Inside M&S at Christmas
14 December, 9pm, ITV1
![From South Shore Inside M&S at Christmas: SR2: Ep3 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Head of Home Design Karen and team. This photograph is (C) South Shore and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://wp.inews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SEI_183930280.jpg?w=760)
Forget Harrods. Forget Fortnum & Mason. There’s nothing quite like an M&S Christmas. With 138 years of tradition behind it, the shop is passionate about the festive season and this film goes behind the scenes to reveal exactly how the retail giant prepares for its busiest time of year.
Christmas in the Cotswolds
15 December, 9pm, Channel 5
The Costwolds are charming any time of the year, but it’s a particularly delightful place to spend time in the run-up to Christmas. In this special episode, we’ll learn how a luxury hotel chef prepares a festive high tea and experience the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market in the town of Broadway.
Bradley Walsh: Legends of Comedy
16 December, 9.05pm, Channel 5
Entertainer Bradley Walsh meets with some of comedy’s brightest stars to pay tribute to some of his favourite comedians of a time gone by. Jo Brand, Alexander Armstrong, Omid Djalili, Alison Steadman, Les Dennis, Su Pollard and Stephen K Amos are just a handful of the stars who will join Walsh in celebrating the likes of Morcambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper and – my favourite – Victoria Wood.
Aldi’s Christmas Secrets
18 December, 8pm, Channel 4
Aldi gives M&S a run for its money with it biggest ever UK Christmas campaign. That means navigating challenges like a giant chocolate bauble mishap and assessing the potential of a pigs-in-blanket ice cream (yuck). What could possibly go wrong?
Inside McVitie’s at Christmas
19 December, 9pm, Channel 4
Yet another behind-the-scenes look at a food factory at Christmas, this film follows the launch of a brand-new biscuit – the white chocolate digestive – and a twist on the classic Penguin bar. McVities are in a race against time to meet the high demand for Christmas, which sees them making an eye-watering 92 million biscuits per day.
Christmas on the Farm
19 December, 9pm, Channel 5
Helen Skelton and Jules Hudson are back on Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire this Christmas (they must be freezing). They’ll be joined by actor Lisa Riley and farmers JB Gill and Rob and Dave Nicholson will face off in a gift-wrapping competition. The stars of the show though are of course the farm animals, particularly the Christmassy herd of reindeer.
All Creatures Great and Small Meets The Yorkshire Vet
21 December, 8pm, Channel 5
James Herriot’s real-life apprentice Peter Wright and Shona Searson go behind the scenes on the latest series of All Creatures Great and Small in this hour-long crossover. Later, the stars of the drama will visit the vets at work, learning about the real people behind their characters (and what it really takes to be a Yorkshire vet; rather them than me).
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby
Christmas Eve, 8pm, BBC Two
Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder have one of the cushiest jobs on TV and this Christmas special sees them head to the Panorama Hotel Hubertus in the Italian Alps, a family-run lodge with breathtaking modern architecture including levitating pools, saunas and a “heaven and hell” spa. They’re soon put to work cleaning the suspended pool and leading guests on mountain treks.
Barry Humphries: The Last Laugh
Christmas Day, 10pm, ITV1
![Editorial use only From Multistory Media BARRY HUMPHRIES: THE LAST LAUGH Christmas Day Monday 25th December 2023 on ITV1 and ITVX TV Still ITV ITVX Pictured: Barry Humphries Following the passing of Barry Humphries in April, this brand new documentary aims to offer an intimate, personal and honest look back at the life and work of one of the funniest and most iconic performers of our times. The film will relive classic moments from signature characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson and uncover gems from the many interviews Barry gave as himself that were often illuminating and equally hilarious. Adored by millions - but perhaps known by few - Barry constantly shifted the lines between where the characters ended and his own personality began, making it a challenge for interviewers to get under the skin of the man himself. This documentary sets out to shed light on the real person behind his famous personas, searching for the roots of his characters in his suburban Australian upbringing, exploring how his absurdist artistic student years helped develop his outrageous outfits and stage shows, and understanding how his relationship with his mother drove his hunger for adulation and, ultimately, validation. The film aims to offer an insight into Barry???s complexities which saw him encounter challenges in his personal life and public controversies throughout his career, during which his immense talent and quick wits propelled him to enormous success in the UK, his homeland, Australia and in the US. This heartfelt documentary will give viewers an opportunity both to remember and discover more about a towering figure in entertainment whose unique performances (C) ITV For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is (C) *** and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://wp.inews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SEI_181901482.jpg?w=760)
The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect on the stars we lost over the past 12 months. This is a tribute to the late Aussie comedian, featuring classic moments from his beloved characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. The film explores Humphries’ personal life, upbringing, and artistic journey, providing insight into the man behind the sidesplitting personas.
Caroline Aherne: Comedy Queen
Christmas Day, 10.25pm, BBC Two
Born in Wythenshawe, Manchester in the early 60s, Caroline Aherne was an unlikely comedy superstar, but she had naturally funny bones. In this Arena film, Aherne’s lifelong friends and The Royle Family colleagues reflect on her life and work, highlighting not only her lasting cultural legacy but also the joy, mischief, and happiness she brought to those closest to her.
Charles III: The Coronation Year
Boxing Day, 6.50pm, BBC One
One of the sparkliest jewels in the BBC’s Christmas crown this year is this 90-minute behind-the-scenes documentary detailing the first year of King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s reign. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter and with insights from members of the Royal Family and key figures in The King and Queen’s Household, cameras capture landmark moments in the lead up to and the aftermath of Britain’s first Coronation in 70 years.
Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: The Truth About AI
Boxing Day, 8pm, BBC Four
Oxford University lecturer and AI Director at The Alan Turing Institute, Professor Mike Wooldridge delves into the truth about artificial intelligence for this year’s Royal Institution lectures. Across three lectures, he will explore the profound impact AI is having on our daily lives as well as what it might be capable of in the future.
Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story
Boxing Day, 9pm, BBC Four
“The Master” Noël Coward defied societal norms, becoming a pioneering and successful queer artist in the 20th century and, by 30, the world’s highest-paid writer. This documentary, narrated by Alan Cumming and with archive appearances from Laurence Olivier and Frank Sinatra, spotlights Coward’s extraordinary life, including his time as a spy in the Second World War and his lasting influence on the entertainment industry.
imagine… French and Saunders: Pointed, Bitchy, Bitter
27 December, 10.30pm, BBC One
From college flatmates to pioneering the Comic Strip team to dominating BBC schedules with their raucous sketches, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are one of the best double acts in British comedy history. This imagine… film highlights the groundbreaking impact the pair have had on the male-dominated comedy scene and the legacy their fearless attitude has left for other women coming up behind them.
Inside the Factory
27 December, 9pm, BBC Two
It’s all about the humble roast on this year’s festive edition of Inside the Factory as Gregg Wallace learns Yorkshire puddings are made in a Hull factory, where 500 million are produced every year. Meanwhile, Cherry Healey visits a wheat testing depot and teams up with food scientist Barbara Bray to master the perfect gravy.
The Real Nolly
29 December, 10.20pm, ITV1
Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, this doc delves into the life of Crossroads legend Noele Gordon via exclusive access to personal papers and unseen pictures. It pays tribute to the soap star’s legacy and acts as a companion to drama Nolly, which also moves from ITVX to ITV1 this festive period.
Planet Earth III: Wonders of Nature
New Year’s Day, 4.30pm, BBC One
Hungover? This collection of highlights from Planet Earth III, featuring diverse ecosystems, might help. From ostriches in the Namib to clever horn sharks and strategic treehoppers, Attenborough’s latest series explores how animals are surviving in the face of environmental devastation and climate change.
Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster
New Year’s Day, 8pm, BBC One
One hundred and fifty million years ago, the oceans were ruled by the pliosaur – the Tyrannosaurus rex of the seas. Now, a team of palaeontologists have unearthed a giant skull 12 metres up in a Dorset cliff face which suggests the discovery of an entirely new species of pliosaur. With the help of impressive CGI technology, Sir David Attenborough follows a real investigation to unravel the mysteries of a gigantic Jurassic predator.
Wild Scandinavia
New Year’s Day, 8.25pm, BBC Two
Go on a breathtaking journey through the stunning wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and unique culture of Northern Europe. Each of the three episodes (narrated by Dune actor Rebecca Ferguson) is an immersion into a different terrain: the hauntingly beautiful coast, the magical seasonal forests, and the volcanic and arctic extremes.