Entertainment

Gavin And Stacey among highlights of Christmas TV schedule

The sitcom is returning after a long absence.
The sitcom is returning after a long absence. The sitcom is returning after a long absence.

The eagerly anticipated return of Gavin And Stacey leads this year’s Christmas Day viewing, while Call The Midwife and EastEnders are also expected to be among the highlights.

Much-loved sitcom Gavin And Stacey is back for the first time in almost a decade, for a festive special that will air on BBC One.

Its stars James Corden, Ruth Jones, Mathew Horne and Joanna Page return as Smithy, Nessa, Gavin and Stacey alongside the other supporting cast members – Rob Brydon, Larry Lamb, Melanie Walters and Alison Steadman.

The BBC is also showing Call The Midwife on Christmas Day.

The period drama about midwives in the East End in the 1960s has become a fixture of the Christmas viewing schedule.

Call The Midwife cast
Call The Midwife cast Call The Midwife cast (Matt Crossick/PA)

Mrs Brown’s Boys, a Christmas ratings juggernaut, will air two festive specials – A Wonderful Mammy and Orange Is The New Mammy.

Strictly Come Dancing will crown a festive winner, just weeks after Kelvin Fletcher clinched the coveted Glitterball on the main show, while EastEnders is expected to be a big draw as Linda Carter’s drinking throws a shadow over Christmas Day.

Over on ITV, Emmerdale’s Tates get a surprise when Graham Foster drops a bombshell as they are tucking into their turkey.

And there is plenty of drama in Coronation Street, where David and Shona get their shot at a happy ending and a much-anticipated armed siege takes place.

A major character is expected to be killed off during the episode.

Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith (C4/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon)

The Great British Bake Off has a seasonal special on Channel 4, which will see some familiar faces return to the tent to try their bakes on judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

Plenty of viewers are expected to tune in at 3pm when the Queen’s Speech – which sees the monarch reflect on the past year – is aired.

It will be broadcast simultaneously on BBC One, ITV, Sky One and Sky News.