The TV programmes here to save Christmas 2020 - From The Vicar Of Dibley in lockdown to Mariah Carey's star-studded festive special
There’s not a lot we can say about our Christmas 2020 plans with any certainty, but curling up in front of the festive TV specials is firmly on the cards.
Granted, the TV has had a lot of love already this year.
Many of us have completed Netflix twice over while the rest have watched The Princess Switch three times just waiting for Switched Again to land, this week.
Suffice to say, only the best new viewing content will get us through this festive period.
That's why small snippets of good news like The Vicar of Dibley’s Christmas comeback have piqued interest for the festive TV schedule, with the promise of three lockdown-inspired specials from comedy queen, Dawn French.
She’s expected to brighten up December schedules with a series of 10-minute sermons delivered after classic reruns of our all-time favourite festive episodes. Feel cosy yet?
Throughout the month, we’re also looking forward to festive specials from all the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 staples, including Strictly Come Dancing, The Great British Bake Off, First Dates and Britain’s Got Talent but one surprise addition to the line-up this year is a little nostalgia for the Nineties TV fans...
That's right, this Christmas we finally reunite with Ant, Dec and Cat Deeley for a deep dive into the SM:TV years with The Story of SM:TV Live, the reunion show we’ve been talking since roughly February – and doesn’t that feel like 500 years? Then of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without an annual Doctor Who special. Since we may not be nursing the usual New Year’s Day hangovers, we’re planning to give Revolution of the Daleks our full attention to ring in (a very welcome) 2021.
Or if you’re looking for something more 'Hollywood', Mariah Carey is here to put the star-studded sparkle back into Christmas. Due on Apple TV+ on December 4, Mariah will be hosting a seasonal extravaganza featuring Ariana Grande and Snoop Dogg. So that’s us sold.
Apple TV+Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special
Mariah has some suitably A-list company as she hosts her holiday special this year. For us, Ariana is the big draw (here’s hoping for many, many whistle notes from the duo) but other glittering guests also include Tiffany Haddish, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg and Misty Copeland. As well as, ofc, her twins, Moroccan and Monroe.
Watch Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special on Apple TV+ from December 4.
Channel 4/Dave KingFirst Dates Christmas
Dating hasn’t exactly been plain sailing in 2020, so First Dates Christmas might look more like Gogglebox this year as we become a fly on the wall for other people's Zoom dates. Nevertheless, Channel 4 has confirmed that the dating show is on their festive schedule and quite honestly, we could do with dating vicariously.
Watch First Dates Christmas on Channel 4 this Christmas
BBC/James PardonDoctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks
While we’re still getting a seasonal drop of Doctor Who episodes this Christmas, there’s expected to be fewer than usual (that’s eight instead of 11) due to Covid-19 restrictions. It’s believed that the festive special will air on New Year’s Day.
Watch Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks on BBC One over New Year
BBC/Tiger Aspect Productions Ltd/Des WillieThe Vicar Of Dibley Christmas Special
Bringing us all the festive feels directly from a locked down Dibley, a series of short catch-ups with the lovable Geraldine Grainger are exactly what we need to soothe a rough year.
Watch The Vicar of Dibley (in lockdown) on BBC One, Monday 7 December
BBC One/Laura RadfordCall the Midwife Christmas Special
Between the turkey and too many drinks, save time on Christmas Day for the annual episode of Call the Midwife. Filming finished two months ago to ensure we received this special as a “personal gift” from the production team. Earlier this year, they said: “The most important things in life remain true and constant, regardless of the uncertainties of a changing world.”
Watch Call the Midwife Christmas Special on ITV on Christmas Day
ITVThe Story of SM:TV Live
Finally, the reunion we’ve all been waiting for. Cat, Ant and Dec are due to come together on our screens again this Christmas, 17 years since the Saturday morning staple aired its final episodes.
Watch The Story of SM:tv Live on ITV this Christmas
Channel 4The Great Festive Bake Off
As the final of The Great British Bake Off approaches, our attentions turn to The Great Festive Bake Off. Set to accompany a special episode in which four returning bakers will be back in the tent competing once again, this second special will reunite the judges and hosts for an extra merry ep.
Watch The Great Festive Bake Off on Channel 4 this Christmas
ShutterstockBritain’s Got Talent at Christmas
Welcoming back some of the most memorable acts of the last 14 years, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, David Walliams and Ashley Banjo will be judging how far they’ve come during a festive trip down memory lane.
Watch Britain’s Got Talent at Christmas on ITV on Christmas Day
Channel 4Jamie & Jimmy’s Festive Feast
Of course, man of the year Joe Wicks has joined Jamie and Jimmy as a special guest on this year’s Festive Feast. Joined by Sam Smith, The Body Coach will be cooking up a storm after dedicating his year to keeping us all in great shape.
Watch Jamie & Jimmy’s Festive Feast on Channel 4 over New Year
BBC/Guy LevyStrictly: The Christmas Countdown
For most of us, Strictly has already saved winter viewing, which is why we’re literally counting down to Strictly: The Christmas Countdown. While there won’t be the usual Christmas Day special featuring returning celebrities competing for the Glitter Ball Trophy, there will be an episode dedicated to the 25 most memorable dances of all time.
Watch Strictly: The Christmas Countdown on BBC One this Christmas
