Table of contents for 51/52-2025 in Inside Soap UK

Dear reader, May I say what an absolute honour it is to be asked to write this letter to the loyal fans of Inside Soap – I couldn’t be more thrilled to be speaking to you all. Of course, as the former Mayor of Weatherfield I’ve appeared at many important political events, and I’m used to rubbing shoulders with all sorts of dignitaries in council chambers. So it really was no surprise when the esteemed editor of this magazine asked if I would say a few words, as I really can’t think of anyone more qualified for the job. Mind you, you’re lucky I have time to write anything at all, as I’m very busy picking out my outfit for Debbie’s wedding. She used to be my sister-in-law, you know,…

Hi, Cath! What was it like to film in the Rovers all dressed up for Christmas? Fabulous. Just fabulous. I love working alongside the art department. They always ask my opinion, ‘Would Eva do this?’ When they’d Christmassed everything up, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so Eva!’ What are your plans for Christmas? I’m not going to move. That’s that. We like to be at home at Christmas because it’s so special for the kids. We have both sets of parents around and Tom [Cath’s hubby] does all the cooking. I’m really lucky in that respect, because he is amazing and really enjoys doing it. I just make the table look pretty, have a glass of Prosecco and everyone’s happy! What are your favourite Christmas decorations? If…

Kim reflects on days gone by while alone this Christmas, after she refuses to make peace with Joe and Lydia. The not-so-festive fortnight kicks off with Kim cancelling her food order for her family Christmas dinner, before Joe arrives to try to end a bitter dispute that they’ve been locked in for some time. However, Kim is in no mood to offer up forgiveness and turfs Joe out… “Joe is basically ousted from the house by Kim Tate!” explains Ned Porteous, who plays Joe. “She’s so cross because of what he has done. So, it’s going to be a different Christmas for Joe.” The next day, Kim takes a tumble at Home Farm and finds herself unable to stand up her own. As a result, she calls for assistance but…

Tony and Diane are determined to have the best Christmas ever this fortnight, but their children turn the big day into a complete nightmare! With massive secrets revealed, will the family be torn apart again? “With Tony narrowly avoiding death earlier this year, Diane is thankful that he’s still here and wants to make this festive season perfect,” teases our village spy. “But teens Dee Dee and Ant put a spanner in the works and create utter carnage in the Hutchinson household…” As Christmas kicks off, Dee Dee secretly hides a gift, while troubled Ant continues to cause tension within the family. Ant is forced to join in with the festivities, but while setting the table, he finds a burner phone and pockets the mysterious device. Little Eva is excited…

When we ask Charlotte what the highlight of her year has been, with zero hesitation she cites working with Joe Absolom, who plays Ray. Both stars appeared in EastEnders during the 90s – Joe as tortured Matthew Rose, and Charlotte as religious fanatic Sue Taylor, who lured the character of Sarah Hills into a cult. However, Charlotte and Joe never crossed paths while in Walford. “The 90s – well researched!” exclaims Charlotte. “I did EastEnders before Joe, when I was 20, I think. Joe was so good in it, I remember watching him and he was brilliant. EastEnders was the soap that I watched as I was in London; it’s weird now that I’m working with Joe, as I remember Matthew Rose really clearly!”…

Ahead of S4, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr revisit Moclín to throw a thank you party for the locals who helped them with their last renovation – and enjoy a ‘feliz Navidad’… “Over here, Christmas ends on Boxing Day, then you have that lull,” notes Amanda. “In Spain, they go through to January!” “ I love how the Spanish embrace Christmas,” agrees Alan. “Seeing the lights turned on in Málaga, we were just so emotional. Their electricity bill must’ve been through the roof!”…

This Christmas Day sees another gorgeous animation adapted from one of bestselling writer-and-illustrator combo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s charming tales. The half-hour special boasts the vocal talents of Jessie Buckley as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson as Harry O’Hay, with Sophie Okonedo on narration duties, and returnee Rob Brydon as the rogueish Reginald Rake. And Rob reveals to Inside TV his old-school inspo for the voice of the scoundrelly scarecrow… “There’s a hint of Terry-Thomas there,” he shares. “I just love doing voice work on these, it’s always such a great thing to be a part of. But this, I think, is one of my favourites, because Reginald is rather caddish, and I’ve not played that sort of role in Julia’s world before. I’m normally nice!” Having worked on every…

I’m A Celeb’s Tom Read Wilson heads on a new adventure for the New Year, recreating the grand tours of Europe taken by young 17th, 18th and 19th-century aristocrats – a trip he was inspired to take by the approach of his 40th birthday in 2026… “I had read so many diaries of grand tourists,” Tom tells Inside TV. “I was thinking about how young so many of them were – some didn’t make their 40th birthdays – and I suddenly had this great sense of the passage of time.” Tom travels from Paris to Rome in the three-part series, taking in the myriad art, architecture and culture on offer as he does so. “I really wanted to see these masterpieces at close range,” Tom tells us. “To feel the…

Beyond Paradise Christmas Special BBC1, 9pm Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton star in the drama. Celebrity Escape To The Country BBC1, 6.05pm The start of a new series sees Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock look for a property in rural Kent. The Royal Variety Performance 2025 ITV1, 7.05pm Jason Manford hosts the annual entertainment event from London’s Royal Albert Hall. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.50pm The Chronicles Of Armagh 2.10 FILM: Spider-Man: Homecoming 4.15-4.45 Nollaí 4.55-5.00 BBC Newsline/Weather 11.00-12.55 FILM: Bridget Jones’s Baby BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 4.55-5.00pm Reporting Scotland/ Weather 11.00 Sportscene: Premiership Highlights 12.00am FILM: Die Hard 2 1.55 Weather For The Week Ahead 2.00-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.50pm A To Z Of TV Gardening 2.10 FILM: Spider-Man:…

Finding Father Christmas Channel 4, 7.30pm Light-hearted drama, starring Lenny Rush. The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special BBC1, 7.25pm Sophie Willan hosts a festive special of the crafting contest. Two Doors Down Christmas Special BBC1, 10pm Beth (Arabella Weir) and Eric (Alex Norton) put their Christmas tree up earlier than usual. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.45-1.55pm BBC Newsline/Weather BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.45-1.55pm Reporting Scotland/Weather BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.45-1.55pm BBC Wales Today/Weather 5.30 Nigel Slater’s Dish Of The Day 5.35 FILM: Paddington 7.00 EastEnders 7.30 The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special 8.30 Gavin & Stacey: The Finale 10.05-10.35 Mammoth Christmas Special STV as Main ITV except: 2.45-3.50am Night Vision…

Ant And Dec’s Limitless Win Christmas Special ITV1, 8.30pm The presenting duo host a festive edition of the quiz, with star guests including Amanda Holden. Wheel Of Fortune Christmas Special ITV1, 7.30pm Graham Norton welcomes the contestants. The Good Ship Murder Christmas Special 5, 9.30pm Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward return for a festive special ahead of a new series. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 11.55am Sportscene: Premiership Highlights 1.10am The Football Interview 1.25 The Weakest Link: Christmas Special 2.10 Weather For The Week Ahead 2.15-6.00 BBC News BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 5.35-6.35pm Doctor Who: Unleashed – 20 Years In Wales STV as Main ITV except: 1.00-4.00pm STV Racing: Live From Kempton 3.50-5.05am Night Vision…

The Cockfields Christmas Special BBC2, 10.45pm Comedy, starring Joe Wilkinson and Sue Johnston. Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes 5, 9pm Some of Sir Ken Dodd’s finest work, unseen for decades. Rob & Romesh Vs Shakespeare Sky Showcase, 9pm The duo prepare to perform at The Globe. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.00-1.10pm Reporting Scotland/Weather 10.30 Sportscene: Premiership Highlights 11.45 Match Of The Day 1.00am Weather For The Week Ahead 1.05-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.00-1.10pm BBC Wales Today/Weather 11.45-12.15 Rewind: 60 Years Of Welsh Pop – Christmas Crackers BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 6.00-7.00pm The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe: The Read With Steffan Rhodri STV as Main ITV except: 3.50-5.05am Night Vision…

The Great New Year Bake Off Channel 4, 6.40pm In a series first, the team welcome pairs of seasoned bakers back into the famous tent. Time Is Money ITV1, 6pm Brand-new quiz, hosted by Sara Davies, in which contestants are given their prize money before they’ve answered a question. The Traitors: Uncloaked BBC2, 9.05pm Ed Gamble returns with special guests to discuss the latest edition of the show. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 1.35pm FILM: Lawrence Of Arabia 5.05 Best Of Weatherman Walking 5.15-7.35 Scrum VS Live. Ospreys v Cardiff (Kick-off 5.30pm). The United Rugby Championship match at Dunraven Brewery Field. STV as Main ITV except: 1.00-3.40pm STV Racing: Live From Cheltenham 3.50-5.05am Unwind With STV…

Todd’s abuse ordeal could finally be exposed this festive fortnight, as Theo’s behaviour sparks suspicion. When evidence of Theo’s violence is revealed, will scared Todd be able to escape his tormentor’s clutches, or is this set to make things even worse? “We’re all desperate for someone to save Todd!” declares our Corrie insider. “Theo is doing his best to isolate him from his loved ones, but Billy is starting to clock it. Will he finally figure out that his best friend has been living in fear for the past few months?” Theo tells Todd he’s invited their friends to the flat for Christmas dinner. Instead of being pleased Theo is making an effort with his mates, Todd is on edge knowing this is probably another of twisted Theo’s mind games…

Disaster strikes in Walford this fortnight as Zoe’s stalker nightmare destroys Christmas at the Queen Vic! Shocking discoveries and sinister secrets explode as a terrifying situation unfolds with horrifying consequences… “Nobody expects a quiet Christmas on Albert Square,” reasons our EastEnders informant. “But there are some major curveballs nobody will see coming! Zoe’s stalker is still out there, and just when we think we’ve got some answers a host of twists spark more questions! This will be an unforgettable festive season…” Zoe’s paranoia peaks as she knows her anonymous tormentor remains at large. Kat and Alfie should be looking forward to their first Christmas back as bosses of the Vic, but Zoe’s dark drama has tarnished their celebrations. Undeterred, Kat tries to get Zoe to forget her troubles and embrace…

What can you tell us about this special episode? We cut to the Vic and it’s not New Year’s Day 2026, it’s 2027! Max has obviously had a busy year, lots of things have happened. Over the next 12 months we’ll build up to what we’ve seen, unpicking how the characters get there. Is Max happy in 2027? He’s obviously in some sort of trouble, we don’t know what. It’s jam-packed full of questions that are intriguing and confusing! Speculation will be off the scale… Sounds fascinating! Was it exciting to work on? To be at the centre of something like this is a real privilege. I was totally blown away by the ambition of the idea when I was told what the plans were by our executive producer, Ben…

Ravi returns to Albert Square hoping for a fresh start this fortnight, but Harry is still baying for blood! Desperate to seek revenge on the man who made his life a living hell and pushed him into drugs, Harry plots a brutal attack. Will Ravi pay for what he did? “It’s sickening to see Ravi return as if nothing’s gone on,” reports our EastEnders insider. “Harry will be haunted by what happened to him forever. But Ravi’s escaped completely unscathed…” Priya, Avani and Nugget give Ravi a warm welcome home, but their happy reunion leaves Harry seething. Although Kojo warns Harry to leave Ravi alone, the riled mechanic can’t forget their history and when he bumps into Ravi, his overwhelming frustration takes over. On New Year’s Eve, Harry attempts to…

Ray dreams of the perfect Christmas with his new love Laurel this fortnight – but will his wish come true, or will wicked Celia force him to leave his chance at true happiness behind? After a lifetime of being excluded from all joy and festive spirit, Ray can’t wait to spend time with Laurel and her family. But as the walls close in on his evil double life, will Celia order Ray to flee with her? “Ray has never really had a proper Christmas,” explains Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel. “But this year, it’s full of warmth and love, twinkly lights and a Christmas tree as he walks into this huge hug of Mulberry Cottage. We do a typical family Christmas day with charades, laughter and silliness.” Back on the…

Seasons greetings, Claire! Tell us about Christmas for Kim… Kim has rather an action-packed Christmas coming up, with Lydia and Kim’s friendship tested to the limit. Filming Christmas always starts in October, so by the time we finish the real one, it’s been three months long – so it does drag on a bit! But it can be a happy time, or it can be a disastrous time, as there’s usually a birth or a death at this time. So, who knows what we’re getting this year? What are you personally looking forward to this Christmas? I’m looking forward to a break at Christmas. I think we are all looking forward to it. I will need a break as there’s more drama in store for Kim in the New Year,…

This two-part Christmas special sees the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House – including Trixie (Helen George) – left to their own devices when Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) leads a mission of mercy to Hong Kong… “The ground underneath a mission has collapsed, and orphans and mothers have nowhere to go,” Jenny explains Inside TV. “So, the nuns go there to find new premises and take care of things.” While the crew certainly have their work cut out, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the show’s stars, either, as they battled intense heat during filming in China… “It was very hot and steamy,” reveals Jenny. “By the end of the day, my lovely white linen gown was soaking!” Meanwhile, those back in Poplar have two mums-to-be on a Travellers’ camp…

Nothing says Chrimbo like popping your feet up post-dinner while you watch six celebs puff their way around the Strictly dance floor. Brian McFadden, Melanie Blatt, Babatunde Aléshé, Jodie Ounsley (aka Gladiators’ Fury), Scarlett Moffatt and Nicholas Bailey vie to be crowned Strictly Christmas champ 2025 – and as Nicholas tells Inside TV, his initial reaction to being asked on the show was… “…shock, mostly!” he chuckles. “I just got so accustomed to watching other people on it, when they asked me I thought, ‘Oh, me? Are you sure?!’ But I was very pleased!” Best known of course as EastEnders’ Dr Anthony Trueman, Nicholas – who is paired with pro dancer Luba Mushtuk – is delighted with the dance style that he’ll be performing… “The waltz is perfect for me…

Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel BBC1, Christmas Day Mel Giedroyc, Richard Osman and Paddy McGuinness are the players popping up to win for charity. Blankety Blank BBC1, Sat 20 Dec Motsi Mabuse and Jack Dee are among the stars filling in Bradley’s Blanks. Time Is Money ITV1, New Year’s Day Sara Davies hosts a new quiz in which players get their prize money before they answer the question, racing against a giant timer to keep hold of it. Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win Special ITV1, Sat 27 Dec Guests Jamie Redknapp and Amanda Holden (again!) join the boys on the high-stakes quiz. Big Fat Quiz Of The Year C4, Boxing Day Jimmy Carr quizzes the star teams on 2025’s biggest stories. Wheel Of Fortune ITV1, Sat 27 Dec Graham Norton hosts…

The immensely anticipated final season of the telly phenomenon draws to its epic conclusion over the festive period, with episodes 5, 6 and 7 on Boxing Day (1am if you can stay awake after all those Christmas snacks), and the last-ever ep on NYD (far easier to stay up for 1am then). Can Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and her pals defeat the über-violent anthropomorphic daffodils that are the demogorgons – and end Vecna once and for all?…

Celebrity MasterChef: Christmas Cook Off BBC1, 8pm GK Barry, Kola Bokinni, Nikki Fox and Iain Stirling compete. Mammoth Christmas Special BBC2, 10pm Tony celebrates his first Christmas since being thawed. Taskmaster: Champion Of Champions 2025 Channel 4, 9pm Previous winners return to take on another set of silly challenges to find the ultimate champ. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.25-1.30pm BBC Newsline/ Weather 10.40 FILM: Good Vibrations 12.15am FILM: An Irish Goodbye 12.40-12.45 The Chronicles Of Armagh BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.25-1.30pm Reporting Scotland/Weather 12.45am Sportscene: SWPL Highlights 1.15 Alan Carr’s Picture Slam 2.00 Weather For The Week Ahead 2.05-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.25-1.30pm BBC Wales Today/Weather 6.30 Christmas Top 5 7.00-7.30 Rewind: 60 Years Of Welsh Pop –…

Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel BBC1, 6.45pm The comedian hosts a festive edition of the show. The 1% Club Christmas Special 2025 ITV1, 9.15pm Lee Mack hosts a special edition in which every question is Christmas-themed. Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents’ Evening Christmas Special ITV1, 10.15pm Festive edition, with Larry Lamb and son George, Motsi Mabuse and mum Dudu, and Josh Widdicombe and dad Tom. REGIONAL VARIATIONS STV as Main ITV except: 5.55-6.00am Unwind With STV. Daily escape designed to calm the mind and encourage relaxation and reflection.…

Fletchers’ Family Farm At Christmas ITV1, 6.30pm Kelvin, Liz and the kids head to Austria for a well-earned break. Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: Is There Life Beyond Earth? BBC4, 7pm Maggie Aderin-Pocock explores the search for extraterrestrial life, starting with the moon. Titanic Sinks Tonight BBC2, 9pm New dramatised documentary recounting the ship’s doomed 1912 voyage. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.25pm Penguins: Meet The Family 2.25-3.25 The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe: The Read With Steffan Rhodri 3.35-3.40 BBC Newsline/Weather BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 3.35-3.40pm Reporting Scotland/Weather BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 3.35-3.40pm BBC Wales Today/Weather 11.15 Christmas Top 5 11.45-12.15 Rewind: 60 Years Of Welsh Pop – Christmas Special STV as Main ITV except: 3.50-5.05am Night Vision…

Here We Go BBC1, 8pm Festive special of the comedy, which sees the Jessop family celebrating the New Year. Jools’ Annual Hootenanny BBC2, 11.30pm Guests include Lulu, Jessie J and Imelda May. Ronan Keating And Friends: New Year’s Eve Party BBC1, 11.30pm The singer fronts a special New Year’s Eve concert. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.20-1.30pm BBC Newsline/Weather BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.20-1.30pm Reporting Scotland/ Weather 8.00 FILM: Mission: Impossible 9.45 BBC News 10.00 Being Stanley Baxter 11.00 Queen Of The New Year 11.30 Hogmanay 2025 12.30am The Graham Norton New Year’s Eve Show 1.30 TRNSMT 2025 2.30 Weather For The Week Ahead 2.35-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.20-1.30pm BBC Wales Today/Weather STV as Main ITV except: 11.20am Bringing…

Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job BBC1, 9.35pm Alan Carr and Amanda Holden return with a new reonvation, this time in Corfu. Would I Lie To You? BBC1, 7.30pm New series. Guests include Julie Hesmondhalgh and Chris McCausland. Jane McDonald: From Pole To Pole 5, 9pm New series, in which the singer travels to the Antarctic. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 7.00-7.30pm Farm 999 BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 6.45pm Sportscene: Road To The World Cup 7.00-7.30 Here We Go BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 7.00-7.30pm Our Tenby Island: Our Lives 10.45 Rewind: 60 Years Of Welsh Pop 11.15 FILM: Mission: Impossible III 1.10-1.40am Would I Lie To You? At Christmas BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 6.00pm Weatherman Walking 6.30-7.00 Richard Osman’s Festive House…

ACROSS 3 Niece of 30D whose mother, Sally Metcalfe, still lives on Coronation Street (6)7 & 18A Walford resident who reunited with Ross (5,6)8 Rosie ___, portrays Emmerdale’s Gabby Thomas (7)9 ___ Mitchell, returned to Albert Square briefly for Jonno’s funeral (3)11 & 36D Hollyoaks bloke who asked Warren to kill Tony on his wedding day (6,7)13 See 49A 16 & 24D She has returned to Coronation Street to become the new landlady of 49A (3,5)17 Hostelries such as the Woolpack and 49A (4)18 See 7A 21 Bed and Breakfast located in Emmerdale village, once owned by Eric Pollard (3,6)23 Last name of the former family in Hollyoaks whose members have included Louis, Lisa and Zack (7)26 She left EastEnders earlier this year, playing her trumpet as she went (5)28 &…

We’re already giddy with excitement to ring in the New Year – and for one very special reason: 2026 is the year we will feast our eyes on Corriedale! And if you’re after all the juicy gossip before it hits your telly screen, look no further than the next edition of Inside Soap. From tell-all interviews with cast members from both soaps to huge details about the drama to come, we have you covered! Now, we’ll leave you to wonder where these two end up… Next issue on sale TUESDAY 30 DEC…

Hi, Sally! How will you be spending Christmas Day? My husband [Joe Duttine, aka Corrie’s Tim] and I will be spending it in Scotland. We’re in a very lovely Christmassy hotel for a few days. Do you put your Christmas decorations up nice and early? Yes, very early! I have a winter wonderland display, with a forest and a very camp pink reindeer corner with big snowballs. We have three seven-foot Christmas trees in our house, and eight trees in total! What’s your fave Corrie Christmas storyline from over the years? There’s too many to choose from, but I did love Gail’s story last year. I love it when the decorations go up on the street when it still feels like mid-summer. Which festive movies will you make sure to…

Anthony is not in the mood for any festivities, which causes concern as his demeanour darkens. The doctor feels sorry for himself after being dumped by Zoe, and is struggling with the idea of a Christmas without his ex-wife and children. But there was more to his marriage break-up than meets the eye and he’s full of seething resentment. Patrick, Yolande and Chelsea are worried about how agitated he seems as they try to cheer him up. Is there more that uptight Anthony is hiding?…

Hi Jaye! How is Celia celebrating Christmas? Celia doesn’t mark Christmas. This year she’s planning on leaving the area as it’s all got too complicated. April’s family are an irritant to her and Moria is becoming troublesome by asking too many questions! Is she worried about Ray and Laurel? Yes. Alarmingly, Ray has gone and fallen in love. So she’s extricating them to another area. It’s clear this is something she’s done before – find another farm and set up their enterprise there. What are you doing for your own Christmas, Jaye? I have the most perfect Christmases! We go to the seaside and take a mini Christmas picnic and a miniature bottle of champagne – and lunch for the dogs! We get up really early, walk for miles and…

Jean White and the Saint Victoire gang’s Christmas adventure may be movie-length this year, but time is definitely running out when they get trapped in a museum with a ticking time bomb for company! “It’s basically a Christmas disaster movie,” Sally Lindsay, who stars as Jean and also created the series, tells us. “So, Home Alone, Die Hard, Hostage, they’re all in there. I wanted it to look cinematic, like a proper film!” Said bomb is hidden in a bronze box, and with the museum doors locked, the guests start to panic – chief among them George and Aurielle, played by guest stars John Thompson and Kacey Ainsworth… “John I’ve known for 25 years,” shares Sally. “Kacey I’ve admired for a long time, so I sent her a message on…

Harlan Coben’s latest twisty thriller sees James Nesbitt and Ruth Jones team up to tell the story of a father looking for his missing child. Simon’s daughter Paige left home six months ago. When he finds her in a park, a violent incident sparks a search that leads him into the underworld… “Her disappearance is devastating to Simon,” James tells us. “He’s aware she’s out there but he doesn’t know where, and it has an extraordinary impact on him. It’s painful, and he’s prepared to do anything.” In the eight-parter, Simon joins forces with private investigator Elena, who has her own secrets… “As soon as I read Elena’s first scene, I loved her!” grins Ruth. “She couldn’t be further away from both me in real life and the characters that…

Blankety Blank Christmas Special BBC1, 6.20pm Bradley Walsh hosts the fun-filled game show. Strictly Come Dancing: The Final BBC1, 7pm Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly host the series’ conclusion. Westlife 25: Live At The Royal Albert Hall ITV1, 5.30pm The remaining members kick off the successful band’s 25th anniversary tour. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 4.30-5.15pm Sportscene: Open All Mics 11.50 Sportscene: Premiership Highlights 12.50am The Football Interview 1.05 FILM: Planes, Trains And Automobiles 2.35 Weather For The Week Ahead 2.40-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.30pm FILM: Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb 3.00-4.00 Wales’ Home Of The Year Christmas Special BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 8.10pm Gardeners’ World Winter Specials 9.10 Christmas Treasures Of The National Trust 10.10 Madness:…

Stuffed BBC1, 9pm One-off comedy that sees a family needing a festive miracle. Stars Guz Khan and Morgana Robinson. First Dates At Christmas Channel 4, 9pm Fred Sirieix and the team get ready for a night of festive flirting in a special episode. A Very British Christmas: Kensington Palace Channel 4, 8pm Christmas events and displays at Kensington Palace. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 10.40pm Give My Head Peace Christmas Special 11.10 FILM: Challengers 1.15am Have I Got 2025 For You 1.45-6.00 BBC News BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.25-1.30pm Reporting Scotland/Weather BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.25-1.30pm BBC Wales Today/ Weather 6.30 Christmas Top 5 7.00-7.30 Rewind: 60 Years Of Welsh Pop – Christmas Crackers BBC2 N IRELAND as Main BBC2 except: 9.45pm…

The Masked Singer: Christmas Special ITV1, 7.30pm Joel Dommett hosts a festive edition of the contest. Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2025 Channel 4, 9pm Jimmy Carr quizzes three teams of celebrities on some of the year’s biggest stories. The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2025 Channel 4, 7.45pm Four novice celebrity potters take part. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 2.00pm The Best Dishes Ever 2.15 Best Of Weatherman Walking 2.45 Scrum VS Live 5.15-5.20 Planet Earth: A Tale Of Three Bears 10.15 Christmas Top 5 10.45 Two Doors Down Christmas Special 11.15-1.10 FILM: Four Weddings And A Funeral BBC2 WALES as Main BBC2 except: 2.00pm FILM: Minions: The Rise Of Gru 3.20 FILM: Puss In Boots: The Last Wish 4.50 BBC News 5.15 FILM: The Italian…

MasterChef Festive Extravaganza: Champion Of Champions BBC1, 8pm Four previous victors re-enter the kitchen for a special ep. Midsomer Murders ITV1, 8.30pm New series. The death of an estate’s patriarch leads to murder. Guest-starring Peter Serafinowicz. Richard Osman’s Festive House Of Games BBC2, 7pm Alex Brooker, Rhys Darby, Joanna Page and Molly Rainford take part in the quiz. REGIONAL VARIATIONS BBC1 N IRELAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.05-1.15pm BBC Newsline/Weather BBC1 SCOTLAND as Main BBC1 except: 1.05-1.15pm Reporting Scotland/Weather 6.30 River City 7.00-7.30 River City 10.30 Breaking The Year 2025 11.00 Amandaland Christmas Special 11.30 FILM: Clueless 1.05am Would I Lie To You? At Christmas 1.35 Weather For The Week Ahead 1.40-6.00 BBC News BBC1 WALES as Main BBC1 except: 1.05-1.15pm BBC Wales Today/ Weather 10.30 Christmas Top 5 11.00…

BULLSEYE! Oh come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant readers, it’s time for our final Bullseye of the year, as we present the most prestigious prizes of all: The Hits & Misses Unsung Heroes of 2025! So, take a bow please, Hollyoaks firecracker Tisha Merry (Gemma), Emmerdale joy-bringer Shebz Miah (Kammy), the ever-funny Amy Robbins (Corrie’s Christina), and the powerhouse that is EastEnders’ Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren). Thanks for lighting up the screen! (That’s all from us for now, folks. Have a smashing Christmas, and we’ll catch you for more back page bantz in Jan!). It turns out you can get the measure of a soap character just from their Christmas trees: If Jack’s dad-dancing to Simply Red isn’t enough to make Denise demand a recount on those Ravi votes, nothing will.…