SATURDAY
Doctor Who
BBC1, 6.30pm
Time runs out for David Tennant’s Doctor, as he meets a very old foe – the Toymaker, who he hasn’t encountered since 1966. Back then, he was played by Michael Gough, but you know the Whoniverse, it’s fluid and Neil Patrick Harris takes up the role. There’s also a return for the Doctor’s old pal Kate Stewart. And, by the end of the hour, we’ll have our next Time Lord as Tennant makes way for Ncuti Gatwa…
SUNDAY
Vigil
BBC1, 9pm
It was the most-watched new drama of last year, scooping an Emmy, and now DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) is back, once again trying to penetrate the closed ranks of the military. An RAF demonstration of weaponised drone technology has gone catastrophically wrong, leaving multiple fatalities, and it’s down to Silva to work out what happened, even if that means crossing continents to do so.
MONDAY
The Real Full Monty: Jingle Balls
ITV1, 9pm
Each celebrity taking part in the show that aims to raise awareness of life-saving cancer checks has their own, deeply personal reason for doing so. Broadcaster Julia Bradbury had a single mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and footballer Ashley Cain is commemorating his daughter Azaylia who died of leukaemia that same year, aged just eight months. Today, the performers meet for the first time.
TUESDAY
The Dog House At Christmas
Channel 4, 8pm
The abandoned dogs at Woodgreen Pets Charity get even more TLC, with cuddles, gifts and even special doggie Christmas dinners. But will any of them find their forever homes in time for the big day? Spaniel cross puppy Jeff could suit twins Noah and Toby, while nurse Lynne is hoping to take a dog home, and Jazz wants to find a four-legged friend for her dad, Darran. Perhaps Patterdale cross Crackers is the one?
WEDNESDAY
Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas
BBC1, 9pm
Dame Mary travels to her mum’s Scottish homeland to soak up her heritage and enjoy some seasonal delights in this one-off special. There’s an edible wreath, a highlands beef pie and mulled wine, plus a delicious fondue served with leftover roast potatoes – what’s not to like? ‘The show is all about lovely, warming dishes with an emphasis on family,’ says Mary, who also finds time to catch up with a few well-known friends along the way.
THURSDAY
Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas
BBC1, 8pm
With money tighter than ever, many people will be looking to give inexpensive homemade gifts this December. Mum-of-five Stacey is an expert at getting inventive, and in this special she employs the help of friends and family to create Christmas on a budget. Even her nonagenarian grandma and Sort Your Life Out co-star Dilly Carter get in on the act, as Stacey attempts her most ambitious craft party yet.
FRIDAY
Christmas In The Cotswolds
Channel 5, 9pm
Where could be more festive than those beautiful, honey-coloured stone towns and villages of the Cotswolds? In Broadway, the high street boasts a bustling Christmas market stacked with seasonal treats, while over at the local luxury hotel, a top chef prepares memorable afternoon teas. In Burford, florists create a stunning floral archway, and at Blenheim Palace, thousands of lights illuminate the stately home’s gardens.