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I love Christmas TV schedules: full of special episodes and intriguing one-offs, there’s usually a lot to relish if you look for it. To help you decide just what you should check out, I’ve scoured the Christmas double edition of the Radio Times to recommend twelve of the best programmes on offer over the next twelve days. Enjoy!
- The Nativity (nightly Monday 20th December – Thursday 23rd December, 7pm BBC1)
From the pen of Hustle creator Tony Jordan comes a new take on the first Christmas that focuses on the human side of the story, broadcast over four consecutive nights. Leading the cast are newcomer Tatiana Maslany as Mary and my new crush Andrew Buchan as Joseph.
- Miranda (Monday 20th December, 10.10pm BBC2)
The second series of the winning sitcom concludes with a Christmas episode, which includes the marvellous Tom Conti as the titular heroine’s father. Expect sideways glances to the camera, falling over, Miranda claiming to be over Gary, and, most of all, some genuine Christmas warmth and good cheer.
- Pointless Celebrities (Wednesday 23rd December, 4.35pm BBC2)
No, not a scathing documentary about modern culture, but instead a celebrity edition of the BBC2 quiz show. I’ve made no secret of my love for this programme, and an episode just before Christmas that includes my favourite of the Dragons, Theo Paphitis, is a delightful early present.
- Qi (Christmas Eve, 9.30pm BBC1)
The latest episode in the current ‘H’ series is on the theme of ‘Hocus Pocus’, and they have a genuine wizarding expert to help them out: Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe. Joining him are regulars Stephen Fry and Alan Davies, alongside Lee Mack and Graham Norton. A marvellous line-up.
- Peep Show Night (Christmas Eve, 9pm Channel 4)
If you’d rather begin your Christmas celebrations on a more pessimistic note, Channel 4 is the place for you. The celebration of the cult sitcom kicks with a making-of documentary at 9, continues the penultimate episode in the current series at 10.05 and finishes with two classic repeated episodes.
- Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (Christmas Day, 6pm BBC1)
Following 2009's rather downbeat episode, this year’s festive Who looks to be a slightly more joyful affair. I can’t wait to see Moffat’s take on the episode, while Michael Gambon should bring class to his Scrooge-inspired role. And any chance to see Matt Smith’s delicious face is always welcome.
- Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express (Christmas Day, 9pm ITV1)
The moment many fans have been longing for is here: David Suchet, the definitive Poirot, takes on the detective’s most famous tale. That brilliant twist, a wintry setting and the most fabulous of casts (including my absolute favourites, Hugh Bonneville and David Morrissey) should all add up to a wonderful Christmas treat.
- The Royle Family: Joe’s Crackers (Christmas Day, 9pm BBC1)
A Christmas edition of the sitcom has become a tradition over the last few years, and what a great tradition it is. This year sees a welcome return from Ralf Little and Jessica Hynes, as Dave and Denise worry that Anthony’s expensive present will eclipse theirs: a fridge magnet. Glorious.
- Upstairs Downstairs (nightly Boxing Day – Tuesday 28th December, 9pm BBC1)
As you recover from the excesses of the day itself, this follow-up to the 1970s series, set during the 1930s, should be just the ticket. Screenwriter Heidi Thomas is always a sign of quality, while the cast (including Keeley Hawes and Eileen Atkins) and costumes should make this a sumptuous feast.
- Only Connect: Grand Final (Monday 27th December, 8.30pm BBC4)
If you find yourself sick of Christmas specials and forced holiday cheer, escape to the grand finale of the BBC4 quiz for half an hour. Victorian Coren presents as the Epicureans take on the Radio Addicts to find out who will be crowned the champions of the fiendish quiz.
- Agatha Christie’s Marple (Monday 27th December 9pm, Wednesday 29th December 8pm ITV1)
If you just can’t get enough of Agatha Christie, there are two more new mysteries for you to enjoy, this time starring Julia McKenzie as her other famous creation. Over the two episodes, the cast is packed full of familiar names, such as Ruth Jones, Edward Fox and Joanna Page.
- Toast (Thursday 30th December, 9pm BBC1)
Based on the memoirs of chef Nigel Slater, and starring the delightful Freddie Highmore and the always-interesting Helena Bonham Carter, this is a bittersweet 1960s coming-of-age drama. After the death of his mother, Nigel’s interest in food develops and pits him against his father’s cleaner and cook, Mrs Potter.
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