The BBC has revealed its Christmas calendar of festive telly featuring a number of unmissable classics and TV specials.
From the final episode of Gavin & Stacey and Strictly Come Dancing to some classic Wallace & Gromit and Doctor Who, the British public is certainly in for a treat when they tune in over Christmas 2024.
Fans have been waiting almost five years to discover how James Corden’s character, Smithy, will respond to Nessa’s (Ruth Jones) proposal on Gavin & Stacey. The suspense has lingered since the screenwriters left viewers on a cliffhanger in the last Christmas special.
Elsewhere, there will also be a mix of films, festive specials and, of course, the King’s Speech. So, while you’re digesting your Christmas dinner, let the BBC manage your entertainment across all its TV channels and radio shows.
The timings of the schedule are yet to be confirmed, but here’s our selection of the best BBC programmes you can tune into this Christmas.
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
What is Christmas without an adventure from one of the nation’s most iconic duos: Wallace & Gromit?
The debut of their new feature-length adventure, Vengeance Most Fowl, will come to BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas.
In the film, things start to spiral out of control after Wallace builds a ‘smart gnome’ that appears to have a mind of its own.
The animated adventure's official release date is December 18, but it will probably make its TV debut closer to Christmas. It will also debut on Netflix from January 3.
Doctor Who (Joy to the World)
This year’s Doctor Who special is titled Joy To The World and will see the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) join forces with Joy (played by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan).
Joy finds herself exploring the Time Hotel just before Christmas, where she will encounter dinosaurs, dangers and, of course, the Doctor.
There’s no release date yet, but as with previous years, this will probably air on Christmas Day.
Gavin & Stacey: The finale
Another big show expected to debut on Christmas Day is the much-anticipated Gavin & Stacey: The Finale.
Nessa proposed to Smithy in 2019, and fans have been eagerly waiting to see the outcome ever since.
Five years on, the showrunners are finally giving us the answer we’ve all been waiting for – and, apparently, “a lot has happened in those five years”.
It also marks the end of an era, as it’s set to probably be the last-ever episode. As well as the finale, fans can also watch a documentary special called Gavin & Stacey : A Fond Farewell that reflects on the 17 years of the show.
The Great Christmas Sewing Bee
Four celebrities, singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, EastEnders actor Kellie Bright, comedian Fatiha El Ghorri, and TV personality Charlotte Crosby, will take on the sewing bee this Christmas.
The celebs will be put through their paces, turning onesies into Christmas costumes and outfits inspired by their favourite Christmas number one.
Gladiators: Celebrity Special
For this celebrity special, Bradley and Barney Walsh will put Rob Beckett, Joel Dommett, Louise Minchin and Ellie Taylor through their paces in this ultimate Gladiator special.
Call The Midwife Christmas Specials
For the first time, there’s actually going to be two Call the Midwife specials gracing TV screens this Christmas.
Set in the festive period of 1969, the midwives will be hard at work delivering bundles of Christmas joy on the ward when the neighbourhood is gripped with news of an escaped prisoner.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special & 20 Fabulous Years
Every Christmas, Strictly fans look forward to a glitzy special where a new cohort of celebrities take to the floor.
This festive season, we’ll see comedian Josh Widdicombe, Vogue Williams, Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, actress Tamzin Outhwaite, racing-car driver Billy Monger and the show's first Drag star, Tayce, compete for the trophy.
There will also be a 20 Fabulous Years special that looks back at the history of the show, which started back in 2004.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s New Year's Eve Disco
There’s lots of exciting New Year’s Eve television this year, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s New Year's Eve Disco.
The iconic Britpop queen is lining up her best tracks to welcome in 2025. She will also welcome plenty of star guests to her show, so expect lots of excitement and entertainment.
