The top terrestrial TV picks this Christmas Day

You may have heard a few rumours that television will be rife with repeats and highlights shows this Christmas Day and whilst there are plenty of these reminiscent options to doze in front of after eating a big feast, there are also some great never-before-seen shows ready for your enjoyment.

Thinking about planning what you want to watch this Sunday? Here are some of our picks set to air on terrestrial television.

The Great Christmas Bake Off – BBC1, 4.45pm

BBC1 says goodbye to the dream team of Mel, Sue, Mary and Paul over this two part special which concludes on Boxing Day.

Former contestants (who weren’t lucky enough to walk away with that coveted cake stand) return to the tent once again in this festive special.

Over the two episodes we’ll be reunited with fan favourites including Norman from series five and Howard from series four. Here’s hoping there’s no repeat of “Custardgate.”

Doctor Who – BBC1, 5.45pm

The Doctor is back for a festive adventure with a superhero twist. Fans are bound to be thrilled as the Doctor teams up with a vigilante who goes by the name of The Ghost and a journalist in order to save New York City from an alien attack.

Matt Lucas will be returning to the series as Nardole and will act as the Doctor’s companion for the special.

Britain’s Favourite Xmas Songs – Channel 5, 6.15pm

If you’re looking for something to have on in the background as your family battle it out in a selection of board games, look no further than Channel 5’s offering of ‘Britain’s Favourite Xmas Songs’.

Expect the Jackson 5, Jona Lewie, Band Aid and The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl to feature in this festive countdown.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – BBC1, 6.45pm

Already missing the dazzling costumes and smooth moves on the dance floor? Well you’re in for a treat as Strictly is back with six former contestants returning and hoping to waltz away with the famous glitterball trophy.

The special is bittersweet as it marks Len Goodman’s final time on the panel. Denise Lewis, Melvin Odoom, Frankie Bridge, Pamela Stephenson, Ainsley Harriott and Gethin Jones will be partnering with Anton Du Beke, Gorka Marquez, Chloe Hewitt, Pasha Kovalev, Janette Manrara and Karen Clifton.

Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs and Christmas – ITV, 6.45pm

Paul returns to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for some festive fun and to meet some of the homeless dogs in care at one of the charity’s three centres.

Expect a mixture of laughs and tears as Paul helps all kinds of dogs in the journey of finding their new homes.

Call the Midwife – BBC1, 8pm

The nuns of Nonnatus House travel to South Africa in this festive special in order to help a small mission hospital.

The special will prepare fans for the show’s return in January. Miranda Hart’s Chummy will unfortunately not be returning due to scheduling commitments.

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Florence – Channel 4, 8pm

Continuing on from his series of travelling the world with his famous friends, Rebel Wilson joins Richard Ayoade for this Christmas special. Expect their mini-break to feature art, food and plenty of fun.

EastEnders – BBC1, 9.30pm

What would Christmas Day be without an EastEnders special? Expect a mix of festive merriment and a bit of doom and gloom. Max Branning will return to cause trouble and, as Phil’s health deteriorates, will he join the long list of those who met their fate on the Square on Christmas Day?

Victorian Bakers at Christmas – BBC2, 9.30pm

Providing a bit of food for thought (pun intended) at the end of the day, see what a Christmas feast would have been like in Victorian times as the bakers prepare recipes including twelfth cakes, bread-based punch and mince pies made with beef or tripe.

Dallas Buyers Club – Channel 5, 10.30pm

For those who want to end their evening with a film, Channel 5 will be airing Dallas Buyer’s Club in its terrestrial premiere. This award-winning film follows the real-life story of Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), a man diagnosed with HIV who sets up an organisation to smuggle drugs for treating the condition into the US.