated the giant at the top of the beanstalk. Starring Sheridan Smith, David Walliams & Blake Harrison.

. Fantasy special revealing what happened after Jack defeated the giant at the top of the beanstalk. Starring Sheridan Smith, David Walliams & Blake Harrison. Motherland: Christmas Special — BBC2, 9pm . Festive edition of the sitcom about parents. Starring Lucy Punch, Anna Maxwell Matin, Paul Ready & Philippa Dunne.

. Festive edition of the sitcom about parents. Starring Lucy Punch, Anna Maxwell Matin, Paul Ready & Philippa Dunne. Jennifer Saunders’ Memory Lane — ITV, 9pm . Special where the comedian and actress travels to Port Talbot in a Jaguer E-Type, while interviewing actor Michael Sheen, who was born there.

. Special where the comedian and actress travels to Port Talbot in a Jaguer E-Type, while interviewing actor Michael Sheen, who was born there. First Dates at Christmas — Channel 4, 9pm . Festive edition of the dating show.

. Festive edition of the dating show. A Wartime Christmas — Channel 5, 9pm . A modern family experience what life was like in the 1940s at Christmas. Concludes tomorrow. (1/2)

. A modern family experience what life was like in the 1940s at Christmas. Concludes tomorrow. (1/2) QI: Rejoice: A Christmas Special — BBC2, 9.30pm . Festive episode of the comedy panel show quiz, as part of its 18th series. Guests are Holly Walsh, Chris McCausland & Justin Moorhouse. (12/16)

. Festive episode of the comedy panel show quiz, as part of its 18th series. Guests are Holly Walsh, Chris McCausland & Justin Moorhouse. (12/16) King Gary: Christmas Special — BBC1, 10pm. Festive edition of the sitcom. Starring Tom Davis & Laura Checkley.

— CHRISTMAS EVE —

★ WORZEL GUMMIDGE — BBC1, 5.55PM.

Return of the fantasy drama about a living scarecrow. Starring Mackenzie Crook, Shirley Henderson, India Brown, Thierry Wickens & Steve Pemberton.

Also watch:

Carols from Kings — BBC2, 5.30pm . Coverage of the Christmas celebration from the Chapel of King’s College.

. Coverage of the Christmas celebration from the Chapel of King’s College. Celebrity Catchphrase: Christmas Special — ITV, 5.45pm . Celebrity special with Jordan Banjo, Helen George & Harry Redknapp competing. Hosted by Stephen Mulhern.

. Celebrity special with Jordan Banjo, Helen George & Harry Redknapp competing. Hosted by Stephen Mulhern. A Baby Reindeer’s First Christmas— Channel 4, 6.40pm . Wildlife special following a community of herders training reindeer to pull sleighs.

. Wildlife special following a community of herders training reindeer to pull sleighs. Remarkable Places to Eat at Christmas — BBC2, 6.45pm . Michel Roux Jr takes Fred Sirieix to a French bistro in Bristol.

. Michel Roux Jr takes Fred Sirieix to a French bistro in Bristol. The Wall Versus Celebrities— BBC1, 6.55pm . Special edition of the gameshow where Craig Revel Horwood & Stacey Dooley compete. Hosted by Danny Dyer.

. Special edition of the gameshow where Craig Revel Horwood & Stacey Dooley compete. Hosted by Danny Dyer. Christmas on the Farm — Channel 5, 7.30pm . Festive visit to the Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire. Hosted by Helen Skelton & Jules Hudson.

. Festive visit to the Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire. Hosted by Helen Skelton & Jules Hudson. The Great Christmas Bake Off — Channel 4, 7.40pm . Festive series of the show with previous bakers competing. (1/10)

. Festive series of the show with previous bakers competing. (1/10) Would I Lie to You at Christmas? — BBC1, 7.45pm . Festive edition of the comedy panel show, with guests Joe Lycett, Jo Brand, Joe Swash & Ruth Madeley.

. Festive edition of the comedy panel show, with guests Joe Lycett, Jo Brand, Joe Swash & Ruth Madeley. Cinderella: A Comic Relief Pantomime for Christmas — BBC2, 8.15pm . Televised panto written by Richard Curtis and the Dawson brothers, featuring Helena Bonham-Carter, Daisy May Cooper, Olivia Colman, Charlie Cooper, Tom Hollander & Guz Khan.

. Televised panto written by Richard Curtis and the Dawson brothers, featuring Helena Bonham-Carter, Daisy May Cooper, Olivia Colman, Charlie Cooper, Tom Hollander & Guz Khan. Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow: The Price is Right — ITV, 8.15pm . Festive edition of the show that revives classic gameshow weekly. (7/7)

. Festive edition of the show that revives classic gameshow weekly. (7/7) Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse — Sky1, 8.15pm . Comedy-drama inspired by the story of a six-year-old Roald Dahl going to meet his favourite author, Beatrix Potter. Starring Dawn French and Harry Tayler, Jessica Hynes, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Nina Sosanya, Bill Bailey & Nick Mohammed.

. Comedy-drama inspired by the story of a six-year-old Roald Dahl going to meet his favourite author, Beatrix Potter. Starring Dawn French and Harry Tayler, Jessica Hynes, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Nina Sosanya, Bill Bailey & Nick Mohammed. One Night in Hamleys — Channel 4, 9pm . Special where comedians Tom Allen, Rob Beckett & Romesh Ranganathan spend the night inside the world’s largest toy shop.

. Special where comedians Tom Allen, Rob Beckett & Romesh Ranganathan spend the night inside the world’s largest toy shop. Birds of a Feather — ITV, 9.15pm . Christmas special of the sitcom.

. Christmas special of the sitcom. Miranda’s Games with Showbiz Names — BBC1, 9.45pm . Special gameshow where celebrities Shirley Ballas, Danny Taylor, Robbie Williams & Karl Brazil compete in games over the internet, masterminded by Miranda Hart.

. Special gameshow where celebrities Shirley Ballas, Danny Taylor, Robbie Williams & Karl Brazil compete in games over the internet, masterminded by Miranda Hart. The Jonathan Ross Christmas Show — ITV, 10pm . Festive edition of the chat show with guests Bradley Walsh, Kevin Bridges, Mo Farah, Michelle Keegan & Jess Glynne.

. Festive edition of the chat show with guests Bradley Walsh, Kevin Bridges, Mo Farah, Michelle Keegan & Jess Glynne. Have I Got 30 Years for You? — BBC1, 10.15pm . Retrospective on the long-running political panel show, with clips from all the many episodes since 1990.

. Retrospective on the long-running political panel show, with clips from all the many episodes since 1990. Carols at Christmas — ITV, 11.15pm. Christmas celebration from St Elizabeth’s Church in Greater Manchester. Hosted by Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Jamie Cullum, Ella Henderson, Marisha Wallace & the Kingdom Choir.

— CHRISTMAS DAY —

★ BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR — ITV, 8PM.

Special edition where the best acts from the past 14 years come together to create a festive extravaganza. Hosted by Ant & Dec.

Also watch:

Top of the Pops: Christmas Special — BBC1, 11.55am . Annual music special looking back at the year’s music with studio performances from AJ Tracey & Aitch, Becky Hill, Celeste, Clean Bandit and Mabel, Ella Henderson, Jamie Cullum, Joel Corry & MNEK, and KSI featuring Craig David & Digital Farm Animals. Hosted by Fearne Cotton & Clara Amfo.

. Annual music special looking back at the year’s music with studio performances from AJ Tracey & Aitch, Becky Hill, Celeste, Clean Bandit and Mabel, Ella Henderson, Jamie Cullum, Joel Corry & MNEK, and KSI featuring Craig David & Digital Farm Animals. Hosted by Fearne Cotton & Clara Amfo. Zog and the Flying Doctors — BBC1, 2.35pm . Animated special adapting the children’s book about an accident-prone dragon. Narrated by Lenny Henry with the voices of Hugh Skinner, Patsy Ferran & Rob Brydon.

. Animated special adapting the children’s book about an accident-prone dragon. Narrated by Lenny Henry with the voices of Hugh Skinner, Patsy Ferran & Rob Brydon. Strictly Come Dancing: The Christmas Countdown — BBC1, 4.45pm . Special countdown of the show’s best 25 dances, voted for by the public. Hosted by Tess Daly & Claudia Winkleman.

. Special countdown of the show’s best 25 dances, voted for by the public. Hosted by Tess Daly & Claudia Winkleman. The Chase: Celebrity Christmas Special — ITV, 5pm . Festive edition of the quiz show with contestants Colin Jackson, Anne Diamond, Josie Long & Nicky Campbell. Hosted by Bradley Walsh.

. Festive edition of the quiz show with contestants Colin Jackson, Anne Diamond, Josie Long & Nicky Campbell. Hosted by Bradley Walsh. Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel — BBC1, 6pm . Festive edition of the game show as part of the first series. (5/10)

. Festive edition of the game show as part of the first series. (5/10) Britain’s Favourite ’80s Songs — Channel 5, 6.25pm . A look back at music, singers, and bands of the 1980s. Narrated by Craig Charles.

. A look back at music, singers, and bands of the 1980s. Narrated by Craig Charles. Blankety Blank: Christmas Special — BBC1, 7pm . Special revived edition of the classic game show. Panellists are Jimmy Carr, Danny Jones, Emilia Fox, Amir Khan, Sue Perkins & Anita Rani.

. Special revived edition of the classic game show. Panellists are Jimmy Carr, Danny Jones, Emilia Fox, Amir Khan, Sue Perkins & Anita Rani. Call the Midwife — BBC1, 7.40pm . Christmas special of the period medical drama.

. Christmas special of the period medical drama. Quentin Blake’s Clown — Channel 4, 7.40pm . Animated adaptation of illustrator Quentin Blake’s book about a little toy clown. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter.

. Animated adaptation of illustrator Quentin Blake’s book about a little toy clown. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter. Escape to the Chateau — Channel 4, 8.10pm . Festive edition of the renovation show as part of the seventh series.

. Festive edition of the renovation show as part of the seventh series. Victoria Wood: The Secret List — BBC2, 9.10pm . Two-part documentary on the late comedian’s work, focusing on 20 of her own favourite sketches, as revealed in a notebook found after her death. Contributors include Russell T Davies, Ken Loach, Winsome Pinnock, Jane Wymark & Joan Armatrading. Narrated by Sara Pascoe. Concludes tomorrow. (1/2)

. Two-part documentary on the late comedian’s work, focusing on 20 of her own favourite sketches, as revealed in a notebook found after her death. Contributors include Russell T Davies, Ken Loach, Winsome Pinnock, Jane Wymark & Joan Armatrading. Narrated by Sara Pascoe. Concludes tomorrow. (1/2) Gogglebox 2020 — Channel 4, 9.10pm . A look back at the best moments from this year’s series.

. A look back at the best moments from this year’s series. It’s Clarkson on TV — ITV, 9.55pm . A retrospective on the year’s most-watched TV with Jeremy Clarkson.

. A retrospective on the year’s most-watched TV with Jeremy Clarkson. Mrs Brown’s Boys — BBC1, 10pm . Christmas special of the sitcom. (1/2)

. Christmas special of the sitcom. (1/2) George Michael: Last Christmas — Channel 5, 10.40pm . Profile of the late singer and musician, who died on Christmas Day 2016.

. Profile of the late singer and musician, who died on Christmas Day 2016. Bridgerton — Netflix. New romantic period drama based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling books about the competitive world of Regency London high society. Starring Julie Andrews (narrator), Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie & Adjoa Andoh. (All 8 episodes released).

— BOXING DAY —

★ WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE: CELEBRITY SPECIAL — ITV, 9.30PM.

Piers Morgan & Jordan Banjo sit in the famous hot seat, hoping to win £1M for charity. Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.

Also watch:

In for a Christmas Penny — ITV, 5.15pm . Festive edition of the game show, taking place in Bath. Hosted by Stephen Mulhern.

. Festive edition of the game show, taking place in Bath. Hosted by Stephen Mulhern. The Chase: Celebrity Special — ITV, 6pm . Tim Lovejoy, Kay Burley, Eni Aluko & Richard Herring compete against The Chaser. Hosted by Bradley Walsh.

. Tim Lovejoy, Kay Burley, Eni Aluko & Richard Herring compete against The Chaser. Hosted by Bradley Walsh. The Repair Shop at Christmas — BBC1, 6.45pm . Festive edition of the show.

. Festive edition of the show. World’s Strongest Man — Channel 5, 6.45pm . Annual strongman competition, held this year in Florida.

. Annual strongman competition, held this year in Florida. The Masked Singer — ITV, 7pm . Series 2 of the music game show where you have to guess the identity of famous singers, performing inside elaborate costumes. Hosted by Joel Dommett with judges Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall & Mo Gilligan.

. Series 2 of the music game show where you have to guess the identity of famous singers, performing inside elaborate costumes. Hosted by Joel Dommett with judges Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall & Mo Gilligan. Family Fortunes: Celebrity Christmas Special — ITV, 8.30pm . Festive edition of the game show with contestants Shirley Ballas & Vogue Williams bringing their families along. Hosted by Gino D’Acampo.

. Festive edition of the game show with contestants Shirley Ballas & Vogue Williams bringing their families along. Hosted by Gino D’Acampo. The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2020 — Channel 4, 9.05pm. Annual comedy quiz show with questions based on events of the past 12 months. Hosted by Jimmy Carr with contestants James Acaster, Stacey Solomon, David Mitchell, Maya Jama, Richard Ayoade & Joe Lycett.

— SUNDAY 27th —

★ BLACK NARCISSUS — BBC1, 9PM.

New drama series adapting Rumer Godden’s novel about Anglo-Catholic nuns from Darjeeling who are on a mission to the Palace of Mopu in the Himalayas. Starring Gemma Arterton, Alessandro Nivola, Aisling Franciosi, Rosie Cavaliero & Karen Bryson. (1/3)

Also watch:

Britain’s Favourite Novel — Channel 5, 2.10pm . A look at the UK’s 30 greatest novels, championed by celebrities such as Jo Brand, Prue Leith, Gregg Wallace, Konnie Huq & Fern Britton.

. A look at the UK’s 30 greatest novels, championed by celebrities such as Jo Brand, Prue Leith, Gregg Wallace, Konnie Huq & Fern Britton. The Story of SMTV: Live — ITV, 8pm . Retrospective on the popular Saturday morning children’s magazine show from the late-1990s, reuniting presents Ant & Dec and Cat Deeley.

. Retrospective on the popular Saturday morning children’s magazine show from the late-1990s, reuniting presents Ant & Dec and Cat Deeley. The Supervet at Christmas — Channel 4, 8pm . Festive edition of the observational documentary.

. Festive edition of the observational documentary. Last Woman on Earth with Sara Pascoe — BBC2, 9pm . New series where the comedian travels the world to meet people with skills that are being lost. (1/3)

. New series where the comedian travels the world to meet people with skills that are being lost. (1/3) Back to the ’80s with Lenny Henry — Channel 4, 9pm . The comedian and actors looks back at the output of Channel 4 in the 1980s when it launched.

. The comedian and actors looks back at the output of Channel 4 in the 1980s when it launched. We Love Only Fools & Horses — Channel 5, 9pm. Profile of the beloved sitcom with contributions from celebrity fans like Jonathan Ross, Theo Paphitis, John Thompson, Paul Whitehouse, Nina Wadia & Martin and Shirlie Kemp.

If you enjoy these TV Picks every week, please consider buying me a coffee.