TV Times tops picks for tonight
What’s on telly tonight? Here the TV Times team of expert reviewers highlight the three best shows on New Year’s Eve
Antiques Roadshow, times vary, BBC1
In a special edition celebrating the history of British TV and film, Fiona Bruce hosts from the EastEnders set in Hertfordshire, across the road from the iconic Elstree Studios, as the experts value silver screen memorabilia including Darth Vader’s mask (saved from a skip) and William Hartnell’s script from the first episode of Doctor Who. Walford legends June Brown and Letitia Dean also join Fiona for a drink in The Vic! Rating: *****
Happy New Year from 10.20pm / BBC1/BBC2/C4
There’s something for everyone as we bid farewell to 2017, with Graham Norton’s New Year show featuring celebrity chat and music on BBC1 (times vary). On BBC2, Jools Holland introduces musical guests in his Annual Hootenanny from 11.20pm, while there’s madcap fun and games with Alan Carr’s NY Specstacular on C4. Most attention inevitably turns to BBC1 and London from 11.20pm, though, where Nile Rodgers and Chic perform a joyous set featuring the star’s biggest hits, either side of the big moment – a spectacular fireworks display by the River Thames, a rendition of Auld Lang Syne and a big hello to 2018. Rating: *****
A Right Royal Quiz, 3.30pm, ITV
Whether you’re a republican, a royalist or just a royal rubbernecker this one-off panel show about the winsome Windsors has something to keep one amused. Warm and playfully hosted by Fern Britton, who presides over two teams – the Regal Reds consisting of comedian Hal Cruttenden and presenter Angellica Bell, and the Royal Blues made up of entertainer Joe Pasquale and model Jodie Kidd. Full of little-known facts, fascinating archive footage and well-connected guests, it’s a light-hearted hour of sovereign-inspired silliness, gently assisted by a queenly Jennie Bond, who nobly helps the teams along and regales the audience with royal tales… Rating: *****
More previews tomorrow
