Christmas TV is traditionally the best on the box all year; and 2015 is no exception. Here are just a few of the festive season’s must see shows, handpicked by Emma Brand.
Downton Abbey, Christmas Day 8:45 ITV
Last Christmas Downton was the 10th most watched show on Christmas Day, with 5.52 million viewers. This year, in the last ever episode, Lord Grantham’s cousin and her husband are returning to Downton to welcome in 1926 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party. But will Lady Edith and Bertie Pelham finally find happiness? And will troubled butler Thomas have any joy after his suicide attempt?
Doctor Who, Christmas Day 5:15 BBC1
Doctor Who was the eighth most watched show last Christmas Day, with 6.34 million viewers. This time, after landing on a snowy planet in the year 5343 the Doctor meets Nardole and his wife, River Song (a familiar face from previous series); but she does not recognise him. River persuades him to help her on a bizarre mission to obtain a large robotic creature with a detachable head. It doesn’t quite go to plan and they end up on a spaceship where lizard-like creatures serve food.
Call The Midwife, Christmas Day 7:30 BBC1
Call The Midwife was the fifth most watched show last Christmas with 6.83 million viewers. This time, it is Christmas 1960 and the nuns and midwives go on Up West to see the Christmas lights. But Sister Julienne will not let elderly Sister Monica Joan on the trip or put the decorations up until just before Christmas. There is a big shock when Sister Monica Joan goes missing.
Sherlock, New Years Day 9:00 BBC1
Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson return for a one-off special, ‘The Abominable Bride’. It is 1895 when a man named Thomas Ricoletti arrives at Baker Street and reveals that his wife was seen walking the streets in her old wedding dress, hours after taking her own life. Her ghost, apparently, goes on a spree of murderous revenge that leaves Sherlock and Watson on a chase around the city.
Luther, 22nd December 9:00 BBC1
In the final episode of the two-parter DCI John Luther is closing in on the cannibal killer. But the case isn’t the only thing on his mind; he wants to find out what happened to his friend Alice.
Mrs Brown’s Boys, Christmas Day 9:45 and New Years Day 10:30 BBC1
As the second most watched show on Christmas Day last year, with 7.61 million viewers, Mrs Brown has a lot to live up to. This year she only wants a peaceful Christmas for her family but it doesn’t look like her wish will come true.
Walliams and Friends, Christmas Eve 10:05 BBC1
David Walliams and Joanna Lumley join forces for a sketch show filmed in front of a live studio audience. The pair will be joined by special guests for a programme that promises to be hilarious.
Strictly Come Dancing, Christmas Day 6:15 BBC1
Strictly was the fourth most watched show on Christmas Day 2014 with 6.98 million viewers. This year’s Christmas Day programme features the return of celebrity dancers from various, previous series, including Abbey Clancy, Harry Judd, Lisa Snowdon, Alison Hammond and former Royal Marine Medic Cassidy Little. Sir Bruce Forsyth will also return to co-host with Tess Daley.
Gogglesprogs, Christmas Day 8:00 Channel4
In a one-off Christmas special, the kids get their turn to have a say, Gogglebox style. They will provide a hilarious and sometimes thoughtful take on TV events from this year.
Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs, Christmas Day 5:00 ITV
Paul is determined to get festive cheer to the canine residents of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. But what he wants most is to get them the best present – a new loving home.
David Beckham: For The Love Of The Game, Tuesday 29th December 9:00 BBC1
Football hero David Beckham embarks on a trip around the world to play matches on all seven continents. He travels to remote locations and meets people from all walks of life who love the beautiful game.
My Crazy Christmas Lights, Christmas Eve 8:00 Channel 4
Meet the people who splash cash on thousands of bulbs, industrial-sized props and massive electricity bills. Some do it just to please the local kids but some do it to win prizes and trophies.
Coronation Street, ITV
Coronation Street was the seventh most watched show last Christmas with 6.41 million viewers. Tyrone pops the question to Fiz. The Platts get closer than ever thanks to their homicide. Jenny Bradley will be returning. Will Robert and Carla sleep together?
EastEnders, BBC
EastEnders was the third most watched show last Christmas, with 7.55 million viewers. This year there will be death, attempted murder, attempted rape, mental illness, a coma and a brain tumor. What’s niot to like?