Yahoo News The best UK TV to watch this week from the Strictly Come Dancing final to Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Highlights of the week include the final episodes of Vigil season 2 and The Winter King
Wondering what there is to watch on TV this week? Well the schedule looks quite full with some big reality show finals, a new Disney hit and insightful documentaries.
Read more: The best movies on TV over Christmas 2023
From the BBC, to ITV, to Disney+, there will be a lot to enjoy on television alongside an array of Christmas specials for shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Brassic and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. As well as the usual TV fare, there also will be a number of Christmas cooking shows to help inspire viewers ahead of the holiday.
Without further ado, here is Yahoo's guide to the week ahead on UK TV.
Saturday 16 December, 7:05pm: Strictly Come Dancing final | BBC One
The Strictly Come Dancing competition is coming to an end in the hotly-anticipated final this weekend. Actors Layton Williams, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier will compete against each other in a bid to lift the Glitter Ball trophy. With all eyes on the prize, the trio will each perform three dances in the Strictly final: their favourite, a show dance and the judges' pick. We can't wait to see who finally comes out on top.
Saturday 16 December, 6pm: Survivor: The Final | BBC One
BBC rebooted the gritty reality series Survivor after two decades off-air. Tensions were high as 18 contestants marooned on an island where they had to outwit and out survive each other. After many gruelling physical and mental challenges, the final sees the final five battle it out for the last time to scoop the £100,000 cash prize.
Sunday 17 December, 5pm: Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball Sunday | ITV1
It is the UK's hottest Christmas party at The O2, attended by the great and the good of the showbiz world. Take That, Alicia Keys, Rita Ora and Leigh-Anne lead the stars performing on stage. Busted and S Club will also be among the performers at the celebrity-packed event.
Sunday 17 December, 8pm: The Royal Variety Performance 2023 | ITV1
The Royal Variety Performance promises to be a spectacular occasion with a special performance from Cher. Also, Zara Larsson and Hannah Waddingham will be treating the audience this festive season as well as stars from the West End taking to the stage. Look out for the comedic moments from Tom Allen and Rosie Jones. Plus, there is a special performance from a musical medley to mark Disney's 100th anniversary.
Sunday 17 December, 9pm: Vigil season 2 final episodes | BBC One
Vigil's second season premiered earlier this month, and the show's last 3 episodes are being given a binge release from Sunday through to Tuesday on BBC One. The new episodes follow DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) as she is called in to investigate a British Air Force test gone wrong.
Monday 18 December, 10.40pm: imagine…Russell T Davies: The Doctor and Me | BBC One
Russell T Davies is back in the driver's seat for Doctor Who, and with the 60th anniversary done and Ncuti Gatwa's era as The Doctor set to begin on Christmas Day the BBC is keeping Whovian fans sated by releasing an insightful documentary on the showrunner himself. It will explore how Davies helped reboot the franchise in 2005 and what it's been like since he returned to the project.
Tuesday 19 December, 9pm: The Hairy Bikers Coming Home for Christmas | BBC Two
It's going to be an emotional one this year. The Christmas special tells Dave Myers and Si King's quest to find the perfect seasonal ingredients for the ultimate festive feast that will be the perfect thank you to everyone who helped Myers since his cancer diagnosis. Dave Myers and Si King's enduring friendship is something that viewers have always loved, as well as their shared love of food.
Tuesday 19 December, 7pm: Sports Personality of the Year 2023 | BBC One
The Sports Personality of the Year award will celebrate some of the biggest stars of the sporting industry, with Stuart Broad, Frankie Dettori, Mary Earps, Alfie Hewett, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Rory Mcllroy shortlisted for the main prize whilst a number of other awards will be given on the night.
Wednesday 20 December: Percy Jackson and the Olympians | Disney+
Rick Riordan's children's book series is being adapted for a second time, this time as a TV series following the 2010 film Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief starring Logan Lerman. This time the 12-year-old demi-God is being played by Walker Scobell and it follows him as he is accused by Zeus (Lance Riddick) of stealing his thunder bolt.
Thursday 21 December: The Winter King | ITVX
ITV is bringing an exciting new period drama to its streaming platform: The Winter King. Starring Iain De Caestecker as Arthur Pendragon, the story retells Arthurian legends where the warlord has returned to England after being banished and aims to take his place on the throne as Saxons prepare an invasion.
Friday 22 December: What If…? Season 2 | Disney+
Marvel is ending the year with a Christmas special, this time for the animated series What If...? which returns for a second season of stories imagining what the multiverse could have had in store for the heroes we know and love had the been put on a different path. The series begins airing on 22 December with episodes being released daily on Disney+ over the festive period.
