What to watch on Christmas Day (other than the King’s speech)

Wondering what to watch on Christmas Day? As well as the King Charles' first Christmas speech, which will air as usual on BBC One and ITV at 3pm, there's tons of great telly out there to keep you and the family entertained. So read on to find out what festive shows are on for you and the whole family to tune into this Christmas.

15/12/2022

OUR TOP PICKS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY:

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

BBC One at 5:10pm

Motsi and Shirley in front of a fireplace

At this point, the Strictly Christmas Special is as much of a tradition as pulling crackers at the dinner table. Join a new line up of celebs as they boogie their way across the dancefloor, and towards the glitterball trophy…

Ghosts Christmas special

BBC One at 7:25pm

The Ghosts cast having their photo taken

Everyone’s favorite spooky squad is on a mission this year to get gifts for Alison (Charlotte Ritchie), despite their inability to interact with the physical world. Look forward to heartwarming moments, silliness, and a lose interpretation of the concept of ‘gifts’…

Call the Midwife Christmas special

BBC One at 7:55pm

As always, Call the Midwife are tugging at the heartstrings this Christmas for a truly festive episode. This special revisits a familiar family, the Mullucks, who featured in seasons 5 and 6 and were affected by the Thalidomide scandal. We will also be introduced to a young single mother who finds community at Christmas when she needs it most.

Doc Martin Christmas Special

ITV1 at 9:05pm

In the best Christmas prezzie that fans could ask for, Martin Clunes is back in his role as Doc Martin for the last time, after the final season of the show ended earlier this year. Tune in to see how life has changed for Doc, after his near-death experience that made him reassess where his priorities lay.

TOP PICKS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE TELLY:

Christmas Comedy Club with Lost Voice Guy

ITV1 at 10:40pm

Comedian Lee Ridley, who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2018, is back on our screens this year with his Comedy Club. Hosting a lineup of popular comics, it's time to get your giggle on!

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

BBC One at 4:55pm

This adaptation of the bestselling children’s novel of the same name features voices from stars including Idris Elba, Tom Hollander and Gabriel Byrne. In a young boy’s search for his home, he comes across unlikely friends in the form of a mole, a fox and a horse.

TOP PICKS FOR BOXING DAY TELLY:

The Greatest Snowman

Channel 4 at 7:30pm

Do you think your back garden snowman could win a prize? Sue Perkins hosts this sculpting competition, and she is on the hunt for the most impressive snowman from a lineup of celebrity competitors.

The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2022

Channel 4 at 9pm

The Big Fat Quiz is back on our big fat screens, hosted by Jimmy Carr who will be joined by comedians Stephen Merchant, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade, Maisie Adam, Jonathan Ross and Rose Matafeo. Try to beat the quiz at home, and let’s see who remembers 2022 better than the rest.

See what other new programmes are hitting your screens very soon, and be sure to mark your calendars for plenty of fab festive telly and new dramas to ring in the New Year. Merry Christmas everyone!

Kobe Reynders