BBC Christmas 2025 TV and iPlayer line-up offers a whole host of magical moments to entertain all the family over the festive fortnight

Published: 25 November 2025

We’ve got so many terrific treats on the BBC this Christmas. There really is something for everyone as we light up living rooms across the UK with a multitude of magical moments. From specials of much- loved programmes, to new gifts across genres, the BBC is the place to be.

— Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer

The BBC unveils a whole host of magical moments to entertain all the family over the festive fortnight across TV channels and BBC iPlayer. The unmissable line-up will bring people together this Christmas in a way that only the BBC can.

Audiences will delight in a smorgasbord of spectacular treats that celebrate the very best in homegrown storytelling and creativity. Feast on a range of specials, family favourites, thrilling drama, hilarious comedy and blockbuster movies alongside arts, documentary, music and religious programming to satisfy everyone.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer says: “We’ve got so many terrific treats on the BBC this Christmas. There really is something for everyone as we light up living rooms across the UK with a multitude of magical moments. From specials of much- loved programmes, to new gifts across genres, the BBC is the place to be.”

Christmas 2025 on TV and BBC iPlayer

Christmas on the BBC just wouldn’t be the same without an animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture books. The Scarecrows’ Wedding is an enchanting romance about two devoted scarecrows featuring an all star voice cast including Rob Brydon, Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson and narrated by Sophie Okonedo. Full of heart and humour, it’s a joyful story of loyalty, love, and learning that the most important thing isn’t a grand gesture – it’s simply being together.

The BBC proudly brings people together at Christmas. Viewers can sit back and escape into other worlds in a selection of gripping new shows.

Tom Hiddleston is back in the hotly anticipated return of the multi-award winning hit drama The Night Manager; and the Amandaland Christmas Special spreads the festive cheer and welcomes the absolutely fabulous Jennifer Saunders who plays Joanna Lumley’s on-screen sister in a cracker set to guarantee the laughs.

This year’s festive trip to Poplar sees Call the Midwife celebrate Christmas with two episodes. In Walford, the EastEnders learn the consequences of their actions as they are visited by ghosts of their past, villains of the present, and visions of the future.

Get ready to spend Christmas in Paradise with specials from both Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise. In Shipton Abbott, the guest arrivals docking into the Devon seaside town for the holidays include Adrian Edmondson. And we head to Saint Marie and Swindon with Don Gilet for an office Christmas party of a lifetime that takes a dark turn in the Caribbean with Josie Lawrence guest starring.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the ballroom for a Christmas special. Keep an eye out to see who will be joining Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt and Jodie Ounsley as they compete to be crowned Christmas Champion. And Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel is one not to be missed as he spins seven more celebrities into a festive fizz.

Natural history lovers are treated to a brand-new film from Sir David Attenborough, as he turns his attention closer to home to explore the wildlife of England’s iconic capital in Wild London. Having lived in London for 75 years, Sir David’s intimate knowledge of the city’s natural history means there’s no better guide to introduce audiences to London’s most spectacular wildlife secrets.

There is a bumper selection of comedy to spread the joy this yuletide season. In Mammoth, it’s Tony Mammoth’s first Christmas since coming back from the dead and he’s determined to make it a special one with his family. In The Mandy Who Knew Too Much we join Mandy as she has what can only be described as one of the worst Christmases ever.

In the Two Doors Down Christmas Special Eric and Beth put their tree up earlier than usual, unwittingly kicking off the Christmas season in Latimer Crescent. In Here We Go: Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza, it’s a typically chaotic Jessop family holiday, featuring a road trip, a missing dummy, and a large crate of unlicensed fireworks! Other highlights include brand new comedy Shedites, by Paddy Houlihan and two specials from Mrs Brown’s Boys.

Stuffed is a modern-day Christmas caper for the whole family to enjoy which see’s Arslan Farooqi (Guz Khan) and his multi-faith family set off on the trip of a lifetime as they swap Coventry for the magic of Lapland.

The most talked about show of 2025 – The Traitors is back! Claudia Winkleman returns for the ultimate game of trust and treachery from the Scottish Highlands with an all new civilian series that is set to grip the nation. And if that leaves you wanting more, you can stay faithful as Claudia will also present The Traitors at the Proms, a concert featuring melodramatic versions of pop tunes heard on The Traitors from Britney Spears’ Toxic to Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy.

Everyone’s favourite Traitor Alan Carr is also back as best friends Amanda Holden and Alan return to the sun-drenched village of Moclín in southern Spain in Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas.

The Celebrity Apprentice comes all the way from snowy Lapland where twelve famous faces step into Lord Sugar’s boardroom for two specials in aid of BBC Children in Need. Taking part are AJ Odudu, Angela Scanlon, Charlie Hedges, Eddie Kadi, Jake Wood, JB Gill, Kadeena Cox, Matt Morsia, Rob Rinder, Sarah Hadland, Shazia Mirza and Tom Skinner.

In the Gladiators Celebrity Special hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh four celebrities take on one of the toughest gameshows on telly as they battle against the mighty Gladiators. Watch the nation’s favourite PE Teacher Joe Wicks MBE take on Sam Thompson and boxing legend, Nicola Adams OBE versus Vogue Williams.

To get you in the mood for the competitive Christmas gaming season, there’s a plethora of quizzes, cook offs, races and nail-biting finishes to choose… from The Weakest Link, The Festive Finish Line and University Challenge. We also have The Great British Sewing Bee and MasterChef so you can watch some of your favourite programmes get some added special celebrity sparkle.

Dame Helen Mirren, Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon stop by The Repair Shop this Christmas hoping for some very special repairs from the barns wonderful team of experts. Hollywood legend Dame Helen Mirren arrives, along with a beloved but badly broken cello. Julia tasks furniture restorer Will Kirk and ceramics expert Kirsten Ramsay with the repair of a toy farmhouse that once belonged to her granny.

We’ve got you covered for this New Year’s Eve with Ronan Keating & Friends: New Year’s Eve Party as well as Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra welcome in the New Year with Jools’ Annual Hootenanny. You can also watch The Graham Norton Show New Year’s Eve for some sparkling chat, jokes and music as Graham and a sofa of star guests mark the end of 2025.

If you’re lacking in inspiration on what to cook this year, then you could get some help from Dame Mary Berry as she celebrates the magic of the season’s traditions in A Mary Berry Christmas. She’ll be sharing some of her favourite traditional dishes and some exciting new ones. Along with her celebrity friends there will be a whole stocking of festive fun.

And as a sweet treat, Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey unwrap the festive secrets behind Britain’s beloved gingerbread biscuits for this special instalment of Inside the Factory: Christmas Gingerbread Special.

For those who want to be eased into Christmas join Bob Mortimer, Paul Whitehouse and terrier Ted as they head to Devon and Cornwall for Gone Christmas Fishing. They fish the stunning rivers Lyd and Camel in Devon and head out to sea in Cornwall joined by local star Dawn French, their favourite doctor Anand Patel and visit top chef Paul Ainsworth in his Padstow restaurant.

Staying in the countryside, join journalist and television presenter Janet Street Porter, choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone, singer and actor Chesney Hawkes, former footballer and TV personality Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, broadcaster and presenter Angellica Bell plus Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and choreographer Neil Jones as they house-hunt across the UK in Celebrity Escape to the Country.

My Life at Christmas with Anita Rani is back and guests this year are rock star Sir Rod Stewart and his wife, broadcaster Penny Lancaster; legendary children’s TV presenter and child rights advocate, Baroness Floella Benjamin; and Paralympian and broadcaster Ade Adepitan.

And if you want to venture out for some theatrical delights without actually leaving home, then channel hop or stream your way through our artisan collection of programming…

Christmas Treasures of the National Trust returns in time for Christmas unwrapping the festive stories behind some of the country’s most beautiful historic homes and gardens at the most magical time of the year. Dame Joanna Lumley and Tobias Menzies star in The Room in the Tower by E.F. Benson, this year’s Ghost Story for Christmas from Mark Gatiss. The 2025 Christmas Lectures from the Royal Institution: Is There Life Beyond Earth? comes to BBC Four. Inside Classical: A Classical Christmas sees the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Singers take centre stage in an evening of festive delights recorded live at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

And this year there are two special The Reads, Bafta and Olivier Award-winning actor Monica Dolan gives a captivating performance reading of Jane Austen’s much loved and last completed novel, Persuasion while Steffan Rhodri (Gavin and Stacey, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) gives an enchanting performance reading of C.S. Lewis’s timeless story of Narnia – a magical world of adventure, courage and Turkish Delight.

Start your days with Morning Live at Christmas as the programme will bring together the BBC’s most trusted experts to serve up the best money, health, food and time saving tips and advice to help get you through the festive season. Reflecting on a year of acts of kindness, join Alex Jones, Roman Kemp and JB Gill for a special One Big Thank You Christmas edition of The One Show as they celebrate those who go above and beyond to bring festive cheer. And to celebrate another fantastic year of sport, don’t miss BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards show hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott.

Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral (Image: BBC/Bradford Cathedral)

There will be a vibrant range of religious programming this year including live worship, musical celebration, traditional carols and spiritual contemplation including Midnight Mass, broadcast live from OLEM Church, Cambridge, Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral, and Carols From King’s, the traditional celebration of Christmas with music and readings, recorded in the candlelit Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, led by the dean, the Reverend Dr Stephen Cherry, and not to be missed, The Archbishop of Canterbury Elect’s New Year’s Day Message.

For music fans, there is a whole host of programming across the BBC and iPlayer.

Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar and Broadway royalty Stephanie J. Block lead a stellar cast in a sizzling new production of Cole Porter’s legendary musical comedy, Kiss Me, Kate. Jason Manford hosts a celebration of the most memorable performances from Biggest Night of Musicals by the National Lottery. Top of The Pops: Review of The Year 2025 returns for its yearly special, hosted by Clara Amfo. If music videos are your thing then Christmas Hits: The Videos That Sleighed is a living room dance fest waiting to happen.

If its blockbuster films you want this Christmas then look no further than this stellar line-up from Elvis, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Robin Robin, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Oppenheimer, Operation Mincemeat, Challengers and Back to Black.

And make sure not to miss Bump: A Christmas Film for some festive comedy-drama, or watch the Sister Boniface Christmas Special, The Star of the Orient for a bit of cosy crime and mystery.

For Children it will feel like Christmas everyday over on CBeebies, CBBC and iPlayer, join The Famous Five – Big Trouble on Billycock Hill, when a Spitfire crashes near Kirrin Cottage, the Five must work together to save the injured pilot and find out the truth of what happened to him, before his enemies strike again. Blue Peter’s Christmas Cracker with Strictly, CBeebies & Come Alive sees three lucky competition winners go behind the scenes on the set of Strictly Come Dancing to meet the stars of the show, Joel takes on a starring role in the CBeebies Panto; and the cast of Come Alive the Musical join us for a show-stopping performance inspired by The Greatest Showman.

Dexter Procter: The 10-Year Old Doctor is the world’s youngest-ever medic who starts his new job. Unfortunately, his colleague thinks that children shouldn’t be doctors and is determined to get him fired. Go Get Arty is back, the Kwapongs get seasonal in the Family Challenge with snow globe sweaters that let it snow.

And it wouldn’t be Christmas on CBeebies without the CBeebies Christmas Panto, so settle in with your little ones and watch the retelling of the popular fairytale, Cinderella. And there’s so much more to enjoy together including Shaun the Sheep – Fleece Navidad, Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, Spidey and His Amazing Friends – A Snow Day for Aunt May / Hanukkah Heist, The Weasy Family – Mission Christmas, Dodge’s Pup School – The Christmas Show and an I Spy, You Spy Christmas Special.

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What’s on?

BBC One

The Scarecrows’ Wedding

(Image: BBC/Magic Light Pictures)

The Scarecrows’ Wedding is an enchanting new story, adapted from the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, about two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are planning a wedding to remember.

When Harry insists on leaving the farm to collect one last thing for their big day, a smooth-talking scarecrow named Reginald Rake swoops in with plans of his own. Chaos ensues, and soon Betty’s in danger and everything’s at risk. Can Harry get back in time and save the day? Full of heart, humour and adventure, this is the joyful tale about loyalty, love and learning that the most important thing isn’t a grand gesture – it’s simply being together.

The half-hour animated special features an all-star voice cast with returning favourite Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) voicing Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, The Paper) as Harry O’Hay, all led by Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) as the Narrator.

TB

Call The Midwife Christmas Specials

(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)

Part 1

The residents of Poplar are preparing for Christmas while Fred (Cliff Parisi) and Violet (Annabelle Apsion) get ready to fly to Hong Kong to visit her son. On arrival and carrying parcels for the sisters, they head to the Branch House in Kowloon but discover that it has collapsed and there are many fatalities. A rescue mission is hastily organised and a team from Nonnatus make emergency plans to head out to Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Cyril (Zephryn Taitte) receives an unexpected request from a Mr Fischer (Henry Goodman) who wants to rent his flat for an unspecified amount of time and at any price.

Part 2

Trixie (Helen George) and Geoffrey (Christopher Harper) find Mr Fischer (Henry Goodman) fallen in the snow and learn he has a terminal blood disorder. Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) and Joyce (Renee Bailey) host a Christmas gathering while Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers) determines to find out what happened to Queenie’s (Aoife McMahon) baby.

Back in Hong Kong, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) face down a gangster who demands the keys to the Order’s new property. Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) and Shelagh (Laura Main) arrive at the Walled City to finally find Esther (Yennis Cheung) and her son who is very unwell.

Call the Midwife is a Neal Street production (2 x 60mins) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Executive Producers for Neal Street are Pippa Harris, Heidi Thomas and Ann Tricklebank and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gaynor Holmes.

JN

EastEnders

(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

This December, Walford residents learn the consequences of their actions as they are visited by ghosts of their past, villains of the present, and visions of the future.

Kat remains fiercely protective of Zoe, who remains determined to reunite with her long-lost son, but with a mystery tormentor hellbent on driving Zoe out of the Square, the search for answers unlocks shocking secrets that puts Kat’s motherly love to the test. During a special episode looking at Nigel’s dementia, Nigel seeks advice from faces of the past in the form of Pat Evans and Barry Evans.

Across the Square, Max arrives hoping for a family truce, only to be hit by a series of bombshells that leave him full of rage and regret, and face-to-face with Cindy Beale. However, as 2026 dawns, everything changes in Max’s world as a shocking flashforward episode provides tantalising clues about what the future holds for Max…

EastEnders is a BBC Studios production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The Executive Producer is Ben Wadey and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Danielle Scott-Haughton.

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Beyond Paradise

(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Joss Barratt)

Humphrey has his hands full with a flurry of festive cases, while Martha is busy with a task of her own. Enlisting the help of Anne, Zoe and a special guest she races to pull off her secret plan. But with an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack, and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?

The Beyond Paradise Christmas Special is a Red Planet Pictures production (1×60′) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Danielle Scott-Haughton. The Executive Producers for Red Planet Pictures are Tim Key and Belinda Campbell and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Danielle Scott-Haughton.

SJP/ beyondparadise@premiercomms.com

Death in Paradise

(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Design by Astrid)

The office Christmas party of a lifetime takes a dark turn when four co-workers wake up to find a stranger dead in the pool of their villa. DI Mervin Wilson and the team identify the murder weapon, but they’re left baffled when they find that it was locked in a drawer when the murder took place… thousands of miles away from the crime scene, in Swindon!

Meanwhile, Mervin’s anxiously waiting to hear back from his newly discovered brother, which prevents him from embracing Saint Marie’s Christmas celebrations. Can Mervin resolve his family situation and get into the festive spirit – for the sake of his team and the island?

The Death in Paradise Christmas Special is a Red Planet Pictures production (1×90′) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Danielle Scott-Haughton. The Executive Producers for Red Planet Pictures are Tim Key and America Rodriguez and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Danielle Scott-Haughton.

SJP/DIP@premiercomms.com

The Night Manager

(Images: The Ink Factory/BBC/Amazon Photographer: Des Willie)

Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) thought he’d buried his past. Now living as Alex Goodwin – a low-level MI6 officer running a quiet surveillance unit in London – his life is comfortingly uneventful. Then one night a chance sighting of an old Roper mercenary prompts a call to action and leads Pine to a violent encounter with a new player: Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva).

On this perilous new journey, Pine meets Roxana Bolaños (Camila Morrone), a businesswoman who reluctantly helps him infiltrate Teddy’s Colombian arms operation. Once in Colombia, Pine is plunged deep into a deadly plot involving arms and training of a guerrilla army. As allegiances splinter, Pine races to expose a conspiracy designed to destabilise a nation. And with betrayal at every turn, he must decide whose trust he needs to earn and how far he’s willing to go before it’s too late.

The Night Manager series two is created and executive produced by David Farr, based on the characters created by John le Carré. Directed in full by BAFTA winner Georgi Banks-Davies (I Hate Suzie, Paper Girls), the upcoming series expands the story beyond the source material of the titular novel for the first time.

The lead executive producer, as on series one, is Character 7’s Stephen Garrett. Further executive producers include Stephen and Simon Cornwell, Michele Wolkoff, and Tessa Inkelaar for The Ink Factory; Joe Tsai and Arthur Wang for 127 Wall; Adrián Guerra for Nostromo Pictures; Georgi Banks-Davies, Hugh Laurie, and Tom Hiddleston; William D. Johnson for Demarest Films, Nick Cornwell for John le Carré, Susanne Bier, Chris Rice for FIFTH SEASON and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC.

SJP/thenightmanager@premiercomms.com

Amandaland Christmas Special

(Image: BBC/Merman)

Amanda and the family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans change when Mal and Anne tag along and she struggles to recreate the magical Christmases she spent there as a child.

Anne’s in despair at being separated from her family, and Felicity is increasingly irritated by her sister’s constant high spirits. Meanwhile Mal sees a hidden photo that seems to reveal a deep family secret…

Amandaland Christmas special is a Merman Television production (1x 30) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Tanya Qureshi who is Executive Producer for the BBC. The Executive Producers for Merman are Sharon Horgan and Faye Dorn, alongside Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz.

LW

Two Doors Down Christmas Special

When Eric and Beth put their tree up earlier than usual, they unwittingly kick off the Christmas season in Latimer Crescent. What starts as a labour-saving convenience quickly turns into a flurry of festive activity, as neighbours start to gear up for the holidays in their own unique ways.

Colin and Cathy find themselves pondering the perfect gift for each other, while Ian and Gordon plan for a quieter, scaled-back Christmas. Meanwhile, Alan and Michelle wrestle with transport issues that threaten to derail their festive plans, and Christine is busy arranging a very special trip, ensuring that the season is full of surprises, laughter, and the kind of neighbourly chaos that only Latimer Crescent can provide.

Two Doors Down (1×30’) is a BBC Studios Comedy production for BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. It is written by Gregor Sharp. The director is Ben Gosling Fuller and the producer is Mark Bignell. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland. The executive producers are Steven Canny and Josh Cole for BBC Studios. Commissioning editors for the BBC are Seb Barwell and Gavin Smith. BBC Studios are handling global sales.

MJ

Here We Go – Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza

(Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Gary Moyes)

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and this year Rachel is very keen to throw a massive party. Paul, less so: he’d much prefer a nice quiet holiday cottage with a sauna so he can sweat out the massive boil that’s recently appeared on his cheek; two quite different visions for seeing in the new year. So begins a typically chaotic Jessop Family holiday, featuring a road trip, a missing dummy, and a large crate of unlicensed fireworks Paul picked up from a police auction.

Created by, written by and starring Tom Basden (After Life), Here We Go: Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza stars Jim Howick (Ghosts), Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) and Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey) alongside Freya Parks (The School for Good and Evil), Jude Morgan-Collie (Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), Tori Allen-Martin (London Kills) and Ivy Wear and Sky Wear as baby Atlas. It also stars Ed Kear (The Batman), Marelyn Pielago, Christina Ngoyi, Ninette Finch and Yasmin Al-Khudhairi.

Here We Go is a BBC Studios Comedy Production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning. Here We Go is created by Tom Basden and the Executive Producers are Tom Basden, Steven Canny, Josh Cole and Will Sinclair. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.

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Stuffed

(Image: BBC/Baby Cow/Gary Moyes)

After he receives an unexpected £8,000 Christmas bonus at work, Arslan Farooqi (Guz Khan) and his multi-faith family set off on the trip of a lifetime when they swap Coventry for the magic of Lapland.

His wife Hannah (Morgana Robinson), his two daughters and brother-in-law Jamie (Theo Barklem-Biggs) are all set for the ultimate festive adventure. However, when office worker Arslan discovers the bonus was a mistake and must be repaid immediately, Christmas chaos ensues – and disaster follows the family at every turn. Together with new holiday friend Lily (Sue Johnston), they must find a way out of this predicament and hope for a Christmas miracle that can save Arslan’s job and the family’s livelihood. Stuffed is a modern-day Christmas caper for the whole family to enjoy this yuletide season.

Stuffed is a Baby Cow and Dice Roll co-production (1×60) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie. The Executive Producers are Rupert Majendie and Sarah Monteith for Baby Cow, Guz Khan and Gill Isles for Dice Roll and Andy Milligan and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Tanya Qureshi.

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Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas and New Year Specials

(Image: BBC Studios / BOC / Graeme Hunter)

Mrs Brown returns for more Christmas capers and festive frolics! Join everyone’s favourite Mammy and the rest of the clan for fun and games in a Christmas and a New Year special.

Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas – Mammy’s Bottles

Mrs Brown rediscovers the meaning of family as she gathers those closest to her together for a Christmas photo. Buster unveils another of his signature Christmas trees with maximum impact and Cathy frets about what presents to buy everyone.

Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year – Stormin’ Mammy

Tensions are high as Agnes and the gang prepare for an incoming storm. Buster’s flying high as he nervously awaits his birthday parachute jump. Winnie receives a shock to the system and a lost Nun looks for help.

The Mrs Brown’s Boys festive specials are made by BBC Studios Comedy (2 X 30) in partnership with BOC-PIX and RTE for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. They were commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy. The Executive Producers for BBC Studios Comedy are Steven Canny and Josh Cole, Brendan O’Carroll and Fiona Gibney for BOC-PIX and Justin Healy for RTE. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.

CK

Shedites

Shedites is a new half-hour comedy for BBC One and iPlayer by Paddy Houlihan, set in and around the men’s shed in a village in Ireland.

It’s a place where men make themselves useful building and repairing things, and along the way find company through unlikely friendships, a sense of purpose, and a mug of strong tea. For many, the men’s sheds offer a new lease of life, and the Rathbowen shed is no exception.

Jimmy (Brendan O’Carroll), Harry (Phil Davis), Gavin (Simon Delaney), Cheesy (Danny O’Carroll), Paul (Shane Casey) and Paddy the Liar (Paddy Houlihan) set out to build a new bike from recycled parts to try and win the local “Santa Spin” race. What follows is plenty of shenanigans, bruised pride and a fair dose of stubbornness. If they succeed, it’ll be a rare triumph for the lads. And if they don’t, Councillor Orla (Deirde O’Kane) will make sure they hear about it.

Shedites is made by BBC Studios Comedy (1 x 30) in partnership with BOC-PIX for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios Comedy is Steven Canny and for BOC-PIX is Brendan O’Carroll. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Seb Barwell.

CK

Bump: A Christmas Film

Bump: A Christmas Film is set at a happy point between episodes 9 and 10 of the final season. Rosa has a Christmas surprise for the whole Chalmers-Davis family; she’s taking them all on a cruise!

With Oly and Santi’s new baby just two months old and Angie still undergoing her treatment, the whole extended family heads to Colombia for some Christmas misadventures and to reconnect with Rosa’s South American roots.

Bump is a Roadshow Rough Diamond production (1 x 90) acquired for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Robin Robin

(Image: BBC/Aardman Animations Limited)

Though raised by mice, Robin is a bird bad at sneaking about, and she leaves a trail of destruction trying to get a magic star from atop the tree in a “who-man” house. A delightful Christmas story produced by Aardman animation. Featuring the voices of Bronte Carmichael, Gillian Anderson, Richard E. Grant, Adeel Akhtar and more.

Robin Robin is a Aardman production (1 x 60) acquired for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will see six couples battle it out under the glitterball to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will oversee the festivities for their final time, while Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will all be on hand to dish out sleigh-loads of advice, Christmas cheer and the odd lump of coal – before the voting studio audience will decide who wins. Expect a winter wonderland full of festive magic, dazzling group dances, live music and more in what will be the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas Dinner slump.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production for the BBC. It was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Sarah James, and Strictly’s Christmas Series Editor is Kim Allinson. The Senior Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace.

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The Traitors

Claudia Winkleman hosts the ultimate reality game of trust and treachery with new twists and new players.

Time to take to the edge of your seat once more as 22 people from across the UK descend on a Scottish castle to win up to £120k. Let the mind games begin.

The Traitors is produced by Studio Lambert Scotland for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The fourth series (12×60) of The Traitors has been commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC. The Executive Producers for Studio Lambert Scotland are Mike Cotton, Sarah Fay, Lewis Thurlow and Darrell Olsen with Production Executives, Lynette Woods-Reynolds and Gemma Scholes. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Neil McCallum and Syeda Irtizaali.

LW

The Traitors at the Proms

By order of the Traitors, you’re invited to a spine-tingling concert inspired by our favourite murder mystery game’s tense and haunting soundtrack. Claudia Winkleman presents a concert featuring melodramatic versions of pop tunes heard on The Traitors from Britney Spears’ Toxic to Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy. There are also dramatic classical favourites including O Fortuna from Carmina Burana and Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem, plus an exclusive new take on the series’ famous theme tune written by composer Sam Watts.

Joined by famous faces from past series as well as characters from the challenges, this is a musical invitation into the world of The Traitors for all fans – whether you’re a Faithful or a Traitor.

The Traitors at the Proms is filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London and presented by Claudia Winkleman with music from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Singers.

The Traitors at the Proms is a Livewire Pictures production (1×75) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producers for Livewire Pictures are Guy Freeman and Kaye Godleman, and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.

CB

Gladiators – Celebrity Special

(Image: BBC/Hungry Bear Media Ltd/Graeme Hunter)

Celebrities ready? Four famous faces will take on one of the toughest gameshows on telly, as they battle against the mighty Gladiators.

Hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, this one-hour special sees the nations PE Teacher, Joe Wicks MBE versus Presenter, Sam Thompson whilst boxing legend, Nicola Adams OBE takes on Podcaster, Vogue Williams.

They’ll face the ultimate test of speed, strength and skill before going head-to-head in the iconic Eliminator.

Gladiators: Celebrity Special (1 x 60’) is a Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, BBC Head of Entertainment Commissioning. The Executive Producers are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown for Hungry Bear, and Dom Bird and Barry Poznick for MGM Alternative UK, a division of Amazon MGM Studios. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Clodagh O’Donoghue.

The original American Gladiators series was created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr and developed by Johnny C. Ferraro.

The Graham Norton New Year’s Eve Show

(Image: BBC/So Television/The Graham Norton Show/Christopher Baines)

The Bafta Award-winning chat show returns for its traditional New Year’s Eve edition on BBC One and iPlayer. Sparkling chat, jokes and music as Graham and a sofa of star guests mark the end of 2025. Plus, the final stories of the year from audience members in the world-famous Big Red Chair.

The Graham Norton Show is a So TV production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC. The Executive Producer for So Television is Graham Stuart, and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum.

Ronan Keating & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party

Get ready for the ultimate New Year’s Eve party as global music legend Ronan Keating takes centre stage to lead the celebrations into 2026. Ronan Keating & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party promises a night packed with incredible performances, big surprises, and feel-good hits as Ronan performs some of his greatest songs alongside a lineup of very special guests.

As the clock ticks down to midnight, the nation will join Ronan and his all-star guests for an electric night of live entertainment, before cutting to London’s world-famous fireworks display to officially welcome the new year. Then, the party continues as Ronan and friends keep the celebrations going well into 2026.

Ronan Keating & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party is a BBC Studios Music Production (2 x 30 mins) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music TV. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Rachel Davies, and the Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Alison Howe.

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Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas

(Image: BBC/Voltage TV)

This Christmas, best friends Amanda Holden and Alan Carr return to the sun-drenched village of Moclín in southern Spain, the same spot where they rolled up their sleeves for their summer renovation, to throw a spectacular festive party as a heartfelt thank you to the locals who helped them along the way.

In this very special Christmas edition of Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job, the pair dive headfirst into Spanish Christmas traditions, serving up their trademark mix of warmth, laughter, and delightful chaos. From baking seasonal treats and sampling traditional delicacies to embracing local customs with gusto, Amanda and Alan serve up the ultimate festive fiesta.

Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas is a Voltage TV production (1 x 60′) for BBC One and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, the Executive Producers are Claire Walls and Sanjay Singhal for Voltage TV, and the Commissioning Editor is Ricky Cooper. BBC Studios is handling the global distribution.

The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas Specials

(Image: BBC/Naked/Matt Crossick/Ray Burmiston)

This festive season, a host of famous faces are stepping into the boardroom as The Apprentice returns with two celebrity Christmas specials in aid of BBC Children in Need.

The celebrities taking part are AJ Odudu, Angela Scanlon, Charlie Hedges, Eddie Kadi, Jake Wood, JB Gill, Kadeena Cox, Matt Morsia, Rob Rinder, Sarah Hadland, Shazia Mirza and Tom Skinner.

Tasked with putting them through their paces for Children in Need, Lord Sugar calls upon Santa Claus for help, who has just the thing! In this two-part Christmas special, the celebrity candidates are split into two groups and sent to Lapland, the official home of Santa, to develop their own gingerbread biscuits. Not only will the celebrities have to create their own biscuit, but they will have to market their product by creating an advert and a jingle – keep an eye out for a surprise sprinkle of stardust to help the celebrities on their merry way. Both teams will then have to face the dreaded task of pitching to retailers, to help secure those all-important sales – will they secure enough dough or crumble under the pressure?

Accompanying the teams and keeping a watchful eye in Lapland are Baroness Karren Brady and Mike Soutar.

The Celebrity Apprentice: Christmas Specials (2 x 60’) have been commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The series is a co-production with Naked (a Fremantle label) and MGM Alternative UK for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Paul Broadbent and Naomi Banat are the Executive Producers; Francesca Maudslay is Consultant Executive Producer and Rachael Hankinson is Production Executive. For MGM Alternative UK, Dom Bird is Executive Producer; Sarah Clay is Commissioning Editor for the BBC. It is produced and distributed pursuant to a licence from Amazon MGM Studios Distribution.

Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off

Christmas is coming, with four turtle doves, four helpings of Yule log, and four fresh-faced celebrities battling it out in the MasterChef kitchen for the sparkliest prize of the year: The Golden Whisk trophy. 

The guest list includes stars that are firmly positioned at the top of their showbiz trees: Reality TV Star GK Barry, Award-winning actor, and all-round Top Boy Kola Bokinni, BBC Disability Correspondent and TV presenter Nikki Fox, and stand-up comic, and the excitable voice of Love Island, Iain Stirling.

To stand any chance of getting their glittery mitts on the trophy, they must impress the judges across two tasks, designed to challenge and inspire them in equal parts. The one who impresses the most will become this year’s champion, and forever more be the one asked to cook at dinner parties.

To help pick their favourite, the judges have called in the help of last year’s Celebrity MasterChef winner, Vito Coppola. With the recipes having their own Italian twist, let’s hope the celebrities’ offerings don’t have him tango-ing for the nearest exit.

Which celebrity’s mantle will The Golden Whisk soon adorn? Only one can be crowned Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Champion 2025. This is one party not to be missed.

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Four simply brilliant MasterChef Champions get dressed to impress as they compete for a title even greater than the last, the right to be crowned MasterChef Champion of Champions 2025.

2013 trophy-holder Natalie Coleman, Thomas Frake, who took the crown in 2020, 2023’s champion Chariya Khattiyot, who has taken the festive dress-code to new heights, and Brin Pirathapan, who came up trumps in 2024. These cooks have already proven they have what it takes to win, but how will they fare against each other? One thing is for sure: none of them wants to spend Christmas Day with the runner-up blues, so this will be a showdown to remember.

Two tasks lie ahead, both designed to boost the already abundant festive cheer, and to inspire the champions to create plates of food that will leave the judges in raptures. To add a sense of occasion, they have invited a special guest to help them pick their stand-out dish, and who better than a man who knows a thing or two about royalty, and also has experience of spotting MasterChef Champions a mile off: revered restaurant critic, Tom Parker Bowles. 

One standout cook will spend Christmas with even more bragging rights as they hold The Golden Pan trophy aloft and declare themselves MasterChef Champion of Champions 2025.

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Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel

 

BAFTA award-winning Michael McIntyre returns to our TV screens on Christmas Day for a tinsel-covered edition of his Saturday-night gameshow, jam-packed with famous faces, even more laughs, and a colossal spinning wheel!

Richard Osman, Mel Giedroyc and Paddy McGuinness are the special celebrity contestants, hoping to answer their way to a festive fortune for their chosen charities.

Eight celebrity experts are on hand to use their knowledge of all things Christmas, to help the three famous faces bank as much cash as possible. Gyles Brandreth, Josie Gibson, Big Narstie, Tim Vine, Zara McDermott, Gladiator’s very own Nitro and Gavin and Stacey legends Matthew Horne and Joanna Page will each have their time in the spotlight, answering questions on everything from reindeer to festive food.

The Weakest Link

Christmas Special

Romesh Ranganathan brings his festive cheer to a star-studded Christmas Special of The Weakest Link. Eight celebrities will initially have to work together to try to win up to £50,000 for their individual chosen charity, in one of the world’s most iconic quizzes. Each round, one player will be voted The Weakest Link by their fellow contestants and will leave with nothing. Who will be crowned The Strongest Link and will take the prize ho-ho-home!?

The festive line up is Lou Sanders, Martine McCutcheon, David O’Doherty, Ade Adepitan, Ross King, Jess Wright, Eddie Kadi and Blu Hydrangea.

New Year Party Special

Eight more celebrities hope to show off their general knowledge and bank as much money as possible for charity, before voting off The Weakest Link each round. After a final head-to-head, one player will be crowned The Strongest Link and will take the prize.

Celebrity contestants in this episode are Charlotte Crosby, Patsy Palmer, Keith Brymer-Jones, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Fatima El Ghorri, Merlin Griffiths, Bash The Entertainer and Luke Hamnett.

The Weakest Link is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production (12 x 45) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producers for BBC Studios are Pete Ogden and Gareth Edwards and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum.

Festive Finish Line

The Festive Finish Line will see a host of well-known faces take on quizzing in an exciting racing format.

Roman Kemp will host the episodes, supported by Sarah Greene, who will test celebrities’ general knowledge and ability to answer under the pressure of racing conditions.

The Finish Line is a commissioned for BBC One and BBC iPlayer by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime is Alex McLeod. The Finish Line is produced with funding from Northern Ireland Screen by Potato, in partnership with Nice One Productions. The series is executive produced by Potato’s Martin Scott and Jim Connolly, and Nice One’s Chris Jones.

Wild London

After a life spent travelling the globe, the world’s most famous naturalist turns his attention closer to home to explore the wildlife of England’s iconic capital. Having lived in London for 75 years, Sir David has an intimate knowledge of the city’s natural history and there’s no better guide to introduce us to its most spectacular wildlife secrets.

London is considered the greenest major city in the world, with a surprising variety of animal dramas playing out in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s herds of deer invading gardens, pigeons commuting by tube, snakes slithering along Regent’s canal, parakeets raiding green spaces, or seagulls learning new ways to make a killing in the city, David reveals the incredible wild encounters to be experienced across his home town.

Wild London is a Passion Planet production (1×60′), co-produced by London Wildlife Trust. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Executive Producer is Tom Hugh-Jones and the Producer is Sharmilla Choudhury. The Commissioning Editor is Tom Watt-Smith. BBC Studios is handling global sales.

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My Life at Christmas with Anita Rani

Festive interview series My Life at Christmas is back for its fourth year. Across three one hour episodes, Woman’s Hour presenter Anita Rani strikes up an in-depth conversation with three guests to hear how their festive memories reflect their lives, careers and faith.

Anita’s guests this year are rock star Sir Rod Stewart and his wife, broadcaster Penny Lancaster; legendary children’s TV presenter and child rights advocate, Baroness Floella Benjamin; and Paralympian and broadcaster Ade Adepitan. In a series of intimate conversations, Anita discovers what Christmas means to her guests and the moments that have shaped their lives as they reflect by the fireside.

My Life at Christmas, is a Big Circus production (3×60’) for BBC One and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producers are Gareth Collett and Matt Baker and the Series Producer/Director is Dom Carveley.

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Inside the Factory: Christmas Gingerbread Special

This Christmas, Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey unwrap the festive secrets behind Britain’s beloved gingerbread biscuits.

At the Original Biscuit Bakers factory in Market Drayton, they dive into the joyful chaos of producing 100,000 gingerbread biscuits including Santa and reindeer ones each week. From mixing the perfect spiced dough to hand-icing with ‘Christmas Red’ sugar paste, Paddy and Cherry roll up their sleeves and get stuck in, not without a few laughs and mishaps of course!

Cherry also discovers how to wrap presents using maths with Bobby Seagull, and makes it snow indoors at a ski centre. Meanwhile, historian Ruth Goodman joins astronaut Helen Sharman to explore Christmas in space. Packed with festive cheer, fascinating facts, and plenty of gingerbread, this episode is a delicious treat for the whole family this Christmas.

Inside the Factory is a Voltage TV (a BBC Studios owned label) production (1x 60′) for BBC One and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Executive Producers for Voltage TV are Lucy Carter, Michael Rees and Sanjay Singhal, and the Commissioning Editor is Denise Mather.

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A Mary Berry Christmas

In this charming Christmas special Dame Mary Berry celebrates the magic of the season’s traditions, from personal ones we hold dear to those enjoyed by the whole country.

Mary will share some of her favourite traditional dishes and some exciting new ones. Along with her celebrity friends there will be a whole stocking of festive fun as Mary reminds us of the joy Christmas brings and the traditions we cherish.

A Mary Berry Christmas is a Sidney Street (a Banijay UK company) production (1×60’) for BBC One and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events. The Executive Producers are Karen Ross and Kelly Sparks and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Ceri Aston-Holmes.

The Repair Shop at Christmas

It’s Christmas at the barn, as the doors are thrown wide open to welcome some very special guests, including Dame Helen Mirren, who is seeking the repair of a badly broken cello.

Smashed by soldiers as its 14-year old owner fled Nazi-occupied Europe, the instrument now belongs to a care home of which Dame Helen is a supporter, and she would love to see its voice restored, so that it can entertain the residents and their families this Christmas.

Also stepping into the barn are children’s author Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon, who are hoping for the repair of a toy farmhouse that helped inspire some of Julia’s best-loved books – including this year’s adaptation of the Scarecrows’ Wedding.

The team also fix a remarkable mechanical reindeer, a broken sledge, and a dilapidated carol book that plays a central role in a much celebrated Sheffield Christmas tradition.

stephanie@plankpr.com

The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special

Brand new host Sophie Willan takes the helm as judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young put four celebrities’ sewing skills to the test in The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special.

They’ll be welcoming into the Sewing Room professional dancer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, comedian Lucy Beaumont, actress Susan Wokoma and Gladiator Tom Wilson, AKA Hammer. They put their twist on a pattern for a festive present sack and turn second hand party wear into an outfit inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas in the transformation.

Finally, they create an outfit for real life models inspired by their favourite Christmas treat.

The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special is a Love Productions programme (1×60’) for BBC One and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events. The Executive Producers for Love Productions are Kieran Smith and Tom Davies and the Commissioning Editor is Cal Turner.

Celebrity Escape to The Country

The latest series sees a host of famous faces taking a break from their busy schedules to explore some of Britain’s most beautiful regions, discovering stunning rural homes and experiencing the charm of country living along the way.

This series welcomes journalist and television presenter Janet Street Porter, choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone, singer and actor Chesney Hawkes, former footballer and TV personality Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, broadcaster and presenter Angellica Bell plus Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and choreographer Neil Jones.

With Escape’s roster of hosts to support the celebrities on this exciting journey into the wilds, they will explore locations from the ancient woodlands of the New Forest to the wild moorlands of Yorkshire and beyond.

The new hour-long specials once again follow our celebrities as they venture beyond their familiar urban surroundings in search of the perfect countryside escape. Along the way, they will discover the rewards and realities of rural life, from stunning landscapes and characterful homes to the communities that make Britain’s countryside so unique. Each episode offers not only a glimpse into the property market but also a personal journey, as the celebrities reflect on what inspires their own dream of a simpler, slower-paced life.

DIY SOS

 

In East Yorkshire, Nick and the DIY SOS team step in to help a Youth Club that has lost its home – and this time, they’re joined by The Gladiators. The Cherry Tree Community Centre once gave local children a warm, safe place to play, make friends and find support. But when the pandemic hit, their building was turned into a food pantry, now helping more than 150 families every week. Nearly five years on, the Youth Club has nowhere permanent to go, meeting in the local park with nothing but a small gazebo for shelter.

With another bitter winter on the way and the club close to closing for good, the DIY SOS team – with muscle, humour and heart from The Gladiators – take on the challenge of building a new, purpose-built Youth Centre on the edge of the park. And with only nine days to turn an empty patch of grass into a safe, welcoming home, the pressure is huge.

Expect mud, chaos and a massive show of community spirit as Beverley comes together to give its young people a place they can finally call their own.

Songs of Praise – A Christmas Celebration from Victoria Hall, Bolton

 

Songs of Praise: A Christmas Celebration From Victoria Hall, Bolton (Image: BBC/CTVC/Paul Husband)

Aled Jones is joined by special guests and a congregation of 800 voices at Victoria Hall Bolton for a spectacular musical celebration of traditional carols and festive favourites.

Legendary former Spandau ballet frontman Tony Hadley sings the Christmas classic Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and West End star Phoebe Edwards performs a brand-new arrangement of Jesus Oh What A Wonderful Child. Aled has chosen to sing one of his favourite carols, Silent Night and the audience raise the roof with some of our best-loved carols including Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing and The Holly And The Ivy. The singing is led by Wayne Ellington and Manchester Inspirational Voices and accompanied by The Songs of Praise Orchestra with conductor Andrew Earis.

Songs of Praise: A Christmas Celebration is a CTVC production (1×60’) for BBC One and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producer is Jacqueline Hewer and the Series Producer is David Waters.

Midnight Mass from OLEM Church, Cambridge

OLEM Church (The Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs) (Image: BBC/OLEM Church)

The First Mass of the Nativity will be celebrated live from Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, in Cambridge – one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the country.

Following a candlelit procession for the traditional Blessing of the Crib, the church choir and chamber orchestra will perform Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C major and the Christmas motet, O Magnum Mysterium, by Francis Poulenc. The congregation will join in with traditional carols, including O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark! The Herald. The Mass will be led by the Rector, The Rt Revd Monsignor Canon Harkness and the sermon will be given by Dominican Friar and Assistant Chaplain at Cambridge University, Fr Albert Robertson.

Midnight Mass is a BBC Studios Events Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producer is Sarah Gibbs.

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Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral

Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral (Image: BBC/Bradford Cathedral)

A joyful celebration of the birth of Christ, weaving together, carols, readings and prayers from a range of cultures and languages, reflecting Bradford’s status as UK City of Culture 2025.

In a lively family service, there will be a dynamic performance of the Christmas Gospel story by the Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts – and a reflection on the power of cross-cultural encounters, by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Revd Andy Bowerman.

The Cathedral Choir will sing the jubilant and contemporary communion setting of the Missa Brevis by British composer Jonathan Dove, as well as a carol written for Bradford Cathedral Choir by Yorkshire composer, Philip Wilby. Well-loved congregational carols will include, Angels From The Realms of Glory, and O Come All Ye Faithful.

Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral is a BBC Studios Events Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producer is Dawn Payne.

St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh

In the final episode of the Prayer and Reflection season, we’ll be joining the congregation at St Giles for a traditional Christmas service with a combination of scripture, readings and a sermon led by parishioners and Reverand Dr Scott Rennie. Alongside scripture, a selection of hymns and carols will be performed by St Giles’ Choir with Musical Director, Jack Oades, to celebrate this joyful time of year.

St Giles’ Cathedral, a Tern Television production (1×30’) for BBC One and iPlayer, was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producer is Harry Bell.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Elect’s New Year Message

The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally delivers her New Year’s Day message.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Elect’s New Year Message is a BBC Studios Events (1 x 5’) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios Events is Claire Popplewell.

Biggest Night of Musicals by the National Lottery

Jason Manford hosts a celebration of the most memorable performances from Big Night of Musicals by The National Lottery.

It will feature show-stopping numbers from some of the UK’s biggest West End and touring productions – including Wicked, Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, The Bodyguard, The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical, Phantom of the Opera and Back to the Future: The Musical – as well as star performances from Alfie Boe and Beverley Knight, unforgettable group numbers and emotional moments that have defined the series.

Highlights include a spectacular circus-themed opening number from The Greatest Showman; musical theatre legend Michael Ball OBE performing with Our Dementia Choir and a dazzling performance of Electricity from Billy Elliot by two grassroots groups. Plus, a spine-tingling all-star performance of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables, featuring four Jean Valjeans.

With breathtaking staging, stunning performances and all the energy of a live arena audience, Biggest Night of Musicals celebrates the very best of musical theatre.

Biggest Night of Musicals by the National Lottery is a TBI Media production (1×60) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producers for TBI Media are Phil Critchlow and Anna Meadows, and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.

Sports Personality of The Year

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards are back for 2025 – bigger, bolder and refreshed for a new era of sporting celebration.

Alongside voting for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 award, for the first time in the show’s history, the Team of the Year award will also be decided via a live public vote on the night, handing fans across the UK the power to crown the team that inspired them most this year. It’s a new chapter that puts the audience at the heart of the biggest night in British sport.

Hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, the star-studded show will broadcast live from the home of BBC Sport at MediaCity, Salford, on Thursday 18 December, from 7pm to 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

This year’s ceremony will pay tribute to a phenomenal 12 months of sporting drama and triumph – from the Women’s Euros and the Women’s Rugby World Cup, to Team Europe winning the Ryder Cup victory, Liverpool’s Premier League title, Arsenal women’s Champions League success, and the Lions’ first tour series win in Australia for 12 years. Add to that, there were record-breaking moments across cricket, athletics, golf, tennis, and more. As always, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards will bring the nation together to celebrate the athletes, teams and coaches who defined 2025.

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Sir Chris Hoy: Cycle of Hope

Facing the biggest challenge of his life, Sir Chris Hoy opens up about his journey with terminal cancer and how the mental strength he honed as a six-time Olympic gold medallist is now helping him inspire others.

Filmed behind the scenes, the celebrated cyclist and his family share their experience of his cancer diagnosis in 2024. This emotive programme follows Hoy as he balances life as a husband, father and friend alongside treatment and the charity work he’s so passionate about.

Drawing on his Olympic career, Chris reconsiders his purpose and how he will choose to live with cancer – turning his focus towards raising awareness and inspiring others. The story follows Chris from the early stages of planning a brand-new cycling event through to being joined by friends, including Sir Andy Murray, at the end result in Glasgow: the Tour de Four, a bike ride with the ambition to raise a million pounds for charity and show fellow sufferers that it’s possible to stay active throughout treatment.

Heartfelt interviews with former teammates Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, Victoria Pendleton, Rob Hayles and Chris’ long-time psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters give insight into the strength of Hoy’s mindset. Over the course of his decorated Olympic career, he didn’t just train his body – he built up his mental fitness, a skill that’s now helping to shape his decisions and approach to life since his diagnosis.

This documentary, a BBC Breakfast and BBC Sport collaboration, is a celebration of Chris’ outstanding career and his inspirational message of resilience and optimism in the face of a heart-breaking diagnosis.

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BBC Two

Carols from King’s

Carols From King’s/The chapel of King’s College, Cambridge (Image: BBC)

The traditional celebration of Christmas with music and readings, recorded in the candlelit Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, led by the dean, the Reverend Dr Stephen Cherry.

The world-famous Chapel Choir, under the direction of Daniel Hyde, sings carols old and new. The story of the Nativity is read by members of King’s College in the words of the King James Bible and in Christmas poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, U. A. Fanthorpe and Howard Thurman. For many, this marks the true start of Christmas.

Carols From King’s is a BBC Studios Events production (1×60’) for BBC Two and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producer is Rosheen Archer and the Director is Marcus Viner.

Secrets of the Conclave

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, speaks to the Cardinals reunited in the Sistine Chapel, (Image: BBC / Wag Entertainment Limited / Getty / Vatican Pool)

The papal conclave is among the most significant and closely guarded events in the Catholic Church, where cardinals serve not only as electors but as potential successors to the papacy. This documentary offers a rare glimpse into the ancient and secret ritual of the conclave, a process of prayer, discussion, spiritual reflection and divine guidance as cardinals make their selection.

Featuring exclusive footage from the Vatican and interviews with cardinals who helped choose the new Pope, Secrets of the Conclave gives a unique insight into a tradition that has shaped the leadership of the Catholic Church for centuries, charting the journey of the papal conclave from mourning to the moment white smoke signals the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Secrets of the Conclave is a Wag Entertainment & Stand By Me production (1 x 60) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producers for Wag Entertainment are Eliya Arman and Steven Green, the Executive Producers for Stand By Me are Riccardo Chiattelli and Simona Ercolani.

Top of The Pops: Review of The Year 2025 (w/t)

Top of The Pops returns for a special hosted by Clara Amfo.

This celebratory look back at the last 12 months will revisit the biggest music moments of the year, highlighting the standout stories and featuring performances from some of 2025’s most talked-about artists.

Top of The Pops: Review of The Year 2025 is a BBC Studios (1 x 60) production for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music TV. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Popular Music TV is Rachel Davies. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Alison Howe.

Christmas Hits: The Videos That Sleighed (w/t)

From The Pogues to Paul McCartney, Wham! to the Spice Girls, Mariah Carey to East 17 and beyond, this fun and heartwarming documentary lifts the lid on the magic and mayhem behind the making of the nation’s favourite Christmas music videos.

From Paul McCartney recreating the magical story of the Christmas Truce from the First World War for his music video for Pipes of Peace, to Kirsty MacColl teaming up with Shane MacGowan on the freezing streets of Manhattan during the unruly video shoot for Fairytale of New York; and Mariah Carey picking up her camera during a snowstorm to film the video for All I Want for Christmas Is You, this fun and festive documentary pulls back the curtain on the chaos and craft behind all your Christmas favourites.

Told entirely through wonderful archive footage, audiences get to witness how these music videos were created – as we reveal the stories you’ve never heard, the footage you’ve never seen, and the moments that changed Christmas – forever.

Christmas Hits: The Videos That Sleighed (w/t) is a Touchdown Films production (1 x 60”) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Pop Music TV. The Director for Touchdown Films is John Osborne. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Rachel Davies.

Jools’ Annual Hootenanny

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra welcome in the New Year with Jools’ Annual Hootenanny. Jools counts down the seconds to midnight with a stellar line-up of artists and a celebrity audience to offer predictions and resolutions for the coming year, it’s set to be the best New Year’s Eve party for viewers to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

This year’s show will see performances from a rich mix of legends, brand new stars and artists who have had huge success in 2025.

Jools’ Annual Hootenanny is a BBC Studios Music production (1 x 120”) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Pop Music TV. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios Music is Alison Howe and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Rachel Davies.

The Mandy Who Knew Too Much

A seasonal comedy special that sees Mandy have what can only be described as one of the worst Christmases ever. Apart from the one you’re having right now.

Mandy rarely dabbles in global diplomacy, especially over Christmas when it’s so cold out and there’s good telly on, but when she does, you can bet that she makes a real difference to the balance of power in the world.

Starring: Diane Morgan, Michelle Greenidge, Tom Basden, Roger Sloman, Hugh Quarshie.

The Mandy Christmas Special (1×20’) is a BBC Studios Comedy/Witchcraft Industries co-production written, directed by and starring Diane Morgan. The series is produced by Kenny Tanner. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The Executive Producer is Ben Caudell. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Seb Barwell.

Mammoth Christmas Special

 

It’s Tony Mammoth’s first Christmas since coming back from the dead and he’s determined to make it a special one with his family. Through his own thoughtlessness and selfishness, he’s on the brink of ruining Christmas for himself and those around him. Meanwhile, Mel tries to contain her anger towards a perfectly nice woman at the homeless shelter and love is in the air for Theo.

Mike Bubbins plays Tony Mammoth, Sian Gibson plays Mel, Joseph Marcell plays Roger, Joel Davison plays Theo, John Weldon plays Mr Cowley.

Mammoth is a BBC Studios Comedy (1×30′) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy and Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning, BBC Cymru Wales. The Executive Producers for BBC Studios Comedy are Josh Cole and Steven Canny and the Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Seb Barwell and Paul Forde.

Christmas University Challenge

Christmas 2025 sees the fifteenth year of University Challenge’s seasonal spin-off series for distinguished alumni, and to celebrate this milestone we’ve invited one eye-catching team from each of the past fourteen years to return to the studio and compete once more, pitting themselves against the type of questions we throw at the UK’s smartest students.

Expect to see plenty of famous faces hitting those buzzers, with frantic conferring, furrowed brows and, more often than not, surprisingly smart answers as they compete for nothing more than the glory of being declared Christmas Series Champions.

Amol Rajan asks the questions, clearly having even more fun than he did when he was a contestant on this series back in 2020!

Christmas University Challenge is a Lifted Entertainment/ITV Studios Production of 10 x 30″ episodes for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight. The Executive Producer for Lifted Entertainment is Peter Gwyn and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Pinki Chambers.

Gone Christmas Fishing

Bob Mortimer, Paul Whitehouse and terrier Ted head to Devon and Cornwall for their festive special this year.

Arriving by their traditional transport of a steam train, they fish the stunning rivers Lyd and Camel in Devon and head out to sea in Cornwall on a traditional fishing boat.

They are joined by local star Dawn French, their favourite doctor Anand Patel and visit top chef Paul Ainsworth in his Padstow restaurant to prepare a special Christmas feast of Turbot.

Their final destination is the tiny fishing port of Mousehole where they join local fisherman Neil on his boat out of the harbour, passing the Penlee lifeboat station where so many young men lost their lives at sea in December 1981, including Neil’s own father.

The show ends with a special performance from the local choir, under the Christmas lights of this quaint, traditional village which is steeped in so much history.

Gone Christmas Fishing is an Owl Power production (1×60’) for BBC Two and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events. The Executive Producer is Lisa Clark, the Director is Rob Gill and the Commissioning Editor is Patrick McMahon.

Wild Horses, The Rockies and Me

Gordon Buchanan heads to Canada’s epic Rocky Mountains in search of one of nature’s most iconic animals: wild horses. Finding two stallions battling over a herd consisting of two mares, two yearlings and two young foals, he immerses himself in their world, hoping to win their trust.

Wild Horses, The Rockies and Me is a Hello Halo production (1 x 60) for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual & Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland. The Executive Producer for Hello Halo is Wendy Rattray, and the Commissioning Editors are Tom Watt-Smith for BBC Specialist Factual and David Harron for BBC Scotland.

Titanic Sinks Tonight

When she left Belfast in April, 1912, the RMS Titanic was believed to be ‘unsinkable’. Four days into her now infamous maiden voyage, the ship hit an iceberg in the icy waters of the Atlantic. The four-part series Titanic Sinks Tonight pieces together the events, minute by minute, to reveal exactly what happened to the 2,208 passengers and crew that night.

Building on a vast archive of eyewitness testimony, including letters, interviews, memoirs and public enquiries into the disaster, the series uses actors – carefully cast to resemble the survivors – in order to bring these vivid first-hand accounts to life. Putting viewers ‘in the moment’ to reveal what individuals all around the ship saw, felt and did that night. There is also analysis from a range of contributors including ex-marine JJ Chalmers, historian Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, Admiral Lord West, and authors Nadifa Mohamed and Jeanette Winterson.

Titanic Sinks Tonight is a Stellify Media, a Sony Pictures Television company production (4×60’) for BBC Two, BBC Northern Ireland and iPlayer. The series was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual and Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland. Fiona Keane is the Executive Producer for BBC Northern Ireland and Simon Young is the Commissioning Editor for BBC Specialist Factual. Kieran Doherty and Matthew Worthy are Executive Producers.

Christmas Treasures of The National Trust

Hidden Treasures of the National Trust returns in time for Christmas, unwrapping the festive stories behind some of the country’s most beautiful historic homes and gardens at the most magical time of the year.

As the countdown to Christmas begins at National Trust houses around the country, viewers will have privileged access to three unique properties as they prepare for three very different Christmas celebrations.

High up on the Northumberland moors is Cragside, a Victorian Arts & Crafts mansion. Each year the team takes inspiration from their history to prepare a magical festive experience for visitors, and this year they are getting set to present the Servants’ Ball – traditionally the one night of the year when the servants were allowed the run of the house.

Overlooking the Tamar Valley, Cornwall’s Cotehele is one of the best-preserved Tudor houses in the country. Christmas starts early here, when every spring the gardeners begin collecting and drying thousands of flowers from the estate in preparation for building a 60-foot Christmas Garland. 

Finally, to South Devon’s famous Arts & Crafts house, Coleton Fishacre, where the team is celebrating the property’s centenary in style. Charleston lessons are underway in preparation for a roaring 20s-themed party – which promises all the glitz and glamour of a Christmas night out – and the team makes sure the 1920s cocktail cabinet is looking its best, in time for them to practise making festive cocktails from the original Savoy Cocktail book…

Christmas Treasures of the National Trust is a Blast Films production (1×60) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Amanda Goodman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for Blast Films is Sarah Spencer and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Amanda Goodman.

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A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower

Joanna Lumley, Tobias Menzies and supporting cast (Image: Adorable Media / BBC / Joe Duggan)

Dame Joanna Lumley and Tobias Menzies star in The Room in the Tower by E.F. Benson, this year’s Ghost Story for Christmas from Mark Gatiss.

For 15 years, Roger Winstanley has been haunted by an unsettling, recurring dream: an invitation to spend the night in the house of an acquaintance, where an unseen terror lurks and the figures who populate the dream seem to age in real time.

Nightmare and waking life seem to finally collide when an invitation to the dreaded room in the tower becomes all too real…

Set in the inter-war years, this is Gatiss’ eighth ghost story for Christmas on the BBC. Additional cast include Nancy Carroll (The Crown; Father Brown), Ben Mansfield (Endeavour; Sister Boniface Mysteries) and Polly Walker (Bridgerton; Rome).

A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower is an Adorable Media production (1×30) for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Mark Bell for BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for Adorable Media is Isibéal Ballance and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Mark Bell.

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The Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet

(Image: Royal Ballet and Opera / Alice Pennefather)

As ballet legend Sir Peter Wright approaches his 100th birthday year, his famed production of this classic Christmas ballet takes centre stage at The Royal Opera House.

The magician Herr Drosselmeyer is on a quest to save his nephew, Hans-Peter, who has been transformed into a Nutcracker doll by the wicked Queen of the Mice; the only way to break the spell is for the Nutcracker to defeat the Mouse King and find a girl to love. A flicker of hope comes to Drosselmeyer in the form of the young Clara, whom Drosselmeyer meets on Christmas Eve. With a swish of Drosselmeyer’s cape and a little bit of magic, a cosy festive gathering turns into a marvellous adventure.

Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky music, Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker was first performed by the Royal Ballet in 1984 and this production was filmed in 2023 at Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House.

The Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet is a Royal Ballet & Opera production (1×95) for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Producer for the Royal Ballet & Opera is Anthoula Syndica-Drummond, and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.

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Kiss Me, Kate

Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar and Broadway royalty Stephanie J. Block lead a stellar cast in a sizzling new production of Cole Porter’s legendary musical comedy, Kiss Me, Kate.

Filmed especially for the big screen and accompanied by a full orchestra, the show tune classics keep coming – from Brush Up Your Shakespeare to Too Darn Hot, Always True To You (In my Fashion) and Tom, Dick or Harry.

Directed for the screen by Brett Sullivan and filmed live in London at the Barbican Centre.

Kiss Me, Kate is a Trafalgar Releasing production (1×145) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for Trafalgar Releasing is Charlie Hinshelwood and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.

New Year’s Day Concert: Live from Vienna 2026

Celebrated conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin will for the first time conduct the world-famous concert broadcast live from the ornate Musikverein concert hall in Vienna. The New Year’s Day Concert from the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the most anticipated and watched classical music concerts of the year, reaching around 50 million viewers in more than 150 countries.

Petroc Trelawny expertly guides us through this year’s programme which as always will feature a selection of works from the family of Johann Strauss plus music by Joseph Lanner, Franz von Suppè and Florence B. Price amongst others.

Amongst the works performed, the Vienna Philharmonic will welcome in the new year with Johann Strauss II’s Overture to the operetta Indigo at the Forty Thieves, Florence Price’s Rainbow Waltz, and of course The Blue Danube which remains an iconic symbol of the city.

New Year’s Day Concert will be shown live and in full on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer with highlights on BBC Four and iPlayer later in the evening.

New Year’s Day Concert: Live from Vienna 2026 is an ORF production (1×60) for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.

BBC Four

2025 Christmas Lectures from the Royal Institution: Is There Life Beyond Earth?

Space scientist, educator and BBC Sky at Night presenter Dr Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock will give this year’s Christmas Lectures from the Royal Institution.

As the Christmas Lectures celebrate 200 years since they were first introduced by Michael Faraday in 1825, Dame Maggie will take TV audiences on an extraordinary journey from the surface of the Earth to the farthest reaches of the known cosmos.

With a blend of the latest scientific discoveries, futuristic exploration and the hands-on demonstrations that the Christmas Lectures are famous for, Dame Maggie will challenge the idea that Earth is unique in supporting life, exploring compelling scientific evidence that extraterrestrial life could be more common than previously imagined.

2025 Christmas Lectures from the Royal Institution: Is There Life Beyond Earth? are a co-produced by the Ri, The Open University and Windfall Films (3×60’) for BBC Four and iPlayer. They were commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Series Producer is Lucy Haken, the Executive Producer for Windfall is David Dugan, and the Executive Producer for the Ri is Daniel Glaser. The Commissioning Editor is Emma Hindley.

Inside Classical: A Classical Christmas

The BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Singers take centre stage in an evening of festive delights recorded live at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

Among the favourite sounds of Christmas are Leontovych’s The Carol of the Bells, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, Prokofiev’s Troika and Adam Saunders’ Journey to Lapland. Joining the orchestra, singer Tony Momrelle lends his voice to seasonal classics including Irving Berlin’s White Christmas & Mel Tormé’s Christmas Song.

Inside Classical – A Classical Christmas is presented by Petroc Trelawny and filmed at the Snape Maltings Concert Hall.

Inside Classical: A Classical Christmas is a BBC Studios production (1×90) for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Alison Howe and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.

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Persuasion: The Read with Monica Dolan

Bafta and Olivier Award-winning actor Monica Dolan gives a captivating performance reading of Jane Austen’s much loved and last completed novel, Persuasion.

First published on 20 December 1817, Persuasion explores the themes of love, regret and second chances through its heroine Anne Elliot, the quiet yet perceptive daughter of a vain baronet. Overshadowed by her more socially ambitious sisters, Anne is neglected by her father, Sir Walter Elliot, who is preoccupied by his own status while neglecting the weighty financial problems threatening his estate, Kellynch Hall.

Before the story begins, the 19-year-old Anne is persuaded to break off her engagement to the man she loves, Captain Frederick Wentworth, a man without fortune or title of whom her family disapproves. Anne’s sense of duty and her longing for a life that acknowledges her true nature is expressed in the turmoil she experiences when, at 27, she reconnects with Wentworth, now a successful naval captain, and the stage is set for a journey of self-discovery amid the entanglements of family, friendship, and social standings.

Persuasion: The Read with Monica Dolan is a Rural Studios Production (1×60) for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for Rural Studios Production is Grant Black and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Caroline Smith.

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The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe: The Read with Steffan Rhodri

Steffan Rhodri (Gavin and Stacey, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) gives an enchanting performance reading of C.S. Lewis’s timeless story of Narnia – a magical world of adventure, courage and Turkish Delight.

When young Second World War evacuee Lucy Pevensie hides in an old wardrobe during a game of hide-and-seek, she finds herself transported to Narnia, a land frozen in an eternal winter by the evil White Witch.

Lucy’s brothers and sister dismiss her stories of this strange new world where the animals can talk, but the four siblings are soon all in Narnia, fighting alongside the noble lion Aslan to defeat the witch and her mighty army.

The children learn of an ancient prophecy and must navigate betrayal and sacrifice and find the courage to help free Narnia from the Witch’s tyrannical grip. Their journey transforms them from ordinary children into heroes as they face epic battles and profound choices, leading to a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of Narnia and fulfil the prophecy that has been foretold.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe: The Read with Steffan Rhodri is a Rural Studios Production (1×60) for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for Rural Studio Production is Grant Black and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Stephen James-Yeoman.

Country Music Christmas

Country music’s biggest stars get together for a night full of festive classics, celebrating the joy of the holidays in true Nashville style.

American singers and songwriters Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle co-host and perform some very special Christmas classics. In addition to music from the night’s hosts, the programme also includes performances from a range of country music’s most beloved artists, including Lady A, Megan Moroney and Riley Green.

Country Music Christmas rounds off an incredible year of country programming on the BBC, including: BBC Two’s Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip (October), Rebel Country (October) and Grand Ole Opry Live: 100 Years of Country Music (October); BBC iPlayer’s broadcast of the Country Music Summer Festival (June); BBC iPlayer’s broadcast of The 59th Annual CMA Awards as part of its Country Music Channel (November), highlights of which were also broadcast on BBC Four and Radio 2 that same month; and the Radio 2 Loves Country season (March), with highlights including the broadcast of Country to Country in London, Belfast and Glasgow, led by Radio 2’s Country Show presenter, Bob Harris.

Country Christmas is a Country Music Association production (1 x 40”) for BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV. The Executive Producer for Country Music Association is Robert Deaton, the Director is Milton Sneed and the writer is Jon Macks. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Rachel Davies.

CBBC and CBeebies

I Spy, You Spy Christmas Special

Join Elsee for the final episode of I Spy, You Spy Series 1 as she explores Christmas with her new friend, Seb. Together, they play “I Spy” by Seb’s Christmas tree as they take turns spotting stars, presents, and listening out for the sound of Santa’s sleigh!

I Spy, You Spy is co-produced by a Tiny House and Nest for CBeebies and iPlayer. The Executive Producer for Tiny House is Emma Hyman and for Nest is Derek Drennan, and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Mark Barton.

Dodge’s Pup School – The Christmas Show

It’s Christmas time at Pup School, and Dodge has been given a very important job—Miss Collie has asked him to direct the school Christmas show! Thrilled by his new title, Director Dodge goes all out, convinced that everything in the show needs to be bigger, louder, and more spectacular to make it the most special Christmas show ever.

Dodge’s Pup School is made by Media City based production company Brilliant Trees Media in partnership with Nest Productions. The show was filmed in Stockport. Susanna Boccaccio is Executive Producer, with Mark Barton serving as Commissioning Executive for CBeebies.

The Weasy Family – Mission Christmas

The Ducklings are excited about Father Christmas coming and have everything prepared Weasy thinks there is no point – he won’t visit them. But in the early hours of the morning, while the Ducklings are still asleep Weasy finds their stockings are filled with presents. He can’t help unwrapping the Ducklings’ presents: beautiful disco roller skates, one for each of them. Weasy decides to keep them for himself and replace them with homemade fake skates that are very obviously not going to work. Will the ducklings notice?

The Weasy Family is a Hari (France) (78 x 7’) production for CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Kate Morton. The Executive Producers for Hari are Josselin Charier and Antoine Rodelet and the Commissioning Executive for the BBC is Lucy Pryke.

Spidey and His Amazing Friends – A Snow Day for Aunt May / Hanukkah Heist

Team Spidey wants to give Aunt May a snow day for Christmas, but first must help Santa Claus. The Thing and Spidey help Aunt Petunia rescue her stolen latkes on Hanukkah.

Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends for CBeebies is produced by Disney Junior and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons and distributed by Disney. The series was acquired by Kate Morton, Head of Commissions and Acquisitions 0-6, BBC Children’s. The series is Executive Produced by Harrison Wilcox and Steve Grover is Supervising Producer.

CBeebies Panto – Cinderella

CBeebies Christmas Panto is back this year with a retelling of the popular fairytale, Cinderella. Sparkling with CBeebies’ stars, this unique adaption of a pantomime classic is full of music, magic and festive fun for all the family. Join Cinderella, Buttons and some funny new characters for a story that celebrates finding your thing!

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Shaun the Sheep – Fleece Navidad

When Farmer Ben delivers his perfect Christmas card, Shaun and the gang secretly knit jumpers to try and make sure the Mossy Bottom Farm card is even more spectacular. But getting everyone to pose for the photo proves to be harder than it looks.

Shaun the Sheep series 7 is an Aardman (20 x 7’) production for CBBC and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Sarah Muller. The Executive Producers for Aardman are Sarah Cox, Jacqueline White, Peter Lord, Nick Park, Carla Shelley and Alison Taylor and the Commissioning Executive for the BBC is Lucy Pryke.

Go Get Arty

It’s Christmas time at the Go Get Arty house! The Kwapongs get seasonal in the Family Challenge with snowglobe sweaters that let it snow. Beatrice and Dad go head to head making DIY Christmas crackers in the Art Showdown. Meanwhile illustrator Rob Biddulph shows you how to draw a cheerful Christmas pudding character with holly on top and a face full of festive joy, and the twins face off in another classic game of Is It Paint? Ho-ho-hold onto your glue sticks – it’s a holiday special to remember!

Go Get Arty is a Ranga Bee Production for the BBC. The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children’s and Education. The Executive Producers are Shereen Docherty, Benjamin Green and Romesh Ranganathan from Ranga Bee and the Series Producer is BAFTA winning producer Nick Hutchings. The Senior Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Melissa Hardinge.

The Famous Five – Big Trouble on Billycock Hill

When a Spitfire crashes near Kirrin Cottage, the Five must work together to save the injured pilot and find out the truth of what happened to him, before his enemies strike again.

The Famous Five is a Moonage Pictures and byNWR production for the BBC in the UK, in co-production with The Mediapro Studio which also holds the distribution rights for the series in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. It was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the commissioning editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe.

Dexter Procter: The 10-Year Old Doctor

Dexter Procter, the world’s youngest-ever medic starts his new job. Unfortunately, his colleague thinks that children shouldn’t be doctors and is determined to get him fired.

Dexter Procter: The 10-Year Old Docter is executive produced by Adam Kay alongside James Kay for Terrible Productions and Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni for Various Artists Ltd. It was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the commissioning editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe.

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Pudsey and the Thread of Hope

Pudsey stars in a new animation (Images: BBC Children in Need / BBC Studios / CBeebies)

Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, a story by Tom Fletcher, follows Jai, a young boy navigating grief after the loss of his father, as he embarks on a journey of healing, hope and adventure with Pudsey. Along the way, they meet other children connected by a golden thread of kindness and empowerment, discovering the transformative power of friendship, courage and love.

Pudsey and the Thread of Hope is co-commissioned by CBeebies and Children in Need and produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family and animation studio Creative Conspiracy.

SJP/HH

Blue Peter – Christmas Cracker with Strictly, CBeebies & Come Alive

It’s our Blue Peter Christmas special! Three lucky competition winners go behind the scenes on the set of Strictly Come Dancing to meet the stars of the show, Joel takes on a starring role in the CBeebies panto; and the cast of Come Alive the Musical join us for a show-stopping performance inspired by The Greatest Showman.

Blue Peter is made by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions for BBC Children’s & Education.

Christmas Movies on the BBC

Elvis (2022)

BBC One and iPlayer

Austin Butler and Tom Hanks star in Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling biopic.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

BBC One and iPlayer

Antonio Banderas returns as ‘Puss’ – a cat running out of lives. Animated comedy adventure.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

BBC One and iPlayer

Spectacular animated sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Oppenheimer (2023)

BBC Two and iPlayer

Multi Oscar-winning drama from Christopher Nolan with an acclaimed central performance by Cillian Murphy chronicling the development of the atomic bomb.

Operation Mincemeat (2021)

BBC Two and iPlayer

Star studded WW2 drama, based on true events, with Colin Firth, Matthew MacFadyen, Kelly Macdonald.

Challengers (2024)

BBC Two and iPlayer

Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist play more than tennis in this smart, sexy drama from director Luca Guadagnino.

Back to Black (2024)

BBC Two and iPlayer

Marisa Abela plays Amy Winehouse in this biopic of her rise to stardom and tragic early death. Also stars Jack O’Connell and Lesley Manville. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Christmas 2025 on Radio and BBC Sounds

(Image: BBC/Chris Mills)

Enjoy magical music mixes, special guest takeovers, and engaging story-telling this Christmas on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.

There’s something for every listener, from a festive edition of Desert Island Discs with Kate Winslet on BBC Radio 4 to a Christmas Day special with Jane McDonald and Trevor Nelson celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder on BBC Radio 2. Danny Robins teams up with Diane Morgan for The Uncanny Christmas Casebook on BBC Sounds and Cate Blanchett tries her hand as a guest editor for the Today programme alongside Melvyn Bragg and Theresa May, and others.

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