Channel 4 records its biggest Christmas week on linear TV in over a decade for 2025
The broadcaster recorded bigger year-on-year linear and streaming growth than the BBC and ITV, according to BARB.
It was a strong Christmas for Channel 4 on linear TV, new data has revealed. According to data from BARB, the TV ratings agency, the broadcaster recorded its biggest Christmas week on linear TV since 2012. Channel 4 also recorded bigger year-on-year linear growth (9%) than BBC One (-17%), BBC Two (+3%), ITV1 (+2%) and 5 (+7%), per the data. This was in addition to achieving bigger year-on-year streaming growth than its rival broadcasters, with Channel 4’s streaming viewer minutes growing 48% year on year for the Christmas week – ahead of the BBC (-21%), Sky (-12%), 5 (+20%) and ITV (+16%). Across December, Channel 4 streaming viewer minutes among people aged 16-34 were up 13% year on year, boosted by coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations. A number of hit Channel 4 shows helped to drive this growth, including Big Fat Quiz of the Year, 24 Hours in Police Custody, The Great British Bake Off’s festive specials and Taskmaster Champion of Champions. It comes after Channel 4 recently emerged as the fastest-growing streaming platform, with the broadcaster’s streaming viewer minutes growing 36% year-on-year in September. Across the month, viewer minutes totalled more than 6 billion – a record for the broadcaster. Read more: Channel 4 announces free-to-view content from new UKTV deal – including The Office and Spooks Taskmaster unveils cast for season 21 including Gavin & Stacey icon Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What's worth watching on New Year's Day?
The full rundown of what you need to tune into on the first day of 2026.
It's time to kick off 2026 in style and whether you're nursing a sore head from the night before or simply just want to ring in the new year in a slow, relaxed fashion in front of the TV, there are plenty of options to choose from. The dawn of the new year also brings with it some exciting series returns from The Traitors to The Night Manager, as well as a brand new David Attenborough documentary focused on London's wildlife. That's not forgetting a new Harlan Coben thriller that's landed on Netflix, as well as a brand new one-off comedy from Paddy Houlihan. With plenty to watch on terrestrial TV as well as the streamers, it can often be hard deciding what to nestle down with and watch but that's where we've done the hard work for you. Read on to find out what's worth watching this New Year's Day. What's worth watching on New Year's Day? Minions: The Rise of Gru (BBC One, 10:40am) The fifth film in the Despicable Me franchise is both a sequel to 2015's Minions and an origin story for supervillain Gru. Directed by series regular Kyle Balda and unfolding in 1976, it finds 12-year-old Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) trying to impress bad-guy outfit the Vicious 6. They're led by Taraji P Henson's Belle Bottom, with Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren and Lucy Lawless as her associates. Later, Gru falls in with the gang's former boss Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin) as the Minions undergo kung fu training courtesy of Michelle Yeoh's Master Chow. With Julie Andrews also popping back up as Gru's mum, it's one hell of a voice cast. The film makes the most of its 70s setting, throwing in blaxploitation vibes, Ramones-flanked anarchy and an enjoyable Rolling Stones cover from the little yellow fellas. While the story feels very familiar, the film plays winningly to its target audience and does a decent job of proving there's life in this franchise yet. - Emma Simmonds The Sound of Music (BBC One, 3:15pm) This artful crowd-pleaser continues to reach out to every generation, thanks to its expert and unsentimental handling from director Robert Wise (replacing William Wyler) and a magnificent performance from Julie Andrews. She is perfectly cast as Maria, the reluctant nun who discovers her true calling (of course; she's Mary Poppins) as governess to a houseful of youngsters. It still looks lovely, in particular the stunning opening panoramic sweep onto the mountain top and the Do Re Mi tour around Salzburg (location-scouted by the uncredited musical genius Roger Edens), and the Rodgers and Hammerstein score is as refreshing as ever. For those who have never seen it, do. For those who love it, no persuasion is needed - it's as fresh and as magical as Andrews's smile. - Tony Sloman Wild London (BBC One, 6:30pm) Having helmed documentaries all around the globe, David Attenborough returns to his London hometown to get acquainted with all the wildlife that the British capital has to offer. Having lived in London for 75 years, Attenborough is well-versed in what lies beyond the concrete pavements and high-rise buildings, taking viewers on quite the eye-opening journey into the urban jungle. "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, Sir David reveals the incredible wild encounters to be experienced across his hometown," the synopsis reads. The Traitors season 4 (BBC One, 8pm) After the monumental success of The Celebrity Traitors that only just finished airing, it doesn't seem as though the gap between Traitors action is all that bad any longer. Still, nothing quite beats seeing a raft of civilians trying to suss out who is a Traitor or Faithful in the fittingly moody castle setting, with Claudia Winkleman providing plenty of meme-able moments in due course, we're sure. Red Eye season 2 (ITV1, 9pm) Red Eye returns, with this new season marking the return of Jing Lusi as DS Hana Li, while Line of Duty's Martin Compston joins the cast as Head of Embassy Security Clay Brody. One of ITV's top 10 dramas of last year, this new season will follow DS Hana Li and Compston's guest character, who are forced to "set aside past differences to solve a new high-stakes conspiracy". The Night Manager season 2 (BBC One, 9:05pm) Nine years after the season 1 finale, The Night Manager returns for season 2 as Tom Hiddleston's Jonathan Pine returns for another action-packed mission. This time round, Pine is led to a violent encounter with a new player: Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos, played by Diego Calva. Other returning faces include Olivia Colman (The Crown) as Angela Burr, Alistair Petrie (Sex Education) as Sandy Langbourne, Douglas Hodge (Joker) as Rex Mayhew, Michael Nardone (Traces) as Frisky and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as Daniel Roper. New faces also include Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six), Indira Varma (Doctor Who), Paul Chahidi (Wicked Little Letters), and Hayley Squires (Adult Material). Shedites (BBC One, 10:05pm) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/shedites-cf82623.jpg" width="4214" height="2809" alt="Shane Casey as Paul, Brendan O'Carroll as Jimmy, Deidre O'Kane as Councillor Orla, Alan Wilson as Postman Padraig, Danny O'Carroll as Cheesy, Phil Davis as Harry, Simon Delaney as Gavin and Paddy Houlihan as Paddy the Liar all crowded round a laptop and wooden desk, looking surprised." title="545616,TITLE:Shedites" /> From the Mrs Brown's Boys team, Shedites is a new half-hour comedy that is set in and around the men’s shed in a village in Ireland. The synopsis reads: "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." Run Away (Netflix) It's become a yearly tradition now that Netflix and Harlan Coben have joined forces to bring us a New Year's Day treat of a gripping thriller. This year is no different and Run Away is the latest series in the Coben universe, with the drama being adapted from Coben's original New York-set novel. He moves the drama to the UK this time round, with the story focusing on father Simon Greene (James Nesbitt) who embarks on a heartbreaking journey to find his daughter Paige (Ellie de Lange) after she runs away from their seemingly perfect life. Simon's search crosses over with an ongoing missing person's investigation that Elena (Ruth Jones) is looking into, with this series including the kinds of twists that keep you hooked till the very end. Like his previous shows, you won't be able to guess the outcome of it – but that's the fun of this New Year's Day binge-watch. Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add shows to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Ronan Keating & Friends New Year's Eve celebration start time
Each year, the BBC welcomes a singing sensation to the stage to welcome in the New Year in style with a thrilling concert. Over the years, audiences have been treated to Sam Ryder and Sophie Ellis-Bextor and now, Ronan Keating has been tasked with ringing in 2026 on BBC One. Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party promises an unmissable night of iconic songs, special collaborations and feel good moments to welcome the new year in style, with a raft of special guests to get viewers at home up on their feet. Having spent over three decades in the spotlight, Ronan Keating has sold more than 15 million records globally as a solo artist, cementing his status as a global music legend. Ready to celebrate the new year with a big old party? Read on to find out when you can tune into Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party. What time is Ronan Keating and Friends: New Year's Eve Party on? Ronan Keating and Friends: New Year's Eve Party will air on Wednesday 31st December at 11:30pm. The show will take a 15 minute break to allow for the fireworks display before returning at 12:15am for another 30 minutes of rock and roll. If you're after even more good music, Rod Stewart's 2025 Glastonbury set will air afterwards until 2:15am, while Jools Holland will be rocking in the new year until 1:40am on BBC Two. Who are Ronan Keating and Friends: New Year's Eve Party special guests? As in the name, Ronan Keating will be joined by some friends of his, including none other than his Boyzone bandmates. Ronan will reunite with Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch for a special performance, offering a chance to see one of pop's most iconic line-ups together again before they perform once more in 2026. Buy Boyzone tickets at Ticketmaster Also joining Ronan on stage is pop icon Louise, set to deliver pure feel good energy to keep audiences on their feet. Fresh from the I'm a Celebrity jungle, ex-EastEnders actress Shona McGarty will take to the stage, bringing a touch of theatrical flair to the New Year's Eve collaboration. Completing the line-up is multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Calum Scott, who will bring a modern, soulful sound to the celebrations. Ronan Keating and Friends: New Year's Eve Party airs on Wednesday 31st December at 11:30pm. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What's worth watching on New Year's Eve?
There's no one way to spend New Year's Eve, with some choosing to usher in 2026 dancing under disco lights, and others getting cosy at home with the live coverage of our broadcasters. Of course, the BBC typically leads on these kinds of live events, with this year's New Year's Eve programme to be hosted by singer-songwriter Ronan Keating. There's more music on BBC Two with Jools Holland's annual Hootenanny, where the line-up includes Olivia Dean, Craig David, Heather Small and The Kooks, among others. If that's not enough star power for you, there is also a New Year's Eve episode of The Graham Norton Show, where Tom Hiddleston will tease the long-awaited second season of The Night Manager (which premieres tomorrow). Read on for more on our top picks of what's worth watching on New Year's Eve 2025. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (BBC One, 9:35am) This endearingly quirky, part-animated “mockumentary” from 2021 proves that a big heart can come in a small package. Adapted from a series of YouTube shorts that director Dean Fleischer Camp made “cheaply, and for fun”, the film follows the eponymous sentient shell (voiced by Jenny Slate) as he sets out to find his missing family, with the help of his kindly grandmother (also a shell and brilliantly voiced by Isabella Rossellini). The result is remarkably moving — so much so that Disney took note, hiring Camp to direct their successful live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. – Josh Winning Kiss Me, Kate (BBC Two, 3:35pm) Egos flare on stage and off in this corker of a Cole Porter musical about a theatrical troupe mounting The Taming of the Shrew. Filmed at London’s Barbican Centre, it features, in the role of a preening actor/director, Adrian Dunbar, a man who has held a tune in many episodes of ITV’s Ridley. Here, he's outshone by a powerhouse of a co-star in Stephanie J Block, who blazes as his vivacious ex-wife. Still, their flirty, bickering relationship is a pleasure to watch, even if the words “Kiss me, Kate” are ones we hope to never hear Dunbar say to Vicky McClure when he returns in Line of Duty. – David Brown Top of the Pops: Review of the Year (BBC Two, 6pm) Badging up this compilation under the Top of the Pops banner feels a bit… hollow. Like a band that’s still limping on years after all the original members departed. Rather than a TOTP edition of yore, Clara Amfo introduces what is ostensibly a rundown of some of the greatest hits of live music to air across the BBC in 2025. So there’s Sam Fender and Lola Young at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Lewis Capaldi at Glastonbury and Olivia Dean on Later…. Meanwhile, there’s a look back at how Britpop had a resurgence, with both Pulp and Oasis making comebacks. – Frances Taylor <a id="menuraan" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com" href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google">Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Here We Go (BBC One, 8pm) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Here-We-Go-8b1b35d.jpg" width="3882" height="2588" alt="Jude Morgan-Collie as Sam, Freya Parks as Amy, Katherine Parkinson as Rachel, Alison Steadman as Sue, Jim Howick as Paul, Tom Basden as Robin and Tori Allen-Martin as Cherry in Here We Go. They are stood raising champagne glasses for a photo, which is framed by gold tinsel and baubles, in front of a red background." title="Here We Go" /> Successful family sitcoms are a notoriously tough TV nut, but this has managed to crack it. Slowly but surely, word is spreading about this assured gem of a comedy. If you’re yet to meet the Jessops and are wondering what the fuss is about, do go back and watch the previous three series — they’re all up on iPlayer. And if you’re already a fan, you’ll have an idea of what’s in store for the family on New Year’s Eve. Rachel (Katherine Parkinson) wants to stay home and throw a big party, but husband Paul (Jim Howick) has other ideas. He reckons they should rent a holiday cottage to celebrate the start of 2026. He promises to find somewhere spectacular… so the suburban semi he books — that looks remarkably similar to their house — isn’t quite what everyone had in mind. Car issues and the giant boil that appears on Paul’s face end up being the least of their problems. – Frances Taylor New Year's Eve 2025 (BBC One, from 10:30pm) Let’s ring in the year 2000! I mean… 2026! You’d be forgiven for thinking the BBC had stepped back in time tonight, with Ronan Keating at the helm on BBC One at 11:30pm (with a 15-minute midnight interval for the fireworks) to perform some of his turn-of-the-millennium hits including When You Say Nothing at All and Life Is a Rollercoaster. He’ll also be singing covers of tracks from George Michael and Van Morrison, and special guests are also billed to join him. The setlist over at the Hootenanny on BBC Two (11:30pm) is also pleasingly retro, with Jools Holland welcoming Ronnie Wood, Lulu, Craig David, Heather Small and the Kooks to ring in the new year alongside comparatively modern artists Jessie J and Olivia Dean (although even Gen Z hit-maker Dean will be performing a cover from 1975). In the run-up to the music will be Graham Norton (10.30pm BBC One) with a line-up as dazzling as any firework display. Tom Hiddleston will be talking about The Night Manager’s return (tomorrow on BBC One); Laura Dern and Will Arnett chat about Is This Thing On?, their new film based on the life of comedian John Bishop; while Carey Mulligan, Tim Key and Adolescence star Owen Cooper complete the sofa set. – Frances Taylor Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add shows to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Death in Paradise's Selwyn makes a huge decision about his future in Christmas special
When season 14 of Death in Paradise wrapped up earlier this year, there was a giant question mark hanging over Selwyn's future – and, in turn, Don Warrington's place on the BBC murder mystery. After Selwyn was initially replaced by the unbearably smug Sterling Fox, the powers that be realised they'd made a grave error and asked him to return as commissioner — but he refused. "It felt wrong to say yes, too much has happened," he told Catherine. "And right now, I can't see a way to get back to how things were." So off he went, out into the world, unshackled for the first time in five decades, to take some time for himself. And at the beginning of this year's Death in Paradise Christmas special, Selwyn was still doing just that when he was called into action once more. Mervin and the team were hard at work in Saint Marie investigating the murder of a man found dead in the pool of a villa being rented by UK colleagues from a company called Dugdale's, who were on an "office Christmas party of a lifetime". But the case proved especially complicated when it emerged that the murder weapon had been uncovered on the other side of the world – in Swindon, of all places. Enter Selwyn, who just so happened to be in the country for Humphrey and Martha's wedding when he was asked to step in and oversee proceedings there. The former commissioner wasn't exactly thrilled about it, but his commitment to – and love of – the job clearly remained, despite no longer being employed, as a later conversation with Majorie showed. Read more: Death in Paradise's Don Gilet responds to character criticism: 'I don't have to defend Mervin' John Hannah confirmed for all-new "witty and charming" detective series Death in Benidorm When his plans to spend Christmas Day in the Yorkshire Dales with his daughter, Andrina, were also scuppered – courtesy of the good old British rail system – Majorie, the Dugdale's receptionist (and the one employee who'd been excluded from the Caribbean trip), very kindly took him in. And it was over dinner that Selwyn, prompted by his host – who'd picked up on his downbeat mood – confided in her about his situation, which was still weighing heavily on him, even if he had no intention of changing his mind. But eventually, it was the thrill of unmasking the killer – a feeling he hadn't experienced for quite some time – that proved to be just the medicine he needed to heal his broken heart. With Selwyn in the UK and the rest of the team in Saint Marie, they collectively pieced it all together to reveal that Majorie – the sweet-as-pie Dugdale's receptionist who'd given Selwyn a roof over his head when no one else could – was in fact the murderer. Let's break it down... Not only had she killed the man in the swimming pool, she'd also offed Ashley, another Dugdale's employee who had supposedly disappeared and taken a shedload of company cash with her. After opening a drawer in Majorie's house that he definitely wasn't supposed to, Selwyn spotted a piece of jewellery set with a stone that's "unique to Saint Marie" – which immediately raised his hackles, given she'd claimed she'd never been to the Caribbean. He also found a fake passport, with her photo alongside Ashley's details. "You were lying," he said, as Majorie tried to talk her way out of it. But when it became clear that the jig was up, she wilted. Ashley had in fact stolen company money, but she was returning it when Majorie caught her. A tussle then broke out while the receptionist was calling the police, with Majorie shoving Ashley as she tried to grab the phone. But she pushed her colleague too hard and she fell, hit her head, and died instantly. Instead of reporting it, however, Majorie disposed of the body and took the money for herself, seeing it as a reward for years of being disregarded by Dugdale's. She then made a fake passport using Ashley's name, flew to Saint Marie on it, and rented a property, also in Ashley’s name, to make it look like she had really legged it with the cash to begin a new life. While out there, Majorie also made contact with the man who later ended up in the pool after she shot him. She initially paid him to lie about Ashley's whereabouts if anyone came to the island asking after her, convincing him he was helping a vulnerable friend — and we all saw just how convincing she could be. Then she headed back to England. But when Majorie's boss started asking questions about the missing money on the trip, he grew suspicious. A bit of digging eventually confirmed she'd been lying, and he called to tell her he was going to the police. Majorie then flew back to Saint Marie (she's many things, but lazy is certainly not one of them) and offered to pay him more, but he refused. So, she grabbed his gun and pulled the trigger, before heading swiftly back to the UK, just in time for Selwyn's arrival at Dugdale's HQ. But what she didn't know was that her second victim was still alive. He even made it to the villa to tell the group what he knew — until he collapsed before he could. Majorie, always with a solution up her sleeve, then messaged Gavin, one of the Dugdale's employees on the trip, from Ashley's phone. They had a past, and he was still madly in love with her, so he did as he was asked, believing he was helping Ashley. And for a hot minute, Majorie had gotten away with it But of course she was no match for the team – and Selwyn was still clearly an integral part of it, despite not technically being a member of the Saint Marie PD in that moment. But that is all surely set to change. "We couldn't have done it without you, sir," said Mervin over the phone to his former boss, who looked as though a giant weight had been lifted off his shoulders. When Mervin then asked if Selwyn was doing OK (given he'd been sleeping under the same roof as a double murderer who, at one point, looked like she might carve him up as she did the turkey) he said he was "just fine". And indeed, he was. In the very final moments of the episode, with a pep in his step, he rang the chief commissioner. And after some initial pleasantried, Selwyn put a very important question to him. "Apologies for calling you during the holidays, but I wanted to know if you've found my replacement as yet? I've been doing some thinking, and I wondered if there was any chance of my returning to the role, if it's still vacant?" Hear that? It's the sound of champagne corks popping across the land. While we don't hear the CC's answer on the other end of the phone, we also don't really need to because there's only one answer to that question. The commissioner is officially coming home. Death in Paradise will return in the New Year on BBC One and iPlayer. Add Death in Paradise to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife creator reveals why there won’t be the "traditional" Christmas special in 2026
"This is just a lovely opportunity for us to press pause..."
While it has already been confirmed that Call the Midwife will be returning for season 16 following the prequel series and the show's first movie, it will not be Christmas as usual in 2026, as revealed by its creator. Heidi Thomas, who has been bringing stories about the midwives and nuns of London's East End to screens since 2012, announced the change to RadioTimes.com and other press following a screening of the upcoming 15th season, which will arrive in the New Year. "No, there won't be a Christmas special next Christmas, not in the traditional mould," she said – with executive producer Pippa Harris later confirming that the prequel, which will be set during the Second World War, would make its debut at Christmas instead. That will be followed by the movie, which is "in preparation for pre-production" and will be "set overseas in 1972", featuring "iconic characters from the existing TV show". Season 16 will arrive after that. "This is really just a very temporary pause in the usual pattern," said Thomas on the absence of a traditional Call the Midwife special in 2026, before going on to marvel at the show's 15-year run. "I don't think any other show has produced a series every year for that period of time," she beamed. "You hear about other shows maybe celebrating a 10th anniversary, but they might have done four or five series in that time, and not necessarily as many episodes as we do. "So I think this is just a lovely opportunity for us to press pause and refresh a little bit and come back with even more exciting things." Read more: Call the Midwife's Turner family take in another child following tragic development Call the Midwife movie gets major update – including "likely" overseas location to TV far away from Poplar But Laura Main, who plays Shelagh Turner, did say that she was going to miss filming the festive special, which is always at the centre of the BBC's Christmas line-up. "It does make Christmas extra special," she said. "There's no denying it. And it's this thing that we've been working on for half the year that you get to share with your family, so it is special, having that. "And because I'm a massive Christmas fan, not having it in April as well [will be a miss]. You don't have to wait 12 months and then just have a traditional Christmas." This year's festive special saw a party from Nonnatus House head to Hong Kong after the Branch House in Kowloon collapsed, leaving death and destruction in its wake. But while the scale of the challenge — and the conditions they were working in — were hugely demanding, the biggest obstacle came from the intimidation and threats they faced from Chinese gangsters, which they weren’t expecting. Still, they held their own and made it back to Poplar in one piece — where the Turners are now caring for Christopher, the son of May's biological mother, Esther. His father is The Cormorant, a Triad member who initially refused to let the doctor take his son, who has Wilms' tumour – a rare childhood kidney cancer. But he eventually came around, and Christopher is now in London to undergo chemotherapy, which will continue in season 15. "The new series kicks off in 1971 with several of the ladies embracing Women's Lib and burning their bras outside Nonnatus House," reads the official synopsis. "As the year unfolds, we see the team handle cases including premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis and slavery." It's been confirmed that regular cast returning for season 15 include Judy Parfitt, Jenny Agutter, Laura Main, Helen George, Cliff Parisi, Stephen McGann, Linda Bassett, Annabelle Apsion, Georgie Glen, Zephryn Taitte, Rebecca Gethings, Daniel Laurie, Renee Bailey, Natalie Quarry, Molly Vevers, Max Macmillan, Alice Brown, April Rae Hoang and Edward Shaw. Call the Midwife season 15 arrives on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026. Add Call the Midwife to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife's Sister Monica Joan confronts painful fear – but a heartwarming moment follows
"God can't have you yet – we can't spare you."
When a mystery visitor asked to rent out Cyril’s flat in the Call the Midwife Christmas special, little did he know that his pockets wouldn't be the only thing feeling full over the coming days. Mr Fisher's arrival filled his heart, too – as it did everyone who came into contact with the distinguished gentleman. At first, very little was known about him, other than his burning desire to stay in Cyril's home. But across the two-parter, we learned that Mr Fischer – a Jewish man – was in fact a renowned actor, who goes by the stage name Maurice Templemore. Terminally ill, he longed to spend the end of his life in his childhood home: the very flat Cyril's currently living in. And he also wanted to do so as a Fischer, using his original name. "I came here because I wanted to come home," he told Rosalind after settling into his temporary digs. But since returning, he'd been struck by a painful realisation. "I failed to remember the fact that home is where your family are… or were," he added. With his own loved ones now gone, Rosalind took it upon herself to make sure Mr Fischer was surrounded by warmth and love in his final days, starting by sending Sister Monica Joan his way – the perfect choice, for an unexpectedly heartwarming reason. Read more: Call the Midwife's Turner family grows again after tragic development Call the Midwife's Miss Higgins forced to call in the big guns as Dr Turner's locum sparks concern After they met, they quickly realised she was the midwife on call when his brother was born in 1903, which brought him great comfort. And after spending an evening together, discussing their respective religions, an idea sparked that would give Mr Fischer everything he needed before he shuffled off this mortal coil. With Hanukkah – also known as the Festival of Lights – just around the corner, Rosalind fetched a rabbi for Mr Fischer, whose health was quickly deteriorating. A small group then gathered at his bedside, including Cyril and Sister Monica Joan, while the rabbi lit the menorah and sang a prayer. Death was near but in that moment, Mr Fischer felt at peace as he reached for Sister Monica Joan's hand and thanked them all for their companionship. A short while later, he died, with a contended expression on his face. While he wasn't surrounded by his own family, Nonnatus House's makeshift one was just what he needed in that moment. "I have seen death before," remarked Miss Higgins's grandson Harry, who was also there when Mr Fischer passed. "It is terrible, and it can be beautiful. I think today it was that." But in the quiet that followed, Sister Monica Joan appeared visibly despondent, before reflecting on her own life – and considering what might await at her at the end, if anything... or anyone, for that matter. "I have seen lovers come to fetch the dying, I have seen mothers come, but I have known no lover, I have borne no child, and my parents have spurned me," she said, melancholically. "I have asked myself more often of late than in years gone by: who will come for me when my time on earth concludes?" Thankfully, her friends were there to comfort her, assuring her that she will not be alone. "Your sisters will comfort you — those you knew in life, those who coached you through the novitiate, those who knelt beside you in prayer and by the beds of everyone you served," said Sister Catherine. "So many sisters will come." "God can't have you yet – we can't spare you," added Rosalind. Amen to that. Sister Monica Joan may not be as visible in the community as she once was, but her presence remains invaluable. And, when her final moments come, there will be no shortage of people waiting to hold her hand. Call the Midwife season 15 arrives on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026. Add Call the Midwife to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife's Turner family grows again after tragic development
Ahead of the Call the Midwife Christmas special, Sister Julienne star Jenny Agutter warned that the two-parter – set in Poplar and Hong Kong – contained some "very disturbing" moments. But that won't have come as a surprise to longtime fans. Heidi Thomas's BBC drama, following the midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House in London's East End from the late 1950s to the 1970s, is often described as a warm hug, but it doesn't shy away from the hardships and horrors some face. And that was especially evident when it came to May Turner's biological mother, Esther, and her young son, Christopher. When Shelagh first learned that Violet would be travelling to Hong Kong to visit one of her sons, she asked the mayor to deliver a letter and photographs of May to Esther, from whom they hadn't heard anything in more than a year. The sisters at the Branch House there, which collapsed in the special after the ground beneath it gave way, had spotted her occasionally, but the prolonged silence was deeply unsettling. However, Shelagh decided to join the Nonnatus House party in Hong Kong and took it upon herself to find Esther – only to discover she had disappeared. It later transpired she had lost her job as a nanny for a British service family, and no one seemed to know where she had gone. The Turners, determined not to "abandon" her, persisted in their search, even after being warned off by one of Esther's terrified friends. Her fear – and the presence of her gangster husband – hinted at something far more serious. Still undeterred, the couple continued, at one point fearing that Esther and Christopher had become separated, prompting Shelagh to seek out Sister Edith for more information. Thankfully, the nun was able to direct her to Esther's new whereabouts – living in shocking slum conditions – as well as revealing the alarming reason for her disappearing act. Esther had gone into hiding because Christopher's father is The Cormorant, a gangster of the "worst kind" who has fathered many children with many women. But Christopher is his only son – and he intends to take him. "You have not seen a man like this," warned Sister Edith. "He has ordered her and her child to be hunted down like dogs." Fearing her child would follow in his father's criminal footsteps, Esther fled – a decision made all the more agonising because she knew she wouldn't be able to take her baby daughter with her, instead leaving her in a cardboard box outside Hibiscus House, trusting the sisters to care for her. But the situation has since become even more desperate... On examining Christopher, Dr Turner immediately knew all was not well. And after finally persuading Esther to leave their squalor, he took the boy for an X-ray, which confirmed he has Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma) – a type of kidney cancer that predominantly affects young children. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Dr-Turner-3fff8ed.jpg" width="4284" height="2856" alt="Two men stand in a small, sunlit medical office, facing each other on either side of an illuminated X-ray. The man on the left, dressed in a beige waistcoat and rolled-up shirt sleeves, looks concerned as he studies the image. The man on the right, wearing a green military uniform, listens intently with his hands clasped in front of him. Behind them, anatomical drawings hang on the wall above the X-ray viewer, while medical trays, books, and equipment sit on nearby shelves and desks." title="Call the Midwife" /> With Esther's permission, Dr Turner planned to take Christopher to London, where a new form of chemotherapy was being trialled – described as "brutal but spectacular", and the only cure for this illness. "We may not have years or months if we don't act fast," Turner stressed, desperate to get Christopher out of Hong Kong. But that plan appeared to fall apart when The Cormorant learned that his son was about to be taken overseas, sending one of his men to seize Dr Turner, who was ambushed while collecting medical supplies with Fred. Read more: Call the Midwife creator and cast reveal show was hit by typhoon while filming in Hong Kong Call the Midwife creator "constantly" receives offers from streamers – but reveals no desire to leave the BBC The gangster – who previously lived in Liverpool before being deported during the war – refused to let his son leave, before insisting he would only agree if Dr Turner beat him at gambling, which he knew would never happen. But Turner refused to play, instead appealing to his ego. "If Christopher's life is lost, who will pray for you? Who will carry on your family line?" When The Cormorant insisted he could find a Chinese doctor to save his boy, Turner responded calmly: "It doesn't matter who saves his life, as long as it's saved. And if it is saved, I guarantee I will send him back to you." And that seemed to do the trick. As armed police raided the premises, The Cormorant relented, instructing Turner to take his son to England, where he will stay with the Turners while undergoing treatment – not permanently, however, with the doctor telling Fred that they have no plans to adopt him. But what is his survival chances? According to The Instituue of Cancer Research, five-year rates were 59 per cent in the early 70s, rising to over 90% today. But survival is significantly lower if the disease is to return. So, the road ahead for Christopher is undoubtedly long. But now that he's guaranteed to receive the very best medical treatment, not to mention first-rate care from the Turners, heres's hoping season 15 will have a happy ending. Call the Midwife season 15 arrives on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026. Add Call the Midwife to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2025 line-up: Meet the celebrities
The Great Pottery Throw Down is back for another exciting episode this Christmas, as four celebrities head into the beloved workshop for this year's festive special. Sarah Hadland, Tim Vine, Colin Murray and Amber Gill will all join host Siobhan McSweeney and experts Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller for an exciting Yuletide display. But will they have what it takes to walk away as the winner? As we wait to find out, read on for all you need to know about The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2025. The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2025 line-up: Full cast Sarah Hadland Tim Vine Colin Murray Amber Gill Scroll down to learn more about the celebrities. Sarah Hadland Age: 54 Job: Actress Instagram: @hadderstime Sarah Hadland is an actress best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in the BBC sitcom Miranda from 2009 to 2015, as well as Trish in The Job Lot from 2013 to 2015. Her other acting roles in both TV and film include Horrible Histories, Quantum of Solace and Leap Year. Last year, Hadland appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and was a finalist alongside her professional dance partner Vito Coppola. Also this Christmas, viewers will be able to find how Hadland fares in the boardroom as she takes part in The Celebrity Apprentice. Tim Vine Age: 58 Job: Comedian X/Twitter: @RealTimVine Tim Vine is a comedian and actor, best known for his appearance on Not Going Out (2006-2012), though his first TV appearance was way back in 1994 on Pebble Mill on BBC One. His other TV appearances include Taskmaster, Football Genius, The Chase and Celebrity Squares. And if his surname rang a bell, you're on the right track, as his brother is presenter Jeremy Vine. Colin Murray Age: 48 Job: Radio presenter Instagram: @mrcolinmurray Colin Murray is a radio and TV presenter, who many will recognise as the host of Countdown, a role he has held since 2022. In 2006, Murray began his first role on BBC Radio 5 Live, hosting comedy panel game Fighting Talk, before moving on to present Channel 5's UEFA Cup football coverage. Amber Gill Age: 28 Job: TV personality Instagram: @amberrosegill Amber Gill is a TV personality who first rose to fame after appearing on and winning Love Island in 2019. She has since gone on to appear on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Win, as well as Celebrity Mastermind and CelebAbility. In 2022, Gill released her debut novel Until I Met You and earlier this year she released holiday romance, One Summer in Miami. The Festive Pottery Throw Down airs on Channel 4 on Friday 26th December at 7:45pm. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Masked Singer Christmas special line-up: Who are the characters?
The perfect show to wrap up the Christmas period.
The Masked Singer is getting into the festive spirit, with a brand new Christmas special ready to entertain audiences. Ahead of its full series return in 2026, ITV is hosting a one-off special of the nation's favourite guessing game. As always, four famous faces will be taking to the stage and singing Christmas favourites, all while their identities are concealed. Judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama will all be back to try and guess who is behind the elaborate masks. Delivering clues to the panel and spreading Christmas cheer, also joining the show will be a host of pantomime icons, Fairy Godmother (Su Pollard), The Dame (Christopher Biggins), Wicked Stepmother (Lesley Joseph) and Prince Charming (Basil Brush). So, which characters are taking part in this year's Christmas special - and can you guess which celebrities hide behind them? Read on to find out more. The Masked Singer Christmas special: Full character line-up Mistletoe Pucker up…it’s Mistletoe! Dressed as a juicy pair of lips with a bunch of mistletoe sprouting with from their head, this celebrity is hoping they'll be able to impress the judges without having to plant a kiss on them. Goose A-Laying They'll send you on a wild Goose chase, it's Goose A-Laying! Dressed in this outfit, this celeb looks to be straight out of a panto, but will they be used to the stage or be dazzled by the bright lights? Only time will tell! Figgy Pudding Pudding their best foot forward.. its Figgy Pudding! While their glittery dessert outfit looks absolutely delectable, will their performance be just as tasty as the real thing? Santa's Sack Their presents is requested… it’s Santa’s Sack! With possibly the easiest outfit to move around, thanks to it essentially just being a red velvet cape – albeit a bit top heavy with that present on top – this celeb is sure to put on a show to remember. But will their performance be just what we asked for this Christmas, or a lump of coal? Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The Masked Singer Christmas special airs on Friday 26th December at 7:30pm. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Here's our top picks from today's festive schedule.
The big day might be over, but there's plenty more festive fun to be had before the year is out, with more seasonal programming and film premieres to look forward to today. Whatever your Boxing Day plans are, expect fun for all ages from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, an acclaimed spin-off focusing on Antonio Banderas's feline hero, which should leave you suitably excited for 2027's long-awaited Shrek 5. We also get the concluding chapter of Call the Midwife's two-part festive storyline, which finds Sister Julienne and Sister Hilda in perhaps their most dangerous situation yet. And if that gives you a taste for more quality drama, don't miss the jaw-dropping finale of All Her Fault; the Sky thriller starring Succession's Sarah Snook actually sticks the landing, which makes a refreshing change. Here's more details on what to watch on TV on Boxing Day 2025, courtesy of the team here at Radio Times. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (BBC One, 3:20pm / 5:25pm in Wales) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2023/02/ghows-WL-8ef17b9f-3d42-4d49-b734-db5125d7489e-4b2c3614-3750375.jpg" width="1224" height="816" alt="Two anthropomorphic cats in a scene from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish; both look surprised by something, one has black-and-white fur and the other is ginger with a swashbuckling hat" title="ghows-WL-8ef17b9f-3d42-4d49-b734-db5125d7489e-4b2c3614" /> This swashbuckling, visually dazzling 2022 animated adventure follows daring feline hero Puss (voiced by Antonio Banderas) as he confronts his mortality while hunting the mythical Last Wish. True to DreamWorks’ mischievous style, the film sprinkles each scene with playful Easter eggs. Notable examples include the tally marks and sketches that reveal Puss’s nine lives, “wanted” posters and memorabilia that hint at his past escapades, and references to Humpty Dumpty’s betrayal cleverly suggested through broken eggshells and framed clippings. Even Pinocchio pops up briefly in the storybook sequences. –Ifra Khan Fawlty Towers: The Play (U&Gold, 6pm) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/08/Fawlty-Towers-Adam-Jackson-Smith-Basil-Rachel-Izen-Mrs-Richards.-Photo-Credit-Hugo-Glendinning-2a42ff4.jpg" width="7554" height="5036" alt="Basil Fawlty (played by Adam Jackson Smith) is standing behind a hotel reception desk in a white shirt and a green cardigan with a yellow trim. He has a moustache and long short wavy hair brushed back from his face, and is seen angrily holding a book out directly in the face of an elder female guest, who has permed hair and is in a brown suit with white trim. She is clutching a yellow handbag" title="Fawlty Towers_ Adam Jackson-Smith (Basil), Rachel Izen (Mrs Richards). Photo Credit_ Hugo Glendinning" /> So branded onto our brains are Basil Fawlty’s meltdowns that a strange thing happens to the theatre audience here. Not only do they laugh at the re-creations of his deranged disasters, but also at the mere prospect of catastrophe. Take, for instance, the German guests, who are mentioned early on as being due to arrive. This is an hour before they actually show up, but the crowd is already cracking up as they conjure memories of attempts to avoid mention of the war. In that sense, this production (first broadcast in September) isn’t really a play at all, but an exercise in collective nostalgia. Still, there’s no denying that the farce is as well suited to the stage as it ever was to a TV studio. – David Brown Call the Midwife (BBC One, 8:30pm) Those who think nuns lead sheltered lives clearly haven’t followed the career of Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter). For someone devoted to prayer and religious service, she hasn’t half found herself in some fraught situations. It wasn’t so long ago that she narrowly survived a train crash, and now we find her and Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) staring down the barrel of a gun wielded by a Hong Kong gangster. He’s demanding that they hand over the keys to the premises that the Order has secured — but as we’ve seen over the years, the sisters don’t tend to back down easily. – David Brown <a id="menuraan" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com" href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google">Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google All Her Fault finale (Sky Atlantic, 9pm) Many twisty psychological thrillers collapse like matchstick houses in their final episode, but this kidnapped-child drama continues to impress. Repeating its signature trick of surprising you with early revelations, everything you can think of happens in the first 10 minutes — so what could be next? The answer is what it’s always been, which is that the Irvines know things about each other, deep down, that they will ultimately have to confront. One glaring plot hole aside (watch for the moment where a character quickly glosses over it), it’s a perfect ending, as inevitable as it is unpredictable. – Jack Seale The Great Escaper (BBC Two, 9:30pm) Second World War veteran Bernard Jordan hit headlines around the world in June 2014 when, without the knowledge of staff at the Hove care home where he lived, he headed to Normandy to attend a D-Day commemoration ceremony. His carers thought the 89-year-old was off to meet friends in Portsmouth — but he was heading further afield. The home’s manager was quoted as saying: “He left his home and did what he wanted to do, just the same as you and I.” It was a story just begging to be made into a movie, and here it is, with Michael Caine as Bernard and fellow British cinema titan Glenda Jackson making her final screen appearance as his wife Irene. The 2023 film is a fitting tribute to the real-life couple, who died just days apart in December 2014 and January 2015. The Great Escape (1963), the true-life war drama that inspired this film’s title, is also airing today, at 4:45pm on BBC Two (5:15pm in Wales). – Ellie Porter Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add shows to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Call the Midwife's Miss Higgins forced to call in the big guns as Dr Turner's locum sparks concern
With Dr Turner off in Hong Kong in the Call the Midwife Christmas special – which sees a party from Nonnatus House travel to Kowloon to lend assistance after the collapse of the Branch House – we're introduced to Dr Elise Watkiss, his supposed "first choice" for locum cover. Though she's "young", Dr Watkiss is said to have "excellent GP experience", suggesting the surgery should be in safe hands while Patrick is needed elsewhere. But from Miss Higgins's very first encounter with her – during which the medical secretary visibly bristles, more than once – it's immediately clear that Watkiss is no like-for-like replacement for Dr Turner, suggesting that the days ahead are going to be anything but smooth sailing. And that indeed proves to be the case when a woman called Diane goes into labour. When Timothy informs Watkiss that the baby, which is "quite big", is in a right occiput transverse position (meaning the baby is lying sideways, with the back of the head toward the mother's right hip), he adds that his father always attends in such cases. But after examining Diane, it becomes apparent that Watkiss doesn't know how to use forceps – Turner's go-to in a transverse delivery – and is only trained in ventouse, a suction-cup device, so the best she can do is "continue with trial of labour". If that doesn’t work, says Watkiss, Diane – who is in more pain than she should be – will be transferred to St Cuthbert's. "Timothy, this won't do," says Rosalind, who is both shocked by the gaping hole in Watkiss's skillset and panicked by their increasingly precarious situation. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Timothy-3aef999.jpg" width="4284" height="2856" alt="A person with medium-length dark hair stands in a warmly lit kitchen, holding a green rotary phone to their ear. They are wearing a brown patterned sweater and appear to be listening intently. A vase of flowers and the phone base sit on the counter beside them, with soft background lighting and household items creating a cozy, lived-in atmosphere." title="Call the Midwife" /> But with the rest of the midwives in Hong Kong or tied up with other patients in Poplar, it falls to Sister Monica Joan to guide them through the obstructed labour — and she rises to the challenge brilliantly, with the baby eventually shifted into the correct position and delivered successfully, even if Rosalind does end up with a face full of amniotic fluid. Unable to tell whether the baby is a boy or a girl, Rosalind leaves it to Sister Monica Joan, who arrives just in the nick of time, in case of any further complications, to announce that Diane has given birth to a daughter. That joy is short-lived, however, as attention swiftly turns back to Dr Watkiss. Read more: Call the Midwife creator and cast reveal show was hit by typhoon while filming in Hong Kong Call the Midwife creator "constantly" receives offers from streamers – but reveals no desire to leave the BBC Miss Higgins points out that her CV stated very clearly that she is "fully trained in obstetrics", but the medical secretary has since learned that in almost five years of GP practice, Watkiss has "only delivered two babies, and neither with any complications". "That's the way it is these days," Timothy adds, explaining that while everyone is technically trained to deliver a baby, "the expectation is they will be born in hospital" – prompting Miss Higgins to make an executive call. Unwilling to tolerate any further incidents, she brings in the big guns. "I will not permit this to happen again," she announces. "I am sending for Nurse Aylward" – whose timing is impeccable, we must say. Just after Watkiss informs Miss Higgins that several of the patients attending the antenatal clinic should be at St Cuthbert's, "not here", Trixie makes her grand entrance and immediately takes charge of the situation, while a well-meaning but ill-equipped Watkiss is stunned into silence. As they say, if you want a job done properly... Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The Call the Midwife Christmas special continues on Boxing Day at 8:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Add Call the Midwife to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife Christmas special turns Peaky Blinders – creator told to change gangster names
Are they about to come face-to-face with The Cormorant?
Tuning into this year's Call the Midwife Christmas special, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled into an episode of Peaky Blinders. While there wasn't a flat cap in sight, gangsters were ten a penny as a party from Nonnatus House arrived in Hong Kong after the collapse of the Branch House in Kowloon, which had left multiple casualties in its wake. Standing between Dr Turner, Sister Julienne and co on their "mercy dash", as she put it, were the triad – a Chinese organised crime syndicate. But the Poplar contingent initially had no idea what they were walking into. It was Violet's police officer son, based in Hong Kong, who first warned them about the syndicate, describing it as "invisible and everywhere" – which they quickly came to understand for themselves through their interactions with the locals. Whether it was hushed conversations, being urged to slip out the back rather than the front, or a reticence to accept help, no matter how desperately it was needed, many of the people they encountered were clearly terrified. But still, the mission pressed on. Determined to care for those in need, they rented a house where they hoped to treat patients, young and old. Just as they were about to move in, however, their plans unravelled. A triad member, flanked by his associates, informed them that the property was "not suitable" and demanded the keys. They pushed back – with Sister Hilda even insisting on the return of their deposit if he refused to budge. But the nameless man doubled down, ordering them once again to surrender the keys. He then drew his gun as they stood before him, utterly powerless. And it appears as if their situation is about to get a whole lot worse... <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Call-the-Midwife-8a826b4.jpg" width="4284" height="2856" alt="Two older men walk through the interior of a ferry carrying cardboard boxes and green metal cases. One man, wearing a straw hat, glasses, suspenders, and plaid trousers, holds a box under one arm and a heavy case in his other hand. The other man, dressed in a brown three-piece suit with the jacket draped over his arm, carries a similar box and case. They appear focused and slightly strained as they navigate the narrow aisle between rows of empty wooden seats. The ferry’s interior is bright, with green railings visible outside and safety signs overhead." title="Call the Midwife" /> In the teaser for part two of the Christmas special, we learn of a gangster "of the worst kind", dubbed The Cormorant by the drama's creator and writer Heidi Thomas, who carried out "a lot of research" into the triad and Chinese organised crime for the special. "I always take pride in doing my own research," she told RadioTimes.com and other press. "So I became very immersed in the world – to the point where, when I had to make up names for gangsters and gangs, which is all very particular, I handed the script to our triad advisor, which we'd never had before, and I got a message back saying the names I'd chosen were so realistic, I'd have to change them all or we'd all be in trouble. "So I was quite pleased with myself." Read more: Call the Midwife creator and cast reveal show was hit by typhoon while filming in Hong Kong Call the Midwife creator "constantly" receives offers from streamers – but reveals no desire to leave the BBC But while Thomas lived to tell the tale, the same can't yet be said for Fred and Dr Turner, who are very much "in trouble", according to a local. In the teaser, they are seen being forcefully led away by the same man who demanded the sisters' keys to their makeshift medical centre – but where to? Are they about to come face-to-face with The Cormorant? And what will happen if they do? Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The Call the Midwife Christmas special continues on Boxing Day at 8:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Add Call the Midwife to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Tess Daly shares heartfelt thanks to audience in final Strictly Christmas special
The pair departed with one last keeeep dancing!
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid an emotional farewell to Strictly Come Dancing one last time during tonight's Christmas special. The festive episode featured six celebrities – Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Jodie Ounsley, Nicholas Bailey, Babatunde Aléshé and Brian McFadden – and their professional dance partners headed out on the dance floor to compete for the coveted festive Glitterball trophy. After all the couples performed their routines, with one securing a whopping 40 points, they all took to the ballroom one last time for a group number. As the spectacular dance came to an end, Tess and Claudia were guided onto the ballroom before saying their goodbyes. As the episode drew to a close, Tess said: "Thank you again for watching us over the years. It has meant the world to us." The pair then signed off the episode with one final "keep dancing" before the credits rolled. Tess and Claudia announced their exit from Strictly Come Dancing back in October, sharing that it felt "like the right time". In a joint statement shared on Instagram, the pair wrote: "We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. "They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. "We will cry when we say the last 'keep dancing' but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza. "Tess & Claud." Read more: Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman given emotional Royal send-off on final show Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin reveals secret "mission" amid Claudia and Tess’s exit Details on who could potentially step into their shoes for the next Strictly season are yet to be announced, though Janette Manrara and Fleur East are currently favourites to take the helm, a natural progression from hosting It Takes Two. Though Zoe Ball – who has just left BBC Radio 2 – is reportedly in the running too, with Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr among the other names that have surfaced. It has been acknowledged that plans for Strictly Come Dancing's 2026 season will be confirmed in due course. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2025? Winning couple revealed
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Nothing quite says Christmas like getting comfy in front of the TV and tuning into some festive programming, including the Strictly Come Dancing special. Last weekend, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu lifted the Glitterball, and now the BBC series has returned once more for its Christmas special – and a new winner has been added to the hall of fame! After anticipation built in the studio, Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola were crowned the winners of this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, after impressing the judges with a Cha Cha to Cher's DJ Play a Christmas Song. The pair received a full festive 40 from the judges, along with the most votes from the studio audience. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Asked how it felt to be Christmas champion, Scarlett said: "This is amazing! I feel like I should have prepared a speech! This is honestly the greatest gift that could have ever happened at Christmas. We’ve all just had the best time!" This year's special saw famous faces from across the entertainment world, including Babatunde Aléshé, Brian McFadden, Jodie Ounsley, Melanie Blatt and Nicholas Bailey. They, along with their Strictly pros, opened the show with a festive group routine to Kelly Clarkson's Grown Up Christmas List and We Need A Little Christmas from the musical Mame, as well as a closing number to Happy Holiday / Let Yourself Go from White Christmas. The judges all joined for the closing number, which concluded with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's final ever "Keeeeep dancing!" from the Strictly dance floor, as the presenters stepped down from hosting duties. Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Claudia Winkleman becomes emotional in sweet Dave Arch tribute in Strictly Christmas special
The pair performed one final skit for the Christmas show.
This year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special marks the last one we'll see with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm – and they made sure to go out with a bang. In tonight's special, which saw five celebrities and pros take to the dance floor for some festive cheer, it was also particularly poignant for the beloved Tess and Claudia. In a sweet nod to the iconic Love Actually scene, Winkleman opened a door to reveal Dave Arch holding a set of cue cards. "Say it's carol singers. Claud, because it's Christmas, and it's the last time I'll see you, to me you are perfect. Even though you are orange, it's always been you," Dave's cards read, as Winkleman laughed and appeared to compose herself after becoming slightly emotional. Winkleman then had some cards of her own, which read: "Rumba? Tess." The pair shared a hug before the Christmas special continued, as Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola took to the stage for the final performance of the night. Last weekend, the presenting duo's farewell was marked with an emotional VT featuring members of the production team, who praised their contribution to the series and described them as the "nation's icons". But before they could collect their thoughts, judge Craig Revel Horwood interrupted them and read out some very special words from "superfan" Queen Camilla: "Dear Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week. "I've often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour. "If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all. Read more: Who could replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing? Christmas 2025: A guide to the best festive quiz show specials to tune into "The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success." She continued: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous. I wish you both every success in wherever life's journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing: keep dancing." The pair became emotional, with Tess describing it as "unbelievable" and Claudia calling it "amazing," before they signed off the show one final time. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off cast: Confirmed contestants
Forget presents and Turkey, this is what I'm looking forward to this Christmas.
The Great British Bake Off is returning with a Christmas special and it's line-up is entirely made up of the Peep Show cast. The festive special, which will air on Christmas Day on Channel 4, will see five of the iconic comedy show's cast members reunite for the first time since the cult classic stopped airing a decade ago in 2015. As always, the contestants will be faced with three baking challenges which this time will include biscuit decorations, a Boxing Day classic and making their favourite moments from Peep Show in cake, including Dobby’s personal cheese, Super Hans running to Windsor and Mark burying drunk Sophie in a ball pit. Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond will be there every step of the way to bring chaos and Christmas cheer to the Bake Off tent whilst judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will sample the bakes and crown a winner. But just exactly who from Peep Show's cast can we expect to see baking up a storm in the tent? Read on for everything you need to know about The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off. The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off line-up David Mitchell Olivia Colman Isy Suttie Matt King Sophie Winkleman Scroll on to learn more about each cast member. David Mitchell Age: 51 Peep show character: Mark Corrigan David Mitchell is best known as being one of Peep Show's two protagonists, Mark Corrigan who lives with his best Jeremy, played by Robert Webb. For his performance as Mark, David won a BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance in 2009 and was nominated two further times throughout the show's 12 year run. Outside of Peep Show, David has continued a career in comedy as part of the double act Mitchell and Webb and has asked as team captain on the BBC panel show Would I Lie To You?, opposite Lee Mack, since 2007. Olivia Colman Age: 51 Peep show character: Sophie Chapman In Peep Show, Olivia Colman played Sophie Chapman, co-worker and love interest of David Mitchell's character Mark. Colman has had an expansive acting career and broke out in Hollywood, just some of her acting credits include The Favourite, The Crown, Broadchurch and Flea Bag making her one of Britain's best and most loved actresses. Over her career Olivia has won an Oscar, for her role in The Favourite, five BAFTAs, three Golden Globe Awards and two Emmys, along with a plethora of nominations. Isy Suttie Age: 47 Instagram: @isysuttie Peep show character: Dobby Outside of being as Dobby in Peep Show, Isy Suttie is best known as her role of Esther Blanco in Channel 4's comedy drama Shameless. She has appeared in many comedy panel shows including Would I Lie To You?, QI, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Matt King Age: 57 Instagram: @thatmattkingfella Peep show character: Super Hans Matt King played drug-taking and extremely establishment Super Hans, who was Jeremy's best friend. He held the role for Peep Show's full 13 year run. Beyond Peep Show, Matt has appeared in Doctor Who, Skins, The IT Crowd, Death in Paradise and Paddington. Sophie Winkleman Age: 45 Peep show character: Big Suze Sophie Winkleman is remembered as her loveable and naive character Big Suze in Peep Show, Jeremy's wealthy and posh ex-girlfriend. Her acting credits include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Death in Paradise, Timothée Chalamet's Wonka and Agatha Christie's Poirot. From 2011 to 2015, she also had a reoccurring role in Two and a Half Men opposite Charlie Sheen. In 2009, she married into the roayl family by marrying Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince Michael of Kent and second cousin of King Charles III. She is notably the sister of iconic TV presenter Claudia Winkleman. The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off is coming to Channel 4 on Christmas Day (25th December) at 8pm. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Scarecrow's Wedding voice cast: Real actors behind cute Julia Donaldson animation
The star-studded cast will delight this Christmas.
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's The Scarecrow's Wedding has been adapted for the BBC by Magic Light Productions, marking over a decade of fantastic storytelling. This Christmas, viewers can enjoy the gorgeous love story between Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay, two scarecrows who fall in love on a farmer's field and plan to have the best wedding ever. But the arrival of smooth-talking Reginald Rake throws a spanner in the works... As ever, this adaptation is jam-packed with talent from the TV and film industry. Read on to find out who's in the voice cast of The Scarecrow's Wedding. The Scarecrow's Wedding voice cast: Sophie Okonedo is the Narrator Jessie Buckley is Betty O'Barley Domhnall Gleeson is Harry O'Hay Rob Brydon is Reginald Rake Sophie Okonedo is the Narrator Where have I seen Sophie Okonedo before? Most recently, you'll have seen Okonedo in popular sci-fi hit, The Wheel of Time and Apple TV+ series Slow Horses. She's also appeared in Doctor Who, Inside No. 9, The Hollow Crown and many more popular series. Jessie Buckley is Betty O'Barley Who is Betty O'Barley? Betty is a scarecrow who lives on the farmer's field and her main mission in life is to get rid of pesky crows who try to eat the crops. Her job is made a little easier when a new scarecrow comes on the field, and she ends up falling in love with him... Where have I seen Jessie Buckley before? Buckley rose to fame after coming second on BBC talent series I'd Do Anything. She would go on to enjoy a successful career in TV, film and theatre, most notably gaining an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in The Lost Daughter. She also has a starring role in Hamnet and has appeared in I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Chernobyl and Wild Rose. Domhnall Gleeson is Harry O'Hay Who is Harry O'Hay? Harry joins Betty in the farmer's field and immediately falls in love with her, going out of his way to make her happy by giving her the best wedding day ever. Where have I seen Domhnall Gleeson before? Gleeson is best known for his portrayal of Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter film franchise. He also starred in About Time, Ex Machina and The Revenant. Most recently, he was the lead in The US Office spin-off, The Paper. Rob Brydon is Reginald Rake Who is Reginald Rake? When Harry goes on a mission for Betty, Reginald is another scarecrow who is put into the field to help Betty. Reginald's intentions aren't as pure as Harry's, however, and he brings about terrible trouble for the farm. Where have I seen Rob Brydon before? Aside from being in all Magic Light adaptions of Donaldson's work, Brydon is perhaps best known for playing Uncle Bryn in Gavin & Stacey, which concluded last Christmas. He also starred in The Trip opposite Steve Coogan, among many other projects. The Scarecrows' Wedding will air this Christmas on the BBC. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Christmas isn't complete without some festive telly.
A very merry Christmas to you and yours from Radio Times – we hope you have a wonderful day, whatever it is that you're up to. Of course, for many of us, festive television is always a major highlight, and there's plenty to look forward to (albeit nothing quite as earth-shattering as last year's Gavin & Stacey finale). The BBC still plans to deliver plenty of laughs, however, with Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special sure to have some giggles, while a recent hit sitcom is returning later in the evening (and reuniting two comedy legends in the process). There will be decidedly fewer laughs in Albert Square, where Christmas is typically a more bleak affair, but what the soaps lack in cheer they make up for in high-stakes, unpredictable drama! Here's our recommendations for what's worth watching on Christmas Day 2025. Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special – BBC One, 5:30pm It’s usually all smiles and sparkle for Strictly’s festive special, but this year it will be tinged with tears and yuletide melancholy. Fans were left in shock back in October when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced this series would be their last — and today’s Christmas episode will be the much-loved presenting pair’s swansong. Let’s hope they go out on a high as six celebrities gamely take to the dancefloor. TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley (aka Fury), EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey, comedian Babatunde Aléshé and 90s pop stars Melanie Blatt and Brian McFadden are all in contention to lift that star-shaped trophy. – Frances Taylor The Soaps Emmerdale (ITV1, 6:15pm), Coronation Street (ITV1, 7:15pm) & EastEnders (BBC One, 7:45pm/9:45pm) The soaps serve up their annual festive feast of drama and misery. The big mystery to be solved is Zoe’s stalker in EastEnders. Could it be yet another returnee, after a raft of big comebacks? Charity is stressed in Emmerdale, and not because she forgot to defrost the turkey — will her fling with Ross be revealed? Corrie features a cameo video call from Gail a year after her exit, but for some proper soap nostalgia check out Talking Pictures TV’s screening of Christmas in the Street (10am), a rarely shown festive trip to the cobbles from 1968, where Jack and Annie Walker stroll down memory lane. – Johnathon Hughes <a id="menuraan" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com" href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google">Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The Great Christmas Bake Off – Channel 4, 8pm Peep Show’s festive episode saw Jez (Robert Webb) serve up raw turkey and Mark (David Mitchell) put ham into a paper shredder. By those standards, today’s bakes are a roaring success — in a special that fans of the cult comedy will find really moreish. Webb is sadly conspicuous by his absence, but joining Mitchell are Olivia Colman (Sophie), Isy Suttie (Dobby), Sophie Winkleman (Big Suze) and Matt King (Super Hans). Despite underbaked biscuits and dodgy sauce, there’s still a Jolly Holly(wood) handshake or two. Well, it is Christmas. – Frances Taylor Call the Midwife – BBC One, 8:15pm The Nonnatus House regulars are trading in their bicycles for rickshaws this Christmas, with the likes of Sisters Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and Veronica (Rebecca Gethings) seen making a mercy dash to Hong Kong following a disaster at the Branch House in Kowloon. But, as it turns out, the aftermath of this horrendous building collapse brings with it some unforeseen dangers, most notably the threat posed by organised crime in the neighbourhood. Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) may have stitched wounds inflicted by the Kray twins back home, but how will he fare with the Triad? Credit ought to go to writer Heidi Thomas for finding fresh ways of taking her characters way out of their comfort zone, though any viewer seeking the reassuring sights of Poplar with a dusting of snow are also well served, thanks to a London-based subplot involving a request made of Cyril (Zephryn Taitte) by nattily dressed newcomer Mr Fischer (guest star Henry Goodman). There’s more Midwife drama tomorrow at 8:30pm. – David Brown Amandaland – BBC One, 9:15pm Well, isn’t this Absolutely Fabulous? Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders back on TV together for Christmas Day. In an inspired piece of casting, Saunders is guest-starring in Amandaland’s first festive foray as Aunt Joan — the rambunctious sister of Felicity (Lumley) who thinks nothing of saying “drinky-poos” and “luncheon” unironically. Suffice to say, the siblings don’t entirely get on. Amanda (Lucy Punch) is undeterred (isn’t she always?) by her mum’s reticence about spending the big day with her sibling. Instead, she ploughs on with her plan for the perfect family Christmas, including recreating a childhood memory and protecting her pavlova at all costs. But when she sees some old photos from the 1970s that Felicity has been desperate to hide, Amanda might be about to discover you can’t always get what you want. – Frances Taylor Check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add shows to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
All Creatures Great and Small star thinks Tristan and Charlotte marriage could be on the cards after huge romantic scene
"She's come into his life at a time when he just really, really needs her."
Tristan and Charlotte's relationship is continuing to go from strength to strength in All Creatures Great and Small. After the couple instantly hit it off in season 6 of the period drama – when he answered a call to examine her beloved horse – each meeting that followed was a success, including Tristan winning over her father despite the class barrier between them. But it's in their toughest moments when their connection is undeniable – hinting they're in it for the long haul. During this year's Christmas special, Tristan's PTSD resurfaces as he admits he can't stop thinking about the horrors he witnessed while serving on the frontline, including the death of his best friend. Much as he wants to embrace the festivities, he simply isn't able to shut off the noise. But instead of running in the opposite direction or telling him to get a grip, Charlotte not only stands firmly by his side, but also gently encourages him to open up, knowing it's part of the healing process. Read more: All Creatures Great and Small gets major update on its future All Creatures Anna Madeley responds to Siegfried kiss: 'We've no idea where this goes' It was that moment, more than any other, in which it became abundantly clear they're not just here for a good time, but a long time. And shortly afterwards, in a supremely romantic scene at the Christmas tree farm, surrounded by firs, Tristan told Charlotte he loved her – and she said it back. "I think she's come into his life at a time when he just really, really needs her," Calum Woodhouse told RadioTimes.com, explaining why they work so well – and what makes Charlotte different to every other woman he's been involved with. "I think they've got a great chemistry and they get on really well. And that would have been similar at any point, but Tristan, right now, needs someone who is sympathetic and understanding to what he's been through, and is very much still going through. And Charlotte is just that, in spades. "Not only has she been through some of it herself [given her own service], but she's just a very kind character who allows Tristan to, in his own time, and in his own way, find his way back." Woodhouse also said Charlotte "loves Tristan for who he is, not for who he once was, or could be again". "It's really sweet, and it's a joy to play with Gaia [Wise], who's who plays it wonderfully." So, that begs the question: does Woodhouse think there could be wedding bells in Tristan and Charlotte's future? "I think so," he nodded. "I think they're a really great pair." He then went on to compare that relationship to what's bubbling away between Siegfried and Mrs Hall. "It's an interesting one, because, obviously, the big fan response to some of the love stories of this series is that people really, really want Siegfried and Mrs Hall to end up together, who are from very different backgrounds," he expanded. "Mrs Hall is the housekeeper, and Siegfried is the man in charge. So that's maybe a dynamic which wouldn't have normally been done. "And then on Tristan and Charlotte, she's from extreme wealth and he isn't. And it's sort of the exact sort of opposite of Siegfried and Mrs Hall. So it's just funny that you've got those two playing sort of in tandem. "But I think they [Tristan and Charlotte] have just got really great chemistry. So it'd be interesting to see how that's further explored in the next series." All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. Add All Creatures Great and Small to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
All Creatures Great and Small's Anna Madeley responds to surprising Siegfried moment – and teases relationship potential
What did she make of that moment in the Christmas special?
Questions about the nature of Siegfried and Mrs Hall's relationship in All Creatures Great and Small have been swirling for some time, as fan speculation about the pair becoming an item continues to grow. And this year's Christmas special has done little to dispel the belief among some viewers that there's something romantic brewing between them. With turkeys in short supply due to the war – and the threat of a 'murkey' hanging over the Skeldale House Christmas dinner – Mrs Hall was determined to win The Drovers' darts competition to claim the top prize: a turkey... which meant darts practice was a top priority. But Siegfried became distracted when none other than Dorothy (Maimie McCoy) arrived back in Darrowby out of the blue. She appeared in the first season of the show, all the way back in 2020, and even shared a kiss with Siegfried as they grew close. But she then left for Malta, where she has remained ever since – that is until she decided to come back to Yorkshire following the end of the war. At the time, Siegfried insisted to his brother that he and Dorothy were good friends and nothing more, and that appeared to be that. But she has now returned — and Mrs Hall is "thrilled" to welcome her back. Discussing Mrs Hall's initial response to her return, Anna Madeley told RadioTimes.com: "One of your oldest friends has been stuck in an area of the world that's had a really tough time – they've only been able to read about the bombing, and they haven't been able to speak to each other on the phone easily. "So I think having one of your dearest friends rock up at the back door would just be an incredible moment. "And if it's something that will bring some joy... I feel like Mrs Hall is very excited at the prospect that Dorothy's arrival will be exciting for everyone. She leans into the excitement and the fun and the good and the happy feelings that can come from it. I think she is just in that place at the moment, of looking for all those." But the same couldn't be said for Siegfried... Read more: All Creatures Great and Small gets major update on its future All Creatures Great and Small season 6 finale finally answers Tristan mystery Despite Dorothy making it clear that she wanted to reconnect, he spent much of the episode burying himself in his work rather than facing her and having an honest conversation – which is classic Siegfried behaviour. But eventually, after some encouragement from Mrs Hall and some wise words from Mrs Stokes, he invited Dorothy to The Drovers that evening – where Skeldale clinched the turkey after Mrs Hall delivered the winning shot, because of course she did. But while the rest of the team were toasting their glorious victory together, Siegfried was once again distracted by Dorothy. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/all-creatures-001b1b2.jpg" width="4220" height="2813" alt="A cheerful countryside scene featuring a vintage green convertible stopped on a narrow rural road, surrounded by a large flock of fluffy sheep. Several people in 1930s–1940s–style clothing stand around the car: a woman sits in the driver’s seat with a golden retriever beside her, while a man beside the car gestures animatedly. Another man sits in the back holding a picnic basket, and a different man stands holding a small child. A young boy in front offers an apple to a sheep, while a woman in a floral dress looks on with amusement. Behind them is a stone wall, open fields dotted with cows and sheep, and a sunny, idyllic landscape with trees and blue sky." title="All Creatures Great and Small" /> After finding themselves standing beneath some mistletoe, they picked up from where they left off the first time and enjoyed a very tender kiss – which was witnessed by Mrs Hall, of all people, whose curious expression could certainly be read as disappointment. As Siegfried then looked towards where all of the commotion was coming from, he caught her eye as she quickly turned away, desperate to avoid any awkwardness. But was she just downbeat that Siegfried wasn't celebrating the win with the rest of them, or surprised at what she'd witnessed given his reticence to even speak to Dorothy earlier that day? Or – and this is what many viewers will be thinking – was there something much more significant running through her mind? When asked by RadioTimes.com what Mrs Hall was feeling in that moment, Madeley confirmed her character was "quite surprised" by the development, but she couldn't elaborate on what emotions her character was experiencing following the kiss. "Who's to say – I don't think I can," she added. "I don't know how to answer that with any... we don't know how it's going to play out, we’ve no idea where this goes. "But I think it's one of those where she's in her little land of winning the darts match, and turns around to celebrate with Mr Farnon and, oh, he's over there. "So I don't know. I think it's more the surprise. You can't always take things in straightaway, and you don’t always know what they mean. They are in a moment of time that's exciting, and it's Christmas, and people are leaning into their relationships and their loved ones too." Does Madeley think Mrs Hall would be happy if Siegfried and Dorothy were to enter into a relationship? "She knows that they get on," she responded. "It’s like the thing with Tristan and Charlotte. She's what he needs, definitely right now. I think that that thing of noticing that there's a potential for happiness, there's some good feeling here, grab onto those things because they've just been through really rough times. So it's important to do that." And what about a relationship between Siegfried and Mrs Hall? If they were to cross that line, does Madeley think they would work as a romantic pairing? "I think it's a big journey to go on," she said. "You've got big differences in background, and also Mrs Hall does work for Mr Farnon, so it would be a huge adjustment." "And in that society, it would be quite a big deal. It was a big deal for Mrs Hall to get divorced. Both of them have had relationships before — marriages, serious relationships — and they're in a different place in their lives now. So I think they would think about relationships in a slightly different way than when they were 18 or 19." She added: "They are a delightfully complicated scenario. There’s clearly a huge affection, but what journey that affection should take is a big question." All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. Add All Creatures Great and Small to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Finding Father Christmas review: Wait, is this for kids or not?
Riddle me this: Finding Father Christmas is a family-friendly comedy special, airing pre-watershed on Christmas Eve, but I would argue is too risky for some kids to sit through. So, who is it for then? The feature-length one-off stars Lenny Rush (Am I Being Unreasonable?) as 16-year-old Chris, who still believes in Father Christmas, despite his father, Nick (James Buckley), feeling that he should have grown out of such festive whimsy. When his dad sits him down to finally tell the 'truth', it sets Chris off on an adventure to prove him wrong, tapping into the expertise of TV's intelligentsia, including Stephen Fry, Professor Hannah Fry and Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock. In a nutshell, Finding Father Christmas is everything you expect it to be – the jokes are a bit lame, the schmaltz is off the charts and the celebrity cameos are forced. But come on, I'd have to be a real Scrooge to give it less than three stars! At the very least, Rush remains on track to achieve 'national treasure' status before the end of his teenage years and holds this hastily assembled ship together with another charismatic turn. The emphasis is on 'hasty', though: this whole feature was filmed in two weeks and, as a result, often has the look and feel of a Comic Relief sketch, i.e. good enough to serve a short-term purpose, but not exactly built with a vision to last. We can look past these shortcomings in the spirit of the season, or perhaps even in a mulled wine-induced stupor, but the misgiving that persists is my general confusion over who this is for. Its early time slot on Christmas Eve and all-ages tone would suggest 'everyone', but surely that changes if you have any kids for whom the Father Christmas question hasn't yet come up or been definitively settled. Finding Father Christmas sits in a strange place where it alludes to the idea that Father Christmas could – or maybe does – exist, even getting its guest experts to explain how in educational monologues (that I struggled to grasp, to be honest). However, down-on-his-luck dad Nick readily denies the existence of Father Christmas throughout, so surely that could be confusing for any kids who are yet to even start broaching this topic. My conclusion is that families with children can probably watch this together, so long as the children are too young to really know what's going on, old enough to be confronted with these questions, or have never believed in Father Christmas at any point. But maybe I'm overthinking it. After all, virtually inescapable festive films like Elf and Miracle on 34th Street have addressed the topic of disbelief in Father Christmas, so I suppose the ideas are out there and probably ignored, to some extent, by younger kids. Ultimately, I trust that parents (a group that I am not a member of) will be able to judge for themselves whether Finding Father Christmas is the right viewing option for their child. For Channel 4's sake, I hope my doubts are merely the ravings of a lunatic, because there isn't much reason to watch this simplistic special unless you have kids to entertain – and therein lies the real paradox that needs explaining. Finding Father Christmas premieres on Channel 4 at 7:30pm on Christmas Eve. Add Finding Father Christmas to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Is the Bruce Willis classic a Christmas movie? The debate continues.
Christmas Day is very nearly upon us, and film fans across the land will be deciding which films to watch to bring in the big day. While the likes of The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf and Love Actually are shoo-ins, there's always one film which remains a little more contentious. Over three-and-a-half decades after its initial release, the question of whether or not Die Hard can be counted as a true Christmas movie remains fiercely contested. It was originally released during the summer months, but its festive setting means it picks up a huge amount of interest around the Yuletide period. The film, which was directed by John McTiernan, stars Bruce Willis as NYPD detective John McClane, who touches down in Los Angeles on 24th December with grand plans of making amends with his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) at her company’s Christmas party. Just before he enters her office, though, the building is seized by the villainous Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his gang, who take everyone inside hostage. View oEmbed on the source website Film critic James King previously told RadioTimes.com that "Die Hard is a Christmas movie now but it didn’t start out as one". "Back in 1988 when it was released in the summer, I don’t think anyone thought it was a festive film," he continued. "Sure it had a seasonal setting but it was hardly warm and cuddly. "But over time, the fans have embraced its Christmas background and reinterpreted it as a yuletide classic. That’s what’s great about brilliant films: they don’t just have to be one thing." But is the film airing over the 2025 Christmas period, and where can fans stream it? Here’s all you need to know, so you can make your mind up on the Christmas movie debate once and for all. Is Die Hard on TV this Christmas? As perhaps is only right, Die Hard will be getting an airing on Christmas Eve, with the film showing on 4Seven at 10pm. Meanwhile, the film is also available to stream on Channel 4 (previously All4 and 4OD) for free until Sunday 4th January. You can watch the film here. Where else can I watch Die Hard? All five films in the series are available to stream on Disney Plus – including the first film, which originally joined the streaming service much later than the sequels. You can sign up to Disney Plus for £5.99 a month If you don't have a subscription to Disney Plus, you can buy or rent Die Hard and the other sequels on Prime Video. Apple TV also has the full collection available to purchase. Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Philosophers across the world ponder the big questions in life – and perhaps the most prominent is the conundrum: is Die Hard a Christmas movie, or is it just a movie that just happens to be set at Christmas? (It’s a Christmas movie and we won’t hear otherwise.) Like the pronunciation of "scone", it is a query that has plagued people for decades (at least, since 1988), with even Die Hard star Bruce Willis saying – controversially – that he doesn’t believe the action-thriller is a Christmas movie. A 2021 poll by YouGov stepped in to settle the festive debate, finding that the public does not consider it to be a true Christmas film – even though just one year prior the film's director John McTiernan had said that he thought it was one. However, more recently a closely-contested Channel 4 poll revealed that Die Hard actually it is a Christmas movie. In the poll, 39 per cent of viewers thought it was a Christmas film compared to 37 per cent of people who said it was not – with the remaining respondents sitting on the fence. Christmas film or not, Die Hard still remains one of the best and most influential action films ever made, and the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without settling down to watch Bruce Willis’s star turn. How to watch the Die Hard films in order There are five films in the Die Hard series which were released over a 25 year period. The latest, A Good Day to Die Hard, first hit US cinema screens on Valentine's Day 2013. Here's the order they came out: Die Hard (1988) Die Hard 2 (1990) Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) Live Free or Die Hard (2007) A Good Day to Die Hard (2013) Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is The Muppet Christmas Carol on TV? Is it on Netflix?
Everything you need to know about the puppet version of Charles Dickens's classic Christmas story with Michael Caine.
When it comes to Christmas films, you don't get much better than The Muppet Christmas Carol – in fact, according to RadioTimes.com readers, you can't get better at all, as it was voted the best Christmas film of all time in our 2023 poll. The beloved film was first released in 1992, and retells Charles Dickens's classic festive tale with Sir Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, and the Muppets filling out many of the other central roles. As in other versions of the story, the miserly Scrooge is visited over one Christmas Eve night by ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come, teaching him to be more generous and loving of his fellow man. The film came from director Brian Henson, the son of Muppets creator Jim Henson, who spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com in 2022, in order to mark the 30-year anniversary of the film. Henson called the film "quite possibly the best thing I ever did", and said of Caine's casting: "One of the first things he said to me the first time we met, he said, 'I'm going to play this utterly, utterly straight.' And I was like, 'Yes, that would be great.' "Because up until Muppet Christmas Carol, actors in Muppet movies were mostly cameos and it was an opportunity for them to do things a little bit outrageous and to tell big jokes. And it was terrific that he got it – he got how this was going to work." Of course, many a fan will be planning a rewatch this festive season, but how can they do so? Here’s how you can watch and stream The Muppet Christmas Carol this December. When is The Muppet Christmas Carol on TV? The film will not be getting a broadcast on linear TV this year but never fear! Disney Plus is the home of The Muppet Christmas Carol in 2025, and it has the movie looking better than ever by hosting it in 4K HDR! What's more, an extended edition of the movie is available to stream on the platform featuring When Love Is Gone, a song removed from the film's original theatrical cut. Can I watch The Muppet Christmas Carol on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video? Sadly, The Muppet Christmas Carol isn’t available on Netflix UK or free to watch for Amazon Prime customers. However, as mentioned above, it is streaming for free on Disney Plus and you can also buy and stream the film from Amazon, Apple TV, and Sky Store from £9.99, or to rent from £3.49. View Green Video on the source website Can I watch The Muppet Christmas Carol in cinemas in 2025? Yes! The Muppet Christmas Carol is showing in select cinemas throughout the UK on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24th December. Cinemas partaking include ODEON, Everyman, Vue, and Showcase - so get down to your local cinema this Christmas Eve if you feel like watching The Muppet Christmas Carol on the big screen. Who's in the cast of The Muppet Christmas Carol? Within the swarm of Muppets in The Muppet Christmas Carol, you’ll probably recognise Michael Caine playing Ebenezer Scrooge. The actor is best known for his roles in Educating Rita, Hannah and Her Sisters and the Dark Knight trilogy. Talking about whether he has a favourite Muppet movie, Caine told GQ: "Oh, my one. I watch it all the time with the kids, I think it’s the funniest of the lot. But then I would, wouldn’t I? And I see it every year, because it’s on television every year at Christmas. I just saw it in the TV guide. It’s a good, fun film for kids. And of course, it can never grow old, unlike me." Other human characters you might find familiar are Robin Weaver (Simon’s mum from The Inbetweeners), who plays Scrooge's niece-in-law Clara, and Luther's Steven Mackintosh as Fred, Ebenezer Scrooge's nephew. If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Film hub for all the latest news. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Is The Polar Express on TV this Christmas? How to watch and stream online
Ready to board The Polar Express? Read on for the latest streaming information.
With Christmas Day upon us, film fans will no doubt be drawing up their Christmas watchlists, and many are sure to put Robert Zemeckis's film The Polar Express right near the top. The 2004 movie, which adapts Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s tale, tells the story of a young boy who has become sceptical about the existence of Father Christmas, but eventually has his faith in Santa restored when he is invited to take a journey to the North Pole on a magical train. The film was perhaps best known at the time for its groundbreaking work using performance capture CGI, which may, to modern eyes, look dated, and fall somewhat into the uncanny valley, but remains a milestone when it comes to the development of techniques which are now commonplace. The film stars Tom Hanks in multiple roles, with the actor himself saying in an interview with IGN FilmForce back in 2004: "There's only so much that I can internally grasp as an actor, and on the day of tests that we did, I played five or six or seven roles in the course of that day, and I said, 'Bob, I'm exhausted here.' "So in my mind, I had a track on the five characters that I played. I could understand the differences between them all and I understood how they related to the boy and I understood what the boy's perceptions of them were." Though the film may have been somewhat tainted by time when it comes to its visuals, it still remains a nostalgic, beloved watch for many, with its uplifting message and ear-worm-filled soundtrack. However, if you're planning to watch the film this year, how would you do so, and when will it air on TV? Here's everything you need to know. Is The Polar Express on TV this Christmas 2025? Unfortunately The Polar Express will not be showing on any of the free broadcasters this year, but if you're a subscriber to Sky Cinema and NOW, you can watch it as part of their Christmas line-up. If you are a Sky customer, you can catch the film on Sky Cinema Select on Christmas Day at 11:15am, while if you're still in the mood to watch it after the big day itself it will also be showing again on the same channel almost every day until the New Year. It will air on Saturday 27th December at 9:05am, Sunday 28th December at 6am and 1:20pm, Monday 29th December at 9:50am, Tuesday 30th December at 3pm, and New Year's Eve at 4:45am and 11:25am. To access The Polar Express on NOW, you’ll need to sign up for a Cinema pass, which costs £9.99 per month. Is The Polar Express on Disney Plus? Sadly, The Polar Express is not available to watch on Disney Plus right now. It is a Warner Bros movie rather than a Disney film, after all. As detailed above, it is available to watch on Sky Cinema and NOW. Alternatively, you can buy The Polar Express on DVD from Amazon UK at the cost of £16.49, or £9.94 on Blu-ray, or you can head over to Amazon Prime Video, where the film is available to rent for £3.49 and as a digital download for £4.99. The Polar Express plot: What is it about? The official synopsis reads: "On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas." This animated movie is the perfect Christmas watch – full of all the festive feels needed to be a classic for this time of year. The Polar Express cast: How many characters does Tom Hanks play? View oEmbed on the source website There is a lot of Tom Hanks in the cast! The Oscar-winning actor voices Hero Boy, Father, Hobo, Scrooge puppet, Santa Claus and the Conductor. This brings his count up to a whopping six characters, and that's if you're not including his role as the narrator! If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Film hub for all the latest news. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Love Actually soundtrack: Every song featured in the Christmas classic
Ready to dance along to Jump with Hugh Grant and cry to Both Sides Now with Emma Thompson?
In the last couple of years, Richard Curtis has been behind two brand new Christmas films: first 2023's Genie and then 2024's Netflix animation That Christmas. And while both of those films – especially the latter – have their fans, in truth neither seem likely to have anywhere near the long-lasting impact of the writer's earlier foray into the Christmas movie genre, 2003's beloved Love Actually. For millions around the country, no Christmas would be complete without an annual rewatch of the popular romcom. Of course, it follows eight different couples as they navigate their love lives in the countdown to Christmas, boasting a brilliant soundtrack and one of the best casts of British actors ever assembled on film: including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Dame Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley and many more. A festive classic it might be, but Curtis wasn't always so sure the film was going to become such an enduring hit. Asked whether he's surprised Love Actually has become a part of so many people's festive celebrations, Curtis told Radio Times last year: "I just consider that so lucky. We thought Love Actually was a disaster for months while we were trying to edit it. So, I always look back on it and think, 'I can’t believe we got away with it!'" Alongside a score from composer Craig Armstrong, the film also features a handful of pop songs. Wondering what they are? Read on for the full Love Actually soundtrack list and score. Love Actually score The full list of tracks in the movie composed by Armstrong are as follows: Opening Titles – Craig Armstrong Christmas Is All Around (Montage) – Craig Armstrong First Day – Craig Armstrong Natalie with Tea Trolley – Craig Armstrong In Love with Karl – Craig Armstrong Sam’s Bedroom – Craig Armstrong On the Bench – Craig Armstrong I’m in Love – Craig Armstrong Total Agony – Craig Armstrong Saucy Minx/Aurelia Arrives – Craig Armstrong Bad Policies – Craig Armstrong Discovery of Kiss/Press Conference – Craig Armstrong Croissants in France – Craig Armstrong The Lake Scene – Craig Armstrong Saddest Part of Day – Craig Armstrong Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong PM Redistributes Natalie – Craig Armstrong Jamie Leaves Aurelia – Craig Armstrong Sarah & Karl Go Wrong – Craig Armstrong Karen in Bed – Craig Armstrong Harry & Mia – Craig Armstrong Wrapping the Necklace – Craig Armstrong Natalie on the Stairs – Craig Armstrong Natalie at the School – Craig Armstrong Natalie Revealed/Karen Confronts Harry – Craig Armstrong Joanna Drives Off – Craig Armstrong Sam & Joanna – Craig Armstrong Portuguese Love Theme – Craig Armstrong Christmas Is All Around (Film Version) – Billy Mack Greenshoots – Craig Armstrong Restaurant Band – Craig Armstrong PM’s Love Theme – Craig Armstrong Christmas Is All Around (Soundtrack Version) – Billy Mack Love Actually soundtrack list: Every song featured in the Christmas classic There are actually two different versions of the soundtrack for Love Actually - one for the UK and one for the US. View oEmbed on the source website Love Actually UK soundtrack list The following songs feature in the UK version of the beloved Richard Curtis film: Jump - Girls Aloud Too Lost in You (Love Actually version) - Sugababes The Trouble With Love Is - Kelly Clarkson Here with Me - Dido Christmas Is All Around - Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) Turn Me On - Norah Jones Songbird - Eva Cassidy Sweetest Goodbye - Maroon 5 Wherever You Will Go - The Calling I'll See It Through - Texas Both Sides Now (2000 version) - Joni Mitchell White Christmas - Otis Redding Take Me as I Am - Wyclef Jean and Sharissa All I Want for Christmas Is You - Olivia Olson God Only Knows - The Beach Boys All You Need Is Love - Lynden David Hall Sometimes - Gabrielle Love Actually US soundtrack list The following songs feature in the US version: The Trouble with Love Is - Kelly Clarkson Here With Me - Dido Medley: Sweetest Goodbye/Sunday Morning - Maroon 5 Turn Me On - Norah Jones Take Me as I Am - Wyclef Jean and Sharissa Songbird - Eva Cassidy Wherever You Will Go - The Calling Jump (For My Love) - The Pointer Sisters Both Sides Now (2000 version) - Joni Mitchell All You Need Is Love - Lynden David Hall God Only Knows - The Beach Boys I'll See It Through - Texas Too Lost in You (Love Actually version) - Sugababes White Christmas - Otis Redding Christmas Is All Around - Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) All I Want for Christmas Is You - Olivia Olson The US version does not feature Gabrielle or Girls Aloud (swapping them out for The Pointer Sisters), and offers a different track for Maroon 5. Love Actually is airing several times this festive season, including a prime time spot on Christmas Eve. It's also available to watch on Netflix, Sky Cinema, and NOW. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Where to watch Love Actually this Christmas 2025 and is it on TV?
Richard Curtis's festive favourite Love Actually follows 10 interconnected love stories during the run-up to Christmas.
These days, it's relatively rare for new Christmas films to become true classics – but one of the last for which that is without doubt the case is Richard Curtis's 2003 festive romcom Love Actually. And even though Curtis himself revealed a couple of years ago that he doesn't often rewatch the film – and considers its continued success a "strange bit of luck" – it is unquestionably one of the most rewatched festive staples every year. Of course, the film tells multiple intertwined love stories featuring its incredibly star-studded cast, which is filled with big name stars such as Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley and Alan Rickman. Co-casting director Fiona Weir reflected on casting Rickman as Harry for 2023's 20th anniversary of the film, telling People: "Alan encompassed that deeply complicated man who loves his wife and family, but has somehow lost track of something in his life and gets tempted by this other girl, but still really cares about the people who work for him." Speaking about Rickman’s casting, Weir added that the production team "knew that he would bring even more layers and complexity to the part than was already there". The film is also filled with iconic scenes, from the much-parodied sequence with Knightley, Andrew Lincoln and those signs, through to Bill Nighy's cover of Love Is All Around and Hugh Grant dance through 10 Downing Street. Once again, the film has been on tour across the UK in December this year (and will be again in 2026), accompanied by a live orchestra – but for those hoping to watch it at home, when and where can you find it? Here's how you can watch and stream Love Actually this year. Where to watch Love Actually online in the UK If you have Sky Cinema, NOW, or Netflix then you're in luck – as Love Actually is currently available for free with a subscription. Meanwhile, you can also watch it for free on ITVX. It's also available for digital rent and download on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video from £2.99 and YouTube from £3.49 while you can also buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Actually-Blu-ray-Hugh-Grant/dp/B0DXFW6R43/ref=sr_1_2?crid=SLGCNPNEHBQ9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LBOzwYFXzy7dQFpoe5DxdFEN2GwOgCUexmRzC5vDz_pIqdq6uES78C-i-fIrPNT5wMUgf455i1q0gV0qz4u4wPxahfAi6Sqcp4LisEk_t2hBOpFZBm6bs4uCqCLMuXD965KcJOL7yQmdLT_IxNI1g0RzDsOZQatzZ9M6eBUNLMU.Ih-irNagZuSErh2WCZDWQSMVEWHT3Es9WZNPYaZtuRk&dib_tag=se&keywords=love+actually+4k&qid=1765195998&s=dvd&sprefix=love+actually+4k%2Cdvd%2C83&sr=1-2&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-568640" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Blu-ray on Amazon or buy the soundtrack here. Is Love Actually on TV this Christmas 2025? Love Actually has become a staple of the TV schedules over the festive period, and it is once again gracing our screens in December – airing on ITV at 9:10pm on Christmas Eve. It will then be repeated again on Boxing Day at 1:15am. Meanwhile, the film will also air on Christmas Day on both Sky Cinema Comedy (at 1:55pm) and again on Sky Cinema Select (at 5:45pm). Is Love Actually on Netflix? Yes, as well as being on NOW and Sky Cinema, Love Actually is on Netflix this year. You can check out some other festive favourites on Netflix over the holiday season here. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2025 on TV?
Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are setting sail for another wintry edition of their Gone Fishing series. This festive season, the comedic duo visit Devon and Cornwall, and meet some local legends along the way, including Dawn French! The pair will also visit Paul Ainsworth’s celebrated restaurant in the heart of Padstow on their travels. So, when can viewers tune in? Here's everything you need to know about the festive special, including what time it's on TV. When is Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2025 on TV? Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing will air on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. The festive special will follows Bob Mortimer, Paul Whitehouse and, of course, Ted the dog as they head to South West England for their festive treat this year. Along the way, they'll chat with local legend Dawn French about the meaning of Christmas and how she is celebrating it this year, before they're visited by their old friend Dr Anand Patel. Where is Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2025 filmed? As mentioned above, the duo are headed to Devon and Cornwall. They'll arrive down south by their traditional transport of an old steam train, before they set out to fish in the stunning rivers Lyd and Camel in Devon and head out to sea in Cornwall on a traditional fishing boat. Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing airs on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. Add Gone Fishing to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
King Charles III's Christmas speech to break from tradition once again with another major relocation
This marks the second year the King has changed the location of the speech.
King Charles III will deliver his Christmas message this year from Westminster Abbey, it has been confirmed. The annual address is traditionally given from one of the royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or Sandringham House, but this year's speech has been filmed in the Lady Chapel of the historic church. The King is expected to talk about the "pilgrimage" of life and the lessons it can teach about the issues of the day. The change in location is significant, with Westminster Abbey being a location where pilgrims gather to remember to the life of Edward the Confessor. It also won't mark the first time the King has filmed the speech on location, with last year's address being given in the Fitzrovia Chapel as he delivered a message focusing on the health battles he and the Princess of Wales faced in 2024. This location in particular is in a chapel where 15 previous monarchs have been buried, including Elizabeth I, Mary I and Charles II. The Lady Chapel is also home to the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, of which King Charles is the Sovereign Head. The annual Christmas message from the monarch dates back to 1932 from King George V, in which he delivered a speech on the radio. The first televised speech was delivered by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, and is often seen as a time to reflect on national and global events while hearing directly from the monarch. King Charles III made his first Christmas speech in 2022 – which focused on the death of his mother – from the Quire in St George's Chapel in Windsor. The King's Speech will air at 3pm on Thursday 25th December on BBC One and iPlayer. Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Where are the cast of Home Alone now, 35 years later?
The film remains a festive staple all these years on – but what became of its stars?
Incredibly, it's been three-and-a-half decades since Home Alone first arrived in cinemas – and all these years later, the film remains one of the staples of festive viewing. While there have been a number of sequels and spin-offs over the years – most recently a fairly disastrous reboot in 2021 – and original star Macaulay Culkin has even recently been pitching a possible new sequel, in truth none on the later films have got anywhere near to the quality of the first two. With that in mind, you might be wondering what the cast of that original film are up to now? Of course, there have been some huge success stories, perhaps none more so than Macualay's brother Kieran Culkin, who has made an excellent transition from child star to adult actor by winning both an Emmy and an Oscar in recent years. But what of the rest of them – read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Home Alone and where they are now. Macaulay Culkin as Kevin Where is Macaulay Culkin now? Thanks to Home Alone, Culkin became one of the biggest child stars of all time, also appearing in sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and a range of other films in the early-to-mid '90s including My Girl, Richie Rich and The Pagemaster. Major roles dried up after that, although he did appear in a couple of independent films in the mid 2000s, including Party Monster and Saved! After some time away from acting – during which time he appeared in a pizza-themed comedy band named The Pizza Underground – he's more recently returned with roles in American Horror Story, The Righteous Gemstones, Zootopia 2 and Fallout, while he recently touted a potential new sequel idea in the Home Alone series... Joe Pesci as Harry Where is Joe Pesci now? The same year Pesci appeared in Home Alone he won an Oscar for his iconic role as Tommy in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, and he's appeared in a number of other notable films since including My Cousin Vinny, A Bronx Tale and Casino. He's been acting less in more recent years after going into semi-retirement in 1999, although he did earn another Oscar nod for his turn in Scorsese's 2019 mob film The Irishman and more recently starred in Pete Davidson's comedy series Bupkis and a boxing film Day of the Fight, both in 2023. Daniel Stern as Marv Where is Daniel Stern now? Stern has been consistently working in film and TV since his role in Home Alone and its sequel, although none of his big screen credits have been quite as major as those films. On TV he's had roles in Manhattan, Shrill and most recently acclaimed Apple TV series For All Mankind, in which he plays the role of Eli Hobson. Catherine O'Hara as Kate Where is Catherine O'Hara now? Already a popular comic actress, O'Hara became even more adored for her role as Moira Rose on Schitt's Creek between 2015 and 2020, which won her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She's also regularly appeared in the films of Christopher Guest – including Best in Show – and last year reprised her role as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton's sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. She also had two major TV roles in 2025 – as Patty Leigh in Seth Rogen's comedy The Studio and as Gail Lynden in the second season of The Last Of Us. John Heard as Peter Where is John Heard now? Heard sadly passed away at the age of 71 in 2017, after suffering a cardiac arrest. He continued to act until the end of his life, with notable post-Home Alone credits including a key part as Warren Vandergeld in White Chicks, an Emmy-nominated turn as Detective Vin Makazian on The Sopranos and a recurring role as Governor Frank Tancredi in Prison Break. Roberts Blossom as Marley Where is Roberts Blossom now? Blossom passed away at the age of 87 in 2011. He didn't have too many roles after Home Alone, but did have key parts in 1991 romcom Doc Hollywood and in Sam Raimi's 1995 Western The Quick and the Dead. Angela Goethals as Linnie Where is Angela Goethals now? Although Goethals continued to act for a couple of decades after Home Alone, she largely moved away from the profession in 2010, with her only credit since then being the 2018 short film P.T.A-Holes. Key film credits from her career include Jerry Maguire and Spanglish, while she had TV roles on sitcoms Phenom and Do Over, drama The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire and even had a recurring role on 24. Devin Ratray as Buzz Where is Devin Ratray now? Ratray continued to act pretty consistently after Home Alone, including roles in films Blue Ruin, Nebraska and Kimi and TV shows including Agent Carter, and The Tick, while has also appeared in episodes of everything from Law & Order to Girls to Better Call Saul. In 2024, he received a 3-year suspended sentence after he plead guilty to domestic assault. Kieran Culkin as Fuller Where is Kieran Culkin now? Undoubtedly the most successful of the younger cast members who appeared in the films, Culkin is now both an Emmy winner and an Oscar winner, the former for his long-running role as Roman Roy in hit TV show Succession, the latter for his supporting role in Jesse Eisenberg's 2024 comedy-drama A Real Pain. Other film credits have included Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and No Sudden Move, while he will shortly be starring as Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Gerry Bamman as Uncle Frank Where is Gerry Bamman now? Further film credits for Bamman included The Bodyguard, Lorenzo's Oil, and Great Expectations, although he's largely been absent from screen roles since 2015, when he appeared in two episodes of The Following. Hillary Wolf as Megan Where is Hillary Wolf now? Although Wolf did not appear in any further films after Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, she went on to represent the United States in judo at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. John Candy as Gus Polinski Where is John Candy now? Legendary comic actor John Candy tragically passed away just 4 years after starring in Home Alone, dying of a heart attack in 1994. Film roles after Home Alone included JFK and Cool Runnings, while earlier this year Colin Hanks directed a documentary about his life and work titled John Candy: I Like Me, which is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.