Today's TV Friday 23 December

bbc 1bbc 2utvchannel 4channel 5rte onerte 2virgin onetg 46.006.00BREAKFAST (S)9.10CBEEBIES PRESENTS: DICK WHITTINGTON (S) (R)9.55FILM: SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE (2015) Animation, featuring the voice of Justin Fletcher. (S)11.15STACEY SOLOMON’S CRAFTY CHRISTMAS (S) (R)12.15BARGAIN HUNT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (S) (R)1.00BBC NEWS AT ONE; Weather (S)1.30BBC NEWSLINE; Weather (S)1.45FILM: TROLLS: WORLD TOUR (2020) Premiere. Animated adventure, with the voices of Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake. (S)3.10FILM: STICK MAN (2015) Animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s children’s book. (S)3.35FILM: PADDINGTON 2 (2017) Comedy adventure, with the voice of Ben Whishaw, starring Hugh Bonneville and Hugh Grant. (S)5.15POINTLESS CELEBRITIES (S)6.00BBC NEWS AT SIX; Weather (S)6.30BBC NEWSLINE; Weather (S)6.45THE WEAKEST LINK Romesh Ranganathan hosts a Christmas special of the quiz show where contestants try to avoid being voted off the team. (S)7PM7.30B&B BY THE SEA Ugo Monye checks into the B&B by the sea. The former rugby star-turned-presenter comes to the 19th-century Victorian villa eager to get stuck in with all the challenges the team can throw at him. His first task is seeing if he can hopefully bring in the catch of the day. Chef Alex is hoping to put Ugo to work in the kitchen preparing braised fennel. (S)8PM8.00EASTENDERS Janine and Mick prepare to get married. Meanwhile, Alfie is suspicious when he stumbles upon a chance meeting. (S)8.30CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF CHRISTMAS COOK-OFF Bez, Iwan Thomas, Josh Cuthbert and Lesley Garrett compete for the title of Christmas champion and the Celebrity MasterChef Golden Whisk trophy. (S)9PM9.30MOTHERLAND Julia has a full house on Christmas Day with an influx of grandparents, not to mention Kevin and Liz. Across the road Meg questions whether her husband really knows her at all and gets stuck into the booze - but soon regrets it. Amanda grits her teeth as she spends the day with ex-husband Johnny and his new wife Tamara. (S)10 PM10.05THE BLAME GAME Susie McCabe joins regulars Tim McGarry, Colin Murphy, Diona Doherty and Neil Delamere at the Strule Arts & Civic Centre in Omagh. Wit and banter are the order of the day as the jokesters poke fun and lampoon the people and events currently making the news in Northern Ireland and further afield. (S)10.35BBC NEWS AT TEN (S)11PM11.05BBC Newsline; Weather (S)11.15The Cleaner (S)11.45Two Doors Down Christmas Special (S)12.15FILM: Last Christmas (2019) Romantic comedy, starring Emilia Clarke. (S)1.55The Hit List (S) (R)2.40Weather for the Week Ahead (S)2.45BBC News (S)6AM to 6:30PM6.10Sign Zone: MasterChef: The Professionals (S) (R)7.10FILM: NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL (2017) A performance of the musical, with Jeremy Jordan. (S)9.20Hollywood Greats: Judy Garland (S) (R)10.00FILM: EASTER PARADE (1948) Romantic musical, with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. (S)11.40Snow Wolf Family and Me (S) (R)12.40A Taste of Christmas with Andi Oliver (S) (R)1.40FILM: THE KING AND I (1956) Oscar-winning musical, starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. (S)3.50INSIDE THE CHRISTMAS FACTORY (S) (R)4.50FILM: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990) Tim Burton’s fantasy, starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. (S)6.30SNOW DOGS (S) (R)7PM7.30RICHARD OSMAN’S FESTIVE HOUSE OF GAMES Clare Balding, Ivo Graham, Ugo Monye and Su Pollard test their general knowledge skills before Richard Osman announces the day’s victor and the week’s winner. (S)8PM8.00ONLY CONNECT SPECIALS: CHRISTMAS Presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell hosts a festive edition of the quiz show. (S)8.30CHRISTMAS UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE Captained by actress Sian Reese-Williams, four alumni of the University of Hull face four graduates of the University of the West of England, led by Victoria Gill. (S)9PM9.00GARDENERS’ WORLD WINTER SPECIALS Monty Don gets stuck into some winter jobs and demonstrates how to store dahlia tubers, plants out a clematis and plants up a container for winter colour and scent. Nick Bailey shows that a conifer is not just for Christmas on a visit to Great Dixter in East Sussex. Last in the series. (S)10PM10.00A GHOST STORY FOR CHRISTMAS: COUNT MAGNUS Mark Gatiss’s adaptation of MR James’s supernatural tale, starring Jason Watkins and MyAnna Buring. (S)10.30SING! AN IRISH CHRISTMAS A musical celebration of the festive season with Keith and Kristyn Getty and their band, recorded at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. (S) (R)11PM11.30FILM: The Limehouse Golem (2016) Victorian-era thriller, starring Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth and Olivia Cooke. (S)1.15Sign Zone: My Life at Christmas with Sally Phillips (S) (R)2.15Sign Zone: Simon Schama’s History of Now (S) (R)3.15Sign Zone: The Repair Shop at Christmas (S) (R)4.15This Is BBC Two (S) (R)6AM to 6:30PM6.00GOOD MORNING BRITAIN (S)9.00LORRAINE (S)10.00THIS MORNING Celebrity chat and lifestyle features. (S)12.30LOOSE WOMEN Topical debate from a female perspective. (S)1.30ITV LUNCHTIME NEWS (S); Weather1.40IN FOR A CHRISTMAS PENNY Stephen Mulhern heads to Chelmsford in Essex for a festive edition of the game show. (S) (R)2.25NINJA WARRIOR UK: RACE FOR GLORY More competitors take on the obstacle course. (S) (R)3.25YOU’VE BEEN FRAMED! CHRISTMAS CRACKERS Seasonal slip-ups and festive fiascos, including a postman being attacked by a turkey. (S) (R)3.50FILM: THE GRINCH (2018) A cantankerous green loner hatches a scheme to ruin the festive season. Animated Dr Seuss adaptation, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. (S)5.30MICHAEL BUBLÉ’S CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY The Canadian singer celebrates the 10th anniversary of his chart-topping album Christmas with a festive special featuring a mix of comedy, music and guests. (S) (R)6.25UTV LIVE (S); UTV Weather (S)6.45ITV EVENING NEWS (S); Weather7PM7.00EMMERDALE Manpreet is determined to make a Christmas to remember, and it remains to be seen whether Liam has bitten off too much. (S)7.30CORONATION STREET Spider asks Toyah to keep his secret, Griff persuades Max to lie to the police, Tyrone’s secret plotting leaves Fiz disenchanted, and burglars thwart Daniel’s romantic ambition. (S)8PM8.30GINO’S ITALIAN CHRISTMAS FEAST Viewers are invited to spend Christmas at Villa D’Acampo with Gino and the D’Acampo family and friends. This one-off special is a celebration of Italian food and traditions, culminating with a feast of all of Gino’s favourites. The presenter, his wife Jessica, their children are all preparing to host the ultimate Christmas feast. (S)9PM9.00ALISON HAMMOND IN AT THE RICH END: THE RIVIERA The presenter is on a mission to find out what makes the super-rich tick as she samples eye-watering opulence first hand. Alison Hammond travels across the French Riviera, ready to be thrown in at the rich end and surrounded by those with next level wealth who are not afraid to splash serious cash. (S)10PM10.00ITV NEWS AT TEN (S); Weather10.15UTV LIVE (S); Weather10.30THE NFL SHOW Laura Woods is joined by Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell to present action from the opening match of week 16 between New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. Plus, a look back at the major headlines from week 15 and a preview of the weekend’s fixtures. (S)11PM11.25Inside M&S at Christmas (S) (R)12.15Shop: Ideal World3.00Unwind with ITV (S)4.15Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh (S) (R)6AM to 6:30PM6.00Countdown (S) (R)6.40FILM: RUGRATS IN PARIS (2000) Animated adventure, with the voice of Christine Cavanaugh. (S)7.55Everybody Loves Raymond (S) (R)8.20Everybody Loves Raymond (S) (R)8.50Frasier (S) (R)9.20Frasier (S) (R)9.50Frasier (S) (R)10.20The Simpsons (S) (R)10.50The Simpsons (S) (R)11.20Channel 4 News Summary (S)11.25FILM: A CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL (2020) Romantic drama, starring Rachel Boston and Neal Bledsoe. (S)1.05Jamie’s Night Before Christmas (S) (R)2.10Countdown (S)3.00A PLACE IN THE SUN (S)4.00CHATEAU DIY AT CHRISTMAS (S)5.00KIRSTIE’S HANDMADE CHRISTMAS (S)6.00HOLLYOAKS Bobby tries his best to warn off Felix. (S) (R)6.30CHANNEL 4 NEWS (S)7PM7.00THE DOG HOUSE AT CHRISTMAS Woodgreen Pets Charity continue their mission to home abandoned dogs in time for Christmas. Fox terrier Ziggy, known for her escape attempts, tries her best to steal the hearts of the Thompson family. Winston the smiley Staffie-cross puts on the charm to win over some potential adopters. (S) (R)8PM8.00LONDON ZOO AT CHRISTMAS A look into the daily goings-on of the world’s oldest scientific zoo. From complicated animal moves and meeting the zoo’s newest and youngest additions, to medical check-ups and transforming the zoo into a magical winter wonderland, cameras are on hand to capture some unique moments. (S)9PM9.008 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Jimmy Carr hosts a combination of the comedy panel show and the long-running words and numbers quiz, inviting Jon Richardson and Jack Dee to take on Lee Mack and Rose Matafeo in a festive-themed edition. They’re joined by guests Stevie Martin and Joe Wilkinson. (S)10PM10.00THE LAST LEG CHRISTMAS BASH Comedian James Acaster, TV presenter AJ Odudu and stars from The Great British Bake Off join Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker for a seasonal edition filled with yuletide treats and festive songs. (S)11PM11.05Father Ted Christmas Special (S) (R)12.15Friday Night Dinner (S) (R)12.45FILM: Office Christmas Party (2016) Festive comedy. (S)2.30Come Dine with Me Celebrity Christmas Special (S) (R)4.20Come Dine with Me Celebrity Christmas Special (S) (R)4.50Escape to the Chateau (S) (R)4.55Countdown (S) (R)5.35Jamie: Keep Cooking at Christmas (S) (R)6AM to 6:30PM6.00Peppa Pig (S) (R)6.05Peppa Pig (S) (R)6.10The Secret Life of Puppies (S)6.15Oggy Oggy (S)6.25Blue’s Clues & You (S) (R)6.45Fireman Sam (S) (R)6.55Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! (S) (R)7.10Peppa Pig (S) (R)7.15Peppa Pig (S) (R)7.20Paw Patrol (S) (R)7.30Milo (S) (R)7.50Pip and Posy (S) (R)8.05The Adventures of Paddington (S) (R)8.25The Adventures of Paddington (S) (R)8.35Paw Patrol (S) (R)8.45Daisy & Ollie (S) (R)8.55Milkshake! Festive Fun (S) (R)9.00Odo (S) (R)9.05Let’s Go Treasure Seeking! (S) (R)9.15JEREMY VINE (S)12.30FRIENDS (S) (R)12.55FRIENDS (S) (R)1.25FILM: YOU’VE GOT MAIL (1998) Two rivals in the bookshop business fall in love over the internet, unaware they know and dislike each other in the real world. Romantic comedy, starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. (S)3.45FILM: CAST AWAY (2000) A courier service manager is forced to fend for himself when a plane crash leaves him stranded alone for years on a desert island. Adventure drama, with Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt. (S)6.30WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN 2022 Action from the Giants Live series. (S)7PM7.30OUR BIG YORKSHIRE CHRISTMAS Festive celebrations with Jane McDonald, and Amanda and Clive Owen and family from Our Yorkshire Farm. Plus, there are contributions from Julian Norton and Peter Wright from The Yorkshire Vet, and Friday on the Farm stars Rob and Dave Nicholson. As the people of Harrogate get their town ready for the Christmas festivities, cameras follow busy workers from the county doing their bit. (S); 5 News Update (S)9PM9.00ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL It’s Christmas in Darrowby and everyone is trying to make the most of things while the world is at war. A young guest brings some wonder, mischief and cheer to Skeldale House while everyone waits for important news. (S)10PM10.10FILM: CALENDAR GIRLS (2003) When her husband dies of leukaemia, a Women’s Institute member is inspired to raise funds for the local hospital. The widow and her daring friend encourage their fellow members to pose nude for a charity calendar, causing a stir in their Yorkshire village and beyond. Fact-based comedy drama, with Helen Mirren. (S)11PM11.10Entertainment News on 5 (S)11.15FILM: Calendar Girls (2003) Concluded. (S)12.25FILM: Notes on a Scandal (2006) Drama, starring Judi Dench. (S)2.00The LeoVegas Live Casino Show (S)4.00Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh (S) (R)4.45Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh (S) (R)5.30Fireman Sam (S) (R)5.40Fireman Sam (S) (R)5.50Pip and Posy (S) (R)6AM to 6:30PM10.40BRIDGE OF LIES (S); Weather11.40AT YOUR SERVICE (S) (R)12.10DOCTORS (S)12.45TELLY BINGO (S)1.00RTÉ NEWS: ONE O’CLOCK; Weather1.15OFF DUTY CHEF CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (S) (R)1.45EASTENDERS (S) (R)2.20OPEN HOUSE DUBLIN (S) (R)2.35SISTER BONIFACE MYSTERIES (S) (R)3.30HOW TO COOK WELL AT CHRISTMAS WITH RORY O’CONNELL (S) (R)4.00FILM: COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (2017) Romance, starring Danica McKellar. (S)5.45NUACHT (S)5.55RTÉ NEWS WITH SIGNING (S)6.00THE PEOPLE’S ANGELUS (R)6.01RTÉ NEWS: SIX ONE; Weather (S)6.30THE WAY WE WERE AT CHRISTMAS (S) (R)7PM7.30FAIR CITY Rafferty comes to James’s rescue, but is left reeling by his son’s brutal honesty, while Carol suffers the impact of James’s influence. Joan resorts to desperate measures to communicate with Matthew, and Louis is rumbled by Renee and disaster ensues at Santa’s Grotto. (S)8PM8.00EASTENDERS Janine and Mick prepare to get married. Meanwhile, Alfie is suspicious when he stumbles upon a chance meeting. (S)8.30KILLINASKULLY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part two of two. The village runs out of alcohol at Christmas and German shelling threatens to ruin the festive mood. Comedy, starring Pat Shortt and Louis Lovatt. (S) (R)9PM9.00RTÉ NEWS: NINE O’CLOCK; Weather9.30FILM: LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) Ten interlinked stories of people searching for and finding love. While the newly elected, bachelor British prime minister is smitten by a junior staff member at 10 Downing Street, a heartbroken writer heads for France to get over a failed relationship, and a faded rock star aims to reinvent himself in time for Christmas. Richard Curtis’s romantic comedy, with Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy and Liam Neeson. (S)11PM12.00The Coronas’ Christmas Special from the Olympia Theatre (S) (R)1.05FILM: Mermaids (1990) Romantic comedy, starring Cher and Bob Hoskins. (S)3.05Telly Bingo (S) (R)3.20Doctors (S) (R)3.50EuroNews6AM to 6:30PM6.00EuroNews7.35Lost & Found Music Studios (S) (R)8.05Wild Kratts (R)8.30Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time (S)9.00The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas (S) (R)9.35Holly Hobbie (R)10.05Holly Hobbie (R)10.30Tara Duncan (S) (R)10.45Tara Duncan (S)11.00Blasts from the Past (S)11.30Royals Next Door (S) (R)11.40Royals Next Door (S) (R)11.55Nova Jones (S)12.25Storybud (S) (R)12.35FILM: JACQUELINE WILSON’S KATY Adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s book, starring Chloe Lea. (S)2.20Angela’s Christmas (S) (R)2.55FILM: SHREK FOREVER AFTER (2010) Animated comedy, with the voice of Mike Myers. (S)4.30THE SIMPSONS Halloweeninspired tales. (S) (R)5.00THE GOLDBERGS Beverly struggles to connect with her new coworkers at William Penn. (S) (R)5.30THE BIG BANG THEORY (S) (R)6.00SERENGETI The wild dog family come under siege from the hyenas, while Kali and her cubs are attacked by the black-maned lions. But worse is to come when a storm ignites a devastating fire. (R)7PM7.00URC LIVE Connacht v Ulster (Kick-off 7.35pm). Jacqui Hurley presents all the action from the clash between the rivals at The Sportsground, as the teams resume their league campaigns after a three-week break for European fixtures. Connacht have struggled in the bottom half of the table so far this term and will need to raise their game in front of their own fans against an Ulster side that look set to enjoy another strong season after reaching the semi-finals in 2021/22. With analysis from Darren Cave, Jamie Heaslip and Jerry Flannery, and commentary by Hugh Cahill and Donal Lenihan. (S)9PM9.50FILM: INVICTUS (2009) Following his election as president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela finds himself the leader of a racially and economically divided nation, and seeks a means to unite the people. The country’s entry in the 1995 Rugby World Cup provides a perfect opportunity, and he enlists the aid of captain Francois Pienaar in making his team an inspiration to all South Africans. Clint Eastwood’s fact-based drama, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. (S)11PM12.10Live at the Apollo (S) (R)1.05The Ballycotton Sessions (S) (R)1.35Other Voices – Belfast Special (S)2.35EuroNews6AM to 6:30PM6.10The Six O’Clock Show (S) (R)7.00Ireland AM (S)10.00This Morning12.30News at 12:30 (S)1.00The Chase (S) (R)2.00The Chase (S) (R)3.00LOOSE WOMEN4.00RESCUE (S) (R)4.30JUDGE JUDY5.00JUDGE JUDY5.30NEWS AT 5.30 (S)6.05THE SIX O’CLOCK SHOW (S)7PM7.00NEWS AT 7 (S)7.30EMMERDALE Manpreet is determined to make a Christmas to remember. (S)8PM8.00CORONATION STREET Spider asks Toyah to keep his secret. (S)8.30CORONATION STREET Griff persuades Max to lie to the police. (S)9PM9.00THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE 2022 Lee Mack hosts the annual entertainment extravaganza from London’s Royal Albert Hall.11PM11.30FILM: THE MECHANIC (2011) Action thriller remake, starring Jason Statham and Ben Foster. (S)1.20GOGGLEBOX IRELAND (S) (R)2.20CLOSE4.55PICK ME! (S) (R)5.45WORZEL GUMMIDGE: THE SCARECROW OF SCATTERBROOK (R)6AM to 6:30PM7.00Cúla 410.00FILM: BELLS ARE RINGING (1960) Musical comedy, with Judy Holliday12.35Garraí Glas (R)1.05FILM: THE SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS (1957) Biopic of Charles Lindbergh, starring James Stewart.3.40Cúla 45.07AN AIMSIR LÁITHREACH5.10RUGBAÍ BEO DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls (Kick-off 5.15pm). Live coverage of the United Rugby Championship encounter from DHL Stadium in Cape Town.7PM7.12AN AIMSIR LÁITHREACH7.15NUACHT TG47.30ÉALÚ Ó ANTARTICA Climbers and sailors follow in the footsteps of Irish explorers Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean, who travelled to and barely escaped from the Antarctic. (R)8PM8.30ANÚNA: ON A COLD WINTER’S NIGHT A performance by choral ensemble Anúna, who sang on the original Riverdance, filmed in St Bartholomew’s Church. (S) (R)9PM9.30FILM: DJANGO UNCHAINED (2012) A freed slave becomes a bounty hunter and fights to rescue his wife from a sadistic plantation owner. Quentin Tarantino’s Western, starring Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz. (S)11PM12.27AN AIMSIR LÁITHREACH12.30HECTOR: AMÚ I MEIRICEÁ THEAS Presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin visits Rio de Janeiro, where he falls in love with the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. (R)1.00R.E.M. LIVE (R)3.00FRANCE 245.30FRANCE 24