Christmas TV 2014: BBC announces schedule from Doctor Who to Mrs Brown's Boys

Plan your festive period sofa sessions for the likes of Doctor Who and Top Gear

Jess Denham
Tuesday 25 November 2014 11:42 GMT
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Brendan O'Carroll as Agnes Brown in the 2014 Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas special
Brendan O'Carroll as Agnes Brown in the 2014 Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas special

It’s that time of year again, when evenings consist of too much mulled wine before nursing the inevitable hangover with the best of Christmas telly.

Luckily, the BBC has announced its festive schedule in plenty of time, so you can plan your sofa sessions around all the mince pies and present unwrapping.

There are promises of “world class talent, edge of your seat drama, outstanding comedy and fantastic storytelling” with something for all the family, so here’s what you can expect this festive period:

Mrs Brown’s Boys

Agnes Brown returns for two Mrs Brown’s Boys episodes this Christmas so of course, there will be plenty more of the usual family chaos. We’re talking disappointing ‘magical’ Christmas trees, plastic surgery, burglaries, baby chat and poker.

Top Gear: Patagonia Special

Despite all the controversy surrounding this episode, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May’s adventurous South American road trip will be broadcast as a two-part Christmas special.

Top Gear Patagonia Christmas special

Strictly Come Dancing

Sir Bruce Forsyth returns to host this one-off panto-themed special featuring memorable contestant from the past year, including Rachel Stevens, Chris Hollins and Russell Grant.

Doctor Who

Santa Claus himself stars in the hit sci-fi drama’s Christmas special, which many predict will see the Doctor’s companion Clara (Jenna Coleman) leave the show. A preview aired during Children In Need earlier this month, showing the pair trapped on an Arctic base, under attack from terrifying creatures.

The Great British Bake Off Xmas Masterclass

Christmas cooking can be a right nightmare, but never fear, for Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood are here. Your Christmas pudding and mince pies will be the envy of everyone if you follow their stellar baking tips.

Call The Midwife

The festive episode sees Jennifer at home with husband Philip, prepping for Christmas in 2005, before her conversation takes us back to 1960 where Chummy is charged with bringing joy to a poorly managed mother and baby home. Meanwhile, Cynthia makes a life-changing decision.

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Miranda Hart as Chummy in the Christmas Call The Midwife

Michael McIntyre’s Very Christmassy Christmas Show

One of the UK’s biggest stand-up comedians is joined by celebrity guests who he invites to share their seasonal stories - good, bad and of course, hilariously entertaining.

The Boy In The Dress

David Walliams’ latest children’s comedy promises a cameo appearance from Kate Moss. Dennis, 12, longs to escape his boring life until a chance view of the supermodel on a magazine cover introduces him to a whole new world…

A still from David Walliams' The Boy in the Dress

Esio Trot

Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman star in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale. Made in Love Actually’s Richard Curtis, the story follows retired bachelor Mr Hoppy as he tries to help neighbour Mrs Silver when her beloved tortoise appears to have stopped growing.

Miranda

Miranda is facing two proposals in her final two episodes – one from Gary and another from Mike. You’ll have to wait and see who she chooses, if either of them…

Miranda Hart in the Miranda Christmas special

The Wrong Mans

This BBC Two comedy makes its Christmas debut as Sam and Phil find themselves 4,000 miles from home, facing the difficult decision of whether to stay forgotten or return to Bracknall.

The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm

Harry Hill makes his acting debut in this family drama about an absent-minded, mad professor who causes chaos with his hare-brained creations. Things will blow up.

Harry Hill as Professor Branestawm in The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm

Rick Mayall: Lord of Misrule

The popular comedian’s career is looked back upon with fondness in this poignant show by Simon Callow. The likes of Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Michael Palin and Ruby Wax all contribute in memory of the late Blackadder star.

Attenborough’s Paradise Birds

It wouldn’t be Christmas without David Attenborough’s soothing tones – expect plenty of those, plus stunning visuals in this one-off nature programme.

More nature will come from Gordon Buchanan’s The Snow Wolf Family and Me, while the story of Giles Clark and the Sumatran tiger cubs Spot and Stripe continues in Tigers About The House: What Happened Next.

Songs of Praise: Christmas Big Sing

Katherine Jenkins and Jermain Jackman join presenters David Grant and Bill Turnbull for stunning classical music from the Royal Albert Hall.

EastEnders

It’s all about those dark family secrets and lies coming to the surface over in Albert Square this Christmas, while Mick pulls out all the stops to ensure that the Carter family’s first Christmas in the Queen Vic is perfect. Expect a dramatic mixture of festive joy and drama.

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