BBC Christmas TV schedule: From Doctor Who and Call the Midwife to Black Narcissus and Vicar of Dibley

Channel has ‘pulled out all the stops’ to keep families entertained after a tough year

The BBC has unveiled its Christmas lineup for 2020.

While some projects have been unable to be completed due to Covid restrictions, the channel has ensured the schedules will be filled with titles ready to keep families entertained.

Traditional favourites are returning: Call the Midwife, Doctor Who and Mrs Brown’s Boys all have brand new festive episodes for fans to enjoy.

Sir David Attenborough will be narrating a new nature documentary about meerkats, while Dawn French is set to return as Geraldine in a brand new Zoom-filmed special of her beloved sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.

Meanwhile, Sir Lenny Henry will lend his voice to new animation Zog and the Flying Doctors. He recorded the narration from his bedroom while in lockdown.

There’ll also be special episodes of Ghosts, The Goes Wrong Show, Not Going Out, Motherland and King Gary.

Drama wise, the BBC is hoping Black Narcissus will pull in the ratings. 

The new version of the 1947 Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger film, starring Gemma Arterton, will feature the last screen role of Dame Diana Rigg, who died in September.

Gemma Arterton will appear in new drama ‘Black Narcissus’ (FX/Pari Dukovic)

Shows that have been reworked include Strictly Come Dancing. 

Rather than recording an episode featuring the return of former contestants, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will instead reveal the results of the nation’s 25 favourite dances from the show’s 20-year history.

The BBC will also repeat classic episodes of previous Christmas hits to ensure there are no gaps in the schedules.

Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said the channel has “pulled out all the stops to keep people entertained and bring comfort and joy when we need it most”.

She added: “It’s never felt more important to help bring the country together to share, to laugh and to celebrate the festive season on the BBC.”

Find the full list of every TV show being broadcast on the BBC this Christmas here.