Top 19 must-sees on TV on Christmas Day

Realistically, you probably won’t get through all of them, even with catch up. So I’ve kindly categorised for you to take your pick.

Family Fantasy

The Last Dragonslayer Sky 1 5.45pm Jasper Fforde’s gently satirical comedy drama sees heroine Jennifer Strange face off against her scaly foe, with a host of famous faces backing her up.

Dr. Who BBC 1 5.45pm a staple since it’s re-boot, the Doctor does what he does best at Christmas: Mixes superheroes and monsters, villains and companions to create the magic for us at home to gasp at.

Frozen BBC1 3.10pm If your children are of the age where they positively sneer at animated children’s films, I suspect you never got to see it at the pictures either. Here’s our chance to find out what all the fuss is about.

Entertainment and Reality

Top of the Pops Christmas BBC1 1.50pm I’ve no idea what’s happening chart wise these days, so this may be worth tuning into, just to be amazed at how many acts I’ve never heard of …

Gospel Christmas BBC2 8.30pm Soul singing musical theatre star Beverley Knight and the impeccable Gregory Porter (whom I have heard of) lead a veritable cornucopia of gospel inspiration and delight.

Strictly Come Dancing BBC1 6.45pm It’s Strictly, innit? Perfect timing for after dinner when everyone else is falling asleep and you can nab the big telly in the front room.

The Great British Bake Off BBC1 4.45pm The last ever showing of our over-indulgent baking-fest in its rightful place. There’s a second helping too, on Boxing Day at 7pm, as more previous contestants go head to head.

Carpool Karaoke Sky1 9pm If, like me, you’ve not made the effort to tune into James Corden’s American chat show, here’s an opportunity to see if it really is as brilliant as we’ve been told, with highlights of the highlight of his show.

Arts & Culture

Dancing the Nutcracker: Inside the Royal Ballet BBC2 4pm An insight into the Royal Ballet’s preparations for the classic magical Christmas tale, The Nutcracker. There’s a lot more to it than turning up for a few pirouettes.

King Lear BBC4 7pm Talawa Theatre Company’s lauded production starring Don Warrington as the eponymous doomed King. A family drama at it’s heart, perfect for get togethers in front of the telly this time of year. Or possibly not.

Andre Rieu Sky Arts 6pm-9pm The maestro himself sets Christmas around the world and in London to music, with classic Chrismassy hits and carols.

Films Worth Re-watching

The Artist BBC2 2.25pm A surprise hit of recent years, a black and white silent movie that nevertheless grabs your attention and keeps you in your seat. Apart when you feel the need to break out and tap dance, obviously.

The Lion King ITV 3.10pm Disney’s Oscar winning animated musical will have you blubbing while you sing along to Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs. A truly magnificent spectacle. (The film, not you crying).

It’s a Wonderful Life C4 2.20pm Pretty much top of everyone’s Christmas film list, George Bailey’s meeting with his guardian angel shows him the value of his life.

For The Children

Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas BBC1 1.20pm Buying three llamas couldn’t possibly go wrong, could it? Shaun “encourages” the deed.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt C4 5.25pm It’s the family story game for children but it’s got the vocals of Olivia Colman and Mark Williams and Pam Ferris and it’s poignant, sweet, sad and funny.

The Snowman and the Snowdog C4 4.55pm The follow up to the wonderful The Snowman is equally touching.

For Nature Lovers

Wild Tales from the Village BBC2 12.55pm For those missing the twang of Julien Baptiste’s whiskery accent, fear not. Here, Tcheky Karyo narrates this unorthodox story of animals versus humans in a pretty French village.

Everything David Attenborough Sky Atlantic is devoting the best part of the day (10am-9pm) to programmes narrated by national treasure Sir David. It might well be the answer to everything in the Great Battle For The Remote Control.

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