Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2026-01-07T09:43:29.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Channel 4 records its biggest Christmas week on linear TV in over a decade for 2025
items: What's worth watching on New Year's Day?
items: Ronan Keating & Friends New Year's Eve celebration start time
items: What's worth watching on New Year's Eve?
items: Death in Paradise's Selwyn makes a huge decision about his future in Christmas special
items: Call the Midwife creator reveals why there won’t be the "traditional" Christmas special in 2026
items: Call the Midwife's Sister Monica Joan confronts painful fear – but a heartwarming moment follows
items: Call the Midwife's Turner family grows again after tragic development
items: The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2025 line-up: Meet the celebrities
items: The Masked Singer Christmas special line-up: Who are the characters?
items: What's worth watching on Boxing Day?
items: Call the Midwife's Miss Higgins forced to call in the big guns as Dr Turner's locum sparks concern
items: Call the Midwife Christmas special turns Peaky Blinders – creator told to change gangster names
items: Tess Daly shares heartfelt thanks to audience in final Strictly Christmas special
items: Who won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2025? Winning couple revealed
items: Claudia Winkleman becomes emotional in sweet Dave Arch tribute in Strictly Christmas special
items: The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off cast: Confirmed contestants
items: The Scarecrow's Wedding voice cast: Real actors behind cute Julia Donaldson animation
items: What's worth watching on Christmas Day?
items: All Creatures Great and Small star thinks Tristan and Charlotte marriage could be on the cards after huge romantic scene
items: All Creatures Great and Small's Anna Madeley responds to surprising Siegfried moment – and teases relationship potential
items: Finding Father Christmas review: Wait, is this for kids or not?
items: When is Die Hard on TV this Christmas?
items: When is The Muppet Christmas Carol on TV? Is it on Netflix?
items: Is The Polar Express on TV this Christmas? How to watch and stream online
items: Love Actually soundtrack: Every song featured in the Christmas classic
items: Where to watch Love Actually this Christmas 2025 and is it on TV?
items: When is Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2025 on TV?
items: King Charles III's Christmas speech to break from tradition once again with another major relocation
items: Where are the cast of Home Alone now, 35 years later?

Channel 4 records its biggest Christmas week on linear TV in over a decade for 2025
type: item
date: 2026-01-07T09:00:53.000Z
creator: Molly Moss
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: Channel 4
subject: Christmas
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: On demand
description: The broadcaster recorded bigger year-on-year linear and streaming growth than the BBC and ITV, according to BARB.
encoded: 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.

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What's worth watching on New Year's Day?
type: item
date: 2026-01-01T06:00:48.000Z
creator: Morgan Cormack
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Christmas
subject: ITV
subject: Netflix
description: The full rundown of what you need to tune into on the first day of 2026.
encoded: 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…

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Ronan Keating & Friends New Year's Eve celebration start time
type: item
date: 2025-12-31T14:00:13.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Christmas
description: It's time to party!
encoded: 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 fl…

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What's worth watching on New Year's Eve?
type: item
date: 2025-12-31T06:00:24.000Z
creator: David Craig
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
description: See out 2025 in style.
encoded: 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 …

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Death in Paradise's Selwyn makes a huge decision about his future in Christmas special
type: item
date: 2025-12-28T22:00:24.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: "I've been doing some thinking..."
encoded: 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 to…

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Call the Midwife creator reveals why there won’t be the "traditional" Christmas special in 2026
type: item
date: 2025-12-27T06:00:15.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: "This is just a lovely opportunity for us to press pause..."
encoded: 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. An…

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Call the Midwife's Sister Monica Joan confronts painful fear – but a heartwarming moment follows
type: item
date: 2025-12-26T22:00:30.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: "God can't have you yet – we can't spare you."
encoded: 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 …

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Call the Midwife's Turner family grows again after tragic development
type: item
date: 2025-12-26T21:30:17.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: They're gonna need a bigger house....
encoded: 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…

The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2025 line-up: Meet the celebrities
type: item
date: 2025-12-26T09:00:35.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: Channel 4
subject: Christmas
description: The workshop is back open for business!
encoded: 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 fo…

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The Masked Singer Christmas special line-up: Who are the characters?
type: item
date: 2025-12-26T09:00:01.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
subject: ITV
subject: ITVX
description: The perfect show to wrap up the Christmas period.
encoded: 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 Prefer…

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What's worth watching on Boxing Day?
type: item
date: 2025-12-26T06:00:54.000Z
creator: Radio Times Staff
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
description: Here's our top picks from today's festive schedule.
encoded: 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 sequenc…

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Call the Midwife's Miss Higgins forced to call in the big guns as Dr Turner's locum sparks concern
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T21:45:25.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: "This won't do."
encoded: 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 backgrou…

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Call the Midwife Christmas special turns Peaky Blinders – creator told to change gangster names
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T21:15:35.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: Are they about to come face-to-face with The Cormorant?
encoded: 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 p…

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Tess Daly shares heartfelt thanks to audience in final Strictly Christmas special
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T18:45:42.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: The pair departed with one last keeeep dancing!
encoded: 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…

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Who won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2025? Winning couple revealed
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T18:45:40.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: It's the most wonderful time of the year!
encoded: 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.

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Claudia Winkleman becomes emotional in sweet Dave Arch tribute in Strictly Christmas special
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T18:45:34.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: The pair performed one final skit for the Christmas show.
encoded: 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 oth…

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The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off cast: Confirmed contestants
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T09:00:08.000Z
creator: Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: Channel 4
subject: Christmas
description: Forget presents and Turkey, this is what I'm looking forward to this Christmas.
encoded: 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 Holly…

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The Scarecrow's Wedding voice cast: Real actors behind cute Julia Donaldson animation
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T08:00:41.000Z
creator: Helen Daly
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Christmas
description: The star-studded cast will delight this Christmas.
encoded: 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 …

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What's worth watching on Christmas Day?
type: item
date: 2025-12-25T06:00:11.000Z
creator: David Craig
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
description: Christmas isn't complete without some festive telly.
encoded: 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 f…

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All Creatures Great and Small star thinks Tristan and Charlotte marriage could be on the cards after huge romantic scene
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T22:45:19.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: Christmas
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
description: "She's come into his life at a time when he just really, really needs her."
encoded: 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…

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All Creatures Great and Small's Anna Madeley responds to surprising Siegfried moment – and teases relationship potential
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T22:15:48.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: Christmas
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
description: What did she make of that moment in the Christmas special?
encoded: 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 …

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Finding Father Christmas review: Wait, is this for kids or not?
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T21:00:20.000Z
creator: David Craig
subject: Comedy
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
subject: Review
description: I genuinely have no idea. Help!
encoded: 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, t…

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When is Die Hard on TV this Christmas?
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T13:00:17.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Die Hard (franchise)
description: Is the Bruce Willis classic a Christmas movie? The debate continues.
encoded: 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 Sun…

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When is The Muppet Christmas Carol on TV? Is it on Netflix?
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T12:55:00.000Z
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Disney Plus
subject: On demand
description: Everything you need to know about the puppet version of Charles Dickens's classic Christmas story with Michael Caine.
encoded: 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 …

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Is The Polar Express on TV this Christmas? How to watch and stream online
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T12:50:37.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: NOW
subject: Sky
description: Ready to board The Polar Express? Read on for the latest streaming information.
encoded: 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 yo…

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Love Actually soundtrack: Every song featured in the Christmas classic
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T12:30:07.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: Ready to dance along to Jump with Hugh Grant and cry to Both Sides Now with Emma Thompson?
encoded: 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 Franc…

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Where to watch Love Actually this Christmas 2025 and is it on TV?
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T12:00:50.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: Richard Curtis's festive favourite Love Actually follows 10 interconnected love stories during the run-up to Christmas.
encoded: 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 Vide…

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When is Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2025 on TV?
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T11:43:48.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC Two
subject: Christmas
description: The boys are back!
encoded: 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…

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King Charles III's Christmas speech to break from tradition once again with another major relocation
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T11:09:33.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Current Affairs
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: This marks the second year the King has changed the location of the speech.
encoded: 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.

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Where are the cast of Home Alone now, 35 years later?
type: item
date: 2025-12-24T10:01:40.000Z
creator: Patrick Cremona
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: The film remains a festive staple all these years on – but what became of its stars?
encoded: 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 yea…

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