What’s on TV on Christmas Day 2023? A guide on what to watch

Virgin Radio

23 Dec 2023, 16:41

Christmas is (almost) here, and there’s plenty on TV to spread the festive cheer this year.

Whether you’re looking for the return of cosy Christmas classics such as Call the Midwife or the much-missed Doctor Who Christmas special, a mid-afternoon crowd pleaser such as Tabby McTat, or a competitive bit of Christmas telly such as this year’s Strictly and The Masked Singer specials - you’re in luck.

So without further ado, join virginradio.co.uk as we look into everything you need to watch this Christmas.

What’s on the BBC Christmas Day 2023?

Tabby McTat, BBC One + BBC iPlayer, 2.35pm

Tabby McTat is the BBC’s family-focused festive offering for 2023. The animated tale (based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler) tells the heartwarming tale of the friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred.

Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker will be narrating the story, which will also star the voice talents of Rob Brydon, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú, Cariad Lloyd, Joanna Scanlan, and Susan Wokoma. 

Set on the streets of London, Whittaker describes the film as “a beautiful story about embracing change and the transitions in life as well - from childhood to adulthood and people going on journeys.”

Strictly Come Dancing Special, BBC One + BBC iPlayer, 4.40pm

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without sparkle, and Strictly Come Dancing is thankfully always able to provide an ample dosage of glittering stars and performances each Christmas.

In this year’s festive special episode, history broadcaster Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast star Sally Nugent, EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick, Waterloo Road’s Tillie Amartey, English ruby union’s Danny Cipriani and singer-songwriter Keisha Buchanan will all be taking to the dancefloor. 

Hosted once again by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, and with a special guest performance from Sam Ryder, the Christmas competition promises to be a blast once again this year.

Doctor Who, BBC One + BBC iPlayer, 5.55pm

Many might argue that the BBC’s Christmas listings have been missing something important over the past few years, as Doctor Who was moved to air over the New Year period instead of on Christmas Day. But fear not Who fans, as the Doctor is back in poll position this Christmas!

Ncuti Gatwa will finally be taking the reins of the TARDIS in this hour-long special episode, which will also see the introduction of Millie Gibson as his new companion Ruby Sunday.

“Long ago on Christmas Eve, a baby was abandoned in the snow. Today, Ruby Sunday meets the Doctor, stolen babies, goblins and perhaps the secret of her birth,” the synopsis teases.

Ghosts, BBC One + BBC iPlayer, 7.45pm

After the beloved series came to an end with series five earlier this year, fans were delighted to discover the ghosts of Button House would still be showing up for a final festive special episode before the curtain truly falls.

The paranormal sitcom’s final episode will see Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) return home with Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) and their newborn child Mia. Mike’s mum Betty (Sutara Gayle) will also be returning to the show, as of course will all the fan favourite ghosts.

Call the Midwife, BBC One + BBC iPlayer, 8.15pm

Call the Midwife is back for another feature-length Christmas story. This year as always there is plenty on our favourite characters’ plates to deal with alongside the Christmas dinner, as personal woes as well as baby deliveries beckon.

Despite the festive cheer, with Apollo 8 poised to circle the moon Sister Monica Joan becomes “convinced this could be her last Yuletide and decides she'll not live to see man walk on the moon.”

Meanwhile Nancy moves into Nonnatus House, Cyril becomes distracted by “a lost soul” living alone who refuses help from the council, and the Turners are troubled when “a parcel arrives from May’s biological mother in Hong Kong.”

Caroline Aherne: Comedy Queen, BBC Two + BBC iPlayer, 10.25pm

Closing out the BBC’s Christmas 2023 schedule is this BBC Two documentary on the life and talent of Caroline Aherne.

The film will feature as-yet unseen photographs and contributions from a cast of her lifelong friends, including Steve Coogan, John Thomson, Craig Cash and producer Andy Harries. 

Tracing Caroline’s life from her childhood in Wythenshawe, Manchester to her eventual TV stardom, this documentary is not one to miss for fans of The Mrs Merton Show host and The Royale Family icon.

What’s on ITV Christmas Day 2023?

The Masked Singer, ITV1 + ITVX, 7.30pm

Christmas Day 2023 will see the airing of The Masked Singer UK’s first ever Christmas special episode. Joel Dommett will once again be back as host, meanwhile the judging panel will welcome Mo Gilligan, Rita Ora, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and newcomer Leona Lewis.

The mystery celebrity contestants will be dressed up as Reindeer, Sprout, Decorations and Partridge (In a Pear Tree!) in this festive special episode, but of course, we’ll have to wait and see on the night which celebrities are taking part!

Barry Humphries: The Last Laugh, ITV1 + ITVX, 10pm

Another show this Christmas paying tribute to stars we’ve lost in 2023 is this ITV documentary about the life of Australian comedian Barry Humphries.

Barry Humphries: The Last Laugh promises to relive classic moments from the star’s signature characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, “as well as uncovering gems from the many interviews Barry gave as himself, which were often illuminating and equally hilarious.”

A whole host of celebrity faces will also pay tribute to the star during the show, with figures such as Sharon Osbourne, Jonathan Ross, Nick Cave and Jason Donovan all sharing their memories of the comic titan.

What’s on Channel 4 Christmas Day 2023?

The Festive Pottery Throw Down, 7.30pm

The Great Pottery Throw Down’s Christmas special episode returns with four more intrepid celebrities ready to give the pottery wheel a spin.

Actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, radio host and presenter Alice Levine, actor and TV presenter Joe Swash, and comedian and writer Sophie Duker will all be joining host Siobhan McSweeney and pottery experts Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller in the studio this year.

The Piano at Christmas, 8.45pm

Don’t miss the return of this surprise favourite talent competition ahead of its return for another full series next year.

Caludia Winkelman, Lang Lang and Mika will all be returning to their hosting roles for this festive special episode which will see some of series one’s fan-favourite pianists return to play festive songs for crowds at London’s King’s Cross Station.

Merry Christmas to everyone from all the staff at Virgin Radio!