Best Christmas TV for 2019 – what to watch on BBC, ITV and more

The festive season is almost here which means some great Christmas television.

It's set to be a comedy-centred holiday as Gavin & Stacey makes its long-awaited comeback for a new Christmas special, while ratings winner Mrs Brown's Boys is also back for two specials.

In soapland, there's the potential for a happy ending with David and Shona in Coronation Street , a shock revelation for the Tate family from Graham in Emmerdale , and Sheanu is set to be exposed leading to catastrophe in EastEnders.

Meanwhile, we have some great new dramas to sink our teeth into including, appropriately, Dracula.

So, what's the best of UK TV to look forward to over Christmas?

Best Christmas TV for 2019

BBC

Gavin & Stacey

The classic comedy returns after almost a decade.

The Shipmans head to Wales for the year's Christmas celebrations, with a nervous Bryn doing the cooking.

Meanwhile, Pam is finding Gwen's place to be rather lacking.

Elsewhere, Gavin and Stacey's baby is now 10-years-old, while Smithy and Nessa's is 12-years-old.

Expect a little chaos for the family on Christmas Day.

Mrs Brown's Boys

The popular Irish sitcom from Brendan O'Carroll returns for not one but two Christmas specials!

What will Mrs Brown and her clan get up to in the new specials?

Dracula

Sherlock creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat tackle another literary icon with the new take on Bram Stoker's novel of the same name.

Consisting of three feature-length episodes, Dracula stars Danish actor Claes Bang as the infamous vampiric count, tackling the origins of the character and his battles with the descendants of Van Helsing.

The series also stars John Heffernan, Dolly Wells, Joanna Scanlan, Morfydd Clark, Luiza Richter, and Gatiss himself.

Dracula will air over the New Year.

EastEnders

It's set to be another epic and tragic Christmas on Albert Square.

Of course, the drama will centre on the reveal of Sharon and Keanu's old affair and the fact that Keanu is the father of her baby, just as Louise has become the mother to his baby Peggy.

What will Phil do next? We know Keanu is leaving over the coming weeks, so could Phil kill him? And where will unpredictable Lisa come into the mix?

Elsewhere, Linda's alcoholism is exposed to Mick as he realises just how bad her problem is.

A Christmas Carol

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight adapts the Charles Dickens classic for a three-part take.

The series stars Oscar-nominee Guy Pearce as old miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who receives a visit from three spirits on Christmas Eve.

The Trial of Christine Keeler

This six-part drama tackles one of the biggest political scandals in British 20th century history: the Profumo Affair.

In the 1960s, 19-year-old Christine Keeler (Sophie Cookson) is a young woman who becomes targeted for silencing and exploitation by some very powerful figures, but Keeler won't play by their rules.

Also starring James Norton as Stephen Ward, this looks set to be thoughtful examination of gender and parliamentary politics.

Call the Midwife

In the latest special for the tear-jerking period drama, the team venture to the Outer Hebrides following an outbreak of flu in Nonnatus House.

However, harsh weather, bleak landscapes, and wary locals could cause some trouble for our heroines.

A Berry Royal Christmas

An unlikely double act, culinary icon Mary Berry teams up with the Duchess of Cambridge, to deliver a festive feast for charity workers.

The pair struck up a friendship when they met through their own charity endeavours.

Worzel Gummidge

Taking on an environmental message, Mackenzie Crook wrote, directed, and starred in this new take of the classic character of Worzel Gummidge.

This two-part special also stars Michael Palin as the Green Man.

Miranda: My Such Fun Celebration

Miranda Hart celebrates a decade since the launch of Miranda with the rest of the sitcom's cast and there are many antics to be had!

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

The latest festive special will feature former contestants battle it out for the Christmas crown.

Taking part this year are Chizzy Akudolu, Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson, Joe Sugg , Mark Wright, and Richard Arnold.

The regular judges are back along with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkelman.

Still Open All Hours

The revival of the classic sitcom starring David Jason returns for a new special following the conclusion of its current sixth season.

The series also stars James Baxter and Lynda Baron.

Would I Lie To You?

Time for panel antics from the usual crew for a festive special over Christmas.

Lee Mack and David Mitchell return with Rob Brydon for the comedy show.

Guest stars are Liz Bonnin, Stephen Merchant, Dr Ranj Singh, and Sharon Osbourne

Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show

Michael McIntyre returns with his Big Show but with a festive twist.

Top of the Pops

Who will be Christmas number one this year?

A chance to hear some yuletide classics alongside the biggest bangers from 2019.

Top Gear

Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff, and Chris Harris return for a festive special following the big positive response to the latest episodes.

ITV

Boe & Ball: A Very Merry Christmas

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe deliver a funny and musical TV special for the festive season.

Get ready to hear some powerful voices.

Bancroft

Sarah Parish returns as the ruthless Elizabeth Bancroft to investigate a double murder.

This time, however, Bancroft finds her most dangerous nemesis yet.

Also stars Adrian Edmondson, Adam Long, Charlotte Hope, and Francesca Annis.

Coronation Street

David and Shona are finally married for Christmas and are desperate to put the last year behind them.

Elsewhere, Robert must choose who he wishes to spend Christmas with: Michelle or Vicky.

Emmerdale

The Tates find their Christmas Dinner blown apart with a huge revelation from Graham.

David's life is changed forever when he is delivered an unexpected piece of news.

Elsewhere, Victoria goes into labour as the New Year arrives.

Channel 4

The Great British Bake Off: Christmas Special

There's a Christmas Bake Off this year, which sees some fan-favourite contestants return to be crowned as the festive star baker.

Expect comebacks from 2017 contestants Tom and Yan, while Briony and Terry are back from 2018.

But who will Paul and Prue crown as the winner?

Derry Girls do Bake Off

That's right! The gang is back for a New Year's Day special in the Bake Off tent.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn and Siobhan McSweeney enter the Bake Off Tent.

Antics will no doubt ensue.

First Dates

Fred and the waiters are back for some true romance at Christmas.

Will anyone find The One for the festive season?

8 out of 10 Cats

The edgy panel show featuring Jimmy Carr will deliver some laughs for the holidays.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

The half-hour animated film adapts the much-loved book by the late author Judith Kerr, featuring the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Tamsin Grieg, David Oyelowo, David Walliams , and Clara Ross.

Kylie's Secret Night

Pop icon Kylie Minogue delivers an evening of musical fun for a fan extravaganza.

Hosted by Alan Carr, Kylie brings performances, gifts, and some unexepected stunts.

Hollyoaks

The Mercedes McQueen shooting drama comes to an explosive conclusion as the shooter is revealed.

Elswehere, Luke gets is delivered some devastating news, while Mandy learns of the encounter between Darren and Nancy.

What will you be watching this Christmas season? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Read Full Article