WHEN Christmas Day arrives, what is on TV is always among the highlights of the day ahead – usually there needs to be some compromise if there are clashes.
But, to be fair, these days with so many catch-up services, people can watch what they want when they want.
The Queen’s – and now King’s – Speech has been a staple in most households. King Charles III’s first address to the nation was much anticipated last year and it is always interesting to hear what the royal household has made of the last 12 months. Catch this traditional speech at 3pm on both BBC One and ITV 1.
The one programme I always look forward to on Christmas Day is Call the Midwife – and with it the promise of a new series in the new year to beat the January blues (or add to it, depending on the storyline – some of the plots are quite emotionally demanding). Whatever happens in the episode (8.15pm, BBC One), you will be feeling uplifted and pensive in equal measure as the titles roll. This show is always worth a watch.
Another annual creation which has worked its way into each Christmas is the latest adaptation of a book by Julia Donaldson.
Over the years, we have had her best-known books – The Gruffalo, Room on a Broom and Stick Man – but there is so much more to the Scottish author’s and equally genius illustrator Axel Scheffler’s beautiful collaborations.
Julia Donaldson’s story about the busker’s cat is brought to life on our screens. Picture by the BBC. sThis year’s – Tabby McTat, which I remember reading to my youngest daughter – centres on a tabby cat who gets thrown out for being too noisy before hooking up with a homeless busker.
The busker sings and plays and the cat joins in. Two strays making their way in the world – think ‘A Cat Named Bob’ but in animation form.
With the monarch’s musings, the emotional rollercoaster in Poplar and a beautifully crafted children’s story in the bag, we need a good honest quiz.
If you’ve exhausted the board games or fancy even more of a challenge, The 1% Club Christmas Special (9pm, ITV1) will give you all you need. Couple that with the razor-sharp wit of Lee Mack as he passes comment on contestants and their performances, and this promises to be entertaining festive viewing. You can also play against members of your family to try and regain some bragging rights lost on Cluedo, Trivial Pursuit, Articulate or whatever your game of choice has been.
