The Christmas TV schedules are out, and there are plenty of headliners not to be missed for 2024 – including the return of Gavin & Stacey, a brand new Wallace and Gromit and a bunch of big launches on Netflix.
But there are also some hidden gems that you might like to know about, which is why Digital Spy is here with its annual round-up.
Here’s what else is in store on the small screen this festive season.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special
Channel 5, 23 December, 9pm
Fans of the much-loved drama will be excited for an earlier return to Skeldale House (season six is still on the way, after all) for the 2024 Christmas episode.
Last year’s special saw the arrival of Helen and James’s baby Jimmy, but what will be in store for the new family this year?
Gladiators Celebrity Special
BBC1, January 1, 6pm
Everyone loves a celebrity spin-off of a reality format, and now Gladiators (which was rebooted at the BBC this year) will put a number of well-known faces through their paces – because what’s more festive than that?
The line-up includes comedian Rob Beckett, Ted Lasso‘s Ellie Taylor, The Masked Singer‘s Joel Dommett and TV presenter Louise Minchin.
Mariah Meets Rylan
BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, December 4, 8:15pm
Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey and beloved TV icon Rylan in one room? Sign us up.
This BBC special will see the chart-topping singer discussing her life and career, in an exclusive sit down interview to celebrate the 30th anniversary of All I Want for Christmas Is You.
Inside No. 9: The Party’s Over
BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, December 22, 9pm
Inside No. 9 may have come to an end, with the final episode airing earlier this year, but fans can celebrate the hit comedy show this Christmas thanks to the BBC’s behind the scenes documentary.
Featuring creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, it will include cast interviews and anecdotes about how the final season was put together.
James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome
Sky Comedy and NOW, December 10
The Taskmaster and Off Menu star is back with a new recorded gig which, as the name suggests, invites a healthy bit of participation from his audience.
The description reveals that the material will see James explore his “love/hate relationship with stand-up by relinquishing control of his set…” What could go wrong?
Bad Tidings
Sky Max and NOW, December 22, 8:30pm
He’s currently appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, but fan-favourite Chris McCausland will be back on our screens for Christmas in this festive special.
Bad Tidings has been written by him and Ghosts duo Laurence Rickard and Martha Howe-Douglas, and Lee Mack and Rebekah Staton also star.
The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special
Channel 5
Sally Lindsay – whose previous Channel 5 drama Cold Call was recently trending on Netflix – will be back as Jean White for a new Christmas special.
Other returning stars include Sue Vincent (also co-writer of the series), Sue Holderness and Robin Askwith.
For more Christmas TV, here’s our guides:
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).