On TV tonight there are Christmas specials galore. Catch up with the residents of Poplar as Call the Midwife returns for a festive special featuring a talent contest, plus there's special episodes of Ghosts, Mrs Brown's Boys and a glittering Christmas episode of Strictly Come Dancing which sees Bruno Tonioli make a return. Doc Martin is also back for one last trip to Portwenn where the Doc is doing his very best grinch impression. Here's what you shouldn't miss on TV Tonight.
- Our hand-selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include TV shows, a film, live sport and the latest trending need-to-binge-on-now box set
- Keep up to date with the latest soap spoiler storylines on TV tonight with our daily soap synopsis
- For more information about what’s on TV tonight see our TV Guide
What's on TV tonight
Our expert TV journalists have picked the best things on TV tonight...
Best TV shows on TV tonight
Call the Midwife Christmas special 2022, 7.55pm, BBC One
The seasonal visit to Nonnatus House is always a jewel in the Christmas TV crown and Poplar’s festivities of 1967 are among the best yet! While the ever-fabulous Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) helps a pregnant ex-jailbird, we also catch up with the Mullucks, who were affected by the thalidomide scandal and now face new challenges. But sparkly highlights of the episode come from attempts by Matthew (Olly Rix) to propose to a returning Trixie (Helen George), and a ‘Poplartunity Knocks’ talent contest featuring some incredible turns that will leave you beaming with joy. Plus, there’s not long to wait for Call the Midwife season 12, which starts on New Year’s Day!
★★★★★ CC
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2022, 5.10pm, BBC One
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly host the annual festive party, with six new celebs showing what they’ve got. Singer Nicola Roberts, DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams, actor Larry Lamb, podcaster Rosie Ramsey, CBeebies presenter George Webster and former Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell strut their stuff, and Bruno Tonioli returns like the ghost of Christmas past.
★★★★ SM
Ghosts Christmas special 2022, 7.25pm, BBC One
Button House is in a frenzy as Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) are off to see Mike’s family on Christmas Day, leaving the ghosts to their own devices. But Alison has got each of the spooks a present, so they decide to organise a special gift to show their appreciation on her return, and, trust us, it’s an absolute corker! With some fabulous festive laughs, themes of love, family and friendship, plus guaranteed lumps in the throat — particularly when Pat (Jim Howick) finds out what he’s been given — this has everything you could possibly want from a Christmas special.
★★★★★ CC
The Smeds and the Smoos, 2.35pm, BBC One
There’s extraterrestrial fun for all the family this Christmas with another much-loved children’s story from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, the red Smeds and the blue Smoos are locked in a long-held rivalry, which tears both families apart when young Smed Janet falls for Smoo Bill and the pair elope. Can Grandfather Smed (voiced by Bill Bailey) and Grandmother Smoo (Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh) unite their warring clans to bring the lovestruck aliens home? Narrated by Sally Hawkins, and with Rob Brydon and Meera Syal among the voice cast, this magical, half-hour film is a must-see.
★★★★★ RM
Doc Martin Christmas Special 2022, 9.55pm, ITV1
Fans are in for a treat with one last ever visit to a very Christmassy-looking Portwenn as the cast return for a festive special, following the emotional series finale that saw the grumpy medic decide to stay in Portwenn rather than take a prestigious job in London. But the Doc’s Grinch-like attitude to the season pushes away his son, James, while he also infuriates the locals when he shuts the grotto down, fearing Santa (played by Ron Cook) has a contagious disease! Also enjoy some shenanigans with a live turkey, Joe trying (and failing) to woo Janice with some Twelve Days of Christmas-style gifts and Mrs Tishell finally taking her chance and kissing the Doc under the mistletoe! A perfect send-off….
★★★★★ HD
Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas Special 2022, 10.25pm, BBC One
Love is in the air when Cathy (Jennifer Gibney) brings home her latest squeeze, Boris (Phil Cornwell). Trouble is, the Brown family is convinced he’s a vampire! Mammy makes the mistake of offering to babysit Boris’s spooky twin daughters and what on earth is going on with the vanishing Christmas tree? Has Agnes been on the sherry or is something more sinister afoot? Look out for a priceless scene in the pub involving Mammy, her best friend Winnie (Eilish O’Carroll) and a regurgitated pint of beer.
★★★★ RF
Best box set on TV tonight
Tiffany and Leon are flatmates, but there's nothing conventional about their living arrangements. Despite sharing the same place, they've never actually met with Tiffany having the flat from 8 pm - 8 am, and Leon having it from 8 am - 8 pm. Over time the pair learn more about each other through post-it notes and start to develop an attraction to one another, even though they've never had an in-person conversation.
Jessica Brown Findlay and Anthony Welsh are excellent in the leading roles and with all six episodes now available on Paramount Plus, it's the perfect show for binge-watching. But will Tiffany and Leon actually become an item? You'll have to watch and find out!
★★★★ LB
Best film on TV tonight
Aladdin, 3.10pm, BBC One
Director Guy Ritchie turns his attention from geezers with shooters to a boy with a magic lamp in this live-action reworking of the classic tale, sticking pretty close to the animated 1992 box office hit. Will Smith can’t quite match Robin Williams for improvisational wow factor (who could?) but he makes a genial genie and Mena Massoud is a likeable and lively Aladdin. The Alan Menken songs survive the transition intact and Ritchie pulls out the stops for the big numbers, giving them a buzzy Bollywood vibe. Great fun.
★★★★ SM
Soaps
- Coronation Street, 7 pm, ITV1
- EastEnders, 9.25 pm, BBC One
- Emmerdale, 6 pm, ITV1
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
There are so many festive treats on TV Tonight, but make sure you don't miss the Call the Midwife Christmas Special, nothing beats catching up with our favourite Poplar midwives.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing and Merry Christmas!
