The BBC has unveiled its programming lineup for this Christmas, headlined by animated adaptation The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.
The story - about a young boy trying to find his home with the aid of three animal friends - comes from JJ Abrams's Bad Robot production company and is expected to be the centre-piece of the BBC One schedule on the big day.
Christmas specials of returning BBC One shows include Strictly Come Dancing, Mrs Brown's Boys, The Hit List, The Weakest Link, The Cleaner, Ghosts, Two Doors Down, Blankety Blank, Michael McIntyre's The Wheel, MasterChef, Pointless Celebrities, Would I Lie To You?, The Great British Sewing Bee, Antiques Roadshow, Animal Park, Countryfile, Songs of Praise and Call The Midwife.
Happy Valley will return for its much-anticipated third series on New Year's Day, Martin Compston stars in two-part drama adaptation Mayflies and Dame Mary Berry will share festive cooking tips in Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas.
BBC Two's lineup includes the Christmas edition of Top of the Pops hosted by Clara Amfo and Jack Saunders and a one-off piece with Cliff Richard called Cliff at Christmas, as well as Christmas editions of University Challenge, House of Games, QI, Live at the Apollo, Detectorists and Inside No. 9.
BBC Three will air a new one-off episode of Jack Whitehall's Bad Education, and BBC Four will feature The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2022 and a stage performance of Mark Gatiss in A Christmas Carol.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
