The Great British Bake Off [BBC One]

Credit: BBC
Credit: BBC

Despite the BBC airing their last ever usual series of The Great British Bake Off, the show will be making a return not once, but twice to the network before the end of the year. As we see Paul, Mary, Mel and Sue together for what's likely to be the very last time, the specials will be aired on Christmas Day at 4.45pm and Boxing Day at 7pm. Each show will feature four fan-favourite contestants from past series, including Cathryn Dresser, Howard Middleton and six other memorable personalities.

Call the Midwife [BBC One]

Credit: BBC
Credit: BBC

The nuns of Nonnatus House return for another adventure, hoping to save a struggling hospital in South Africa through their good will and Christmas cheer. The special will air on Christmas Day at 8pm, paving the way for a brand new sixth series, which will consist of eight new episodes in January and February, 2017. Sinead Cusack will join the show via the Christmas special, playing new character Dr Myra Fitzsimmons.

Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs [ITV]

Credit: ITV
Credit: ITV

Paul O'Grady returns to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on Christmas Day at 6.45pm, with an hour-long special of festive fun as Paul meets some more homeless dogs in the care of the special staff. Filmed in London, Brands Hatch in Kent and Old Windsor in Berkshire, there will as always be a mixture of laughter and tears, as unforgettable moments hit the small screen.

Outnumbered [BBC One]

Credit: BBC
Credit: BBC

The BBC are finally giving Outnumbered fans the first chance to catch up with the Brockman family after three years of waiting. Carrying out a special mission for Grandad on Boxing Day, the family encounter a series of problems which viewers can see on Boxing Day at 10pm. All the main family members are returning to the show, with the three kids especially looking a lot older than they ever have done before. It's going to be a trip down memory lane and a hilarious 40 minutes when Outnumbered returns.

Doctor Who [BBC One]

Credit: BBC
Credit: BBC

Peter Capaldi returns as The Doctor on Christmas Day at 5.45pm, in a special episode titled 'The Return of Doctor Mysterio'. Seeing the Doctor team up with superhero The Ghost (Justin Chatwin) and a journalist played by Charity Wakefield, he'll do his best to save New York City from an impending alien attack. Taking inspiration from the likes of DC and Marvel, the show should prove to be unique to anything in the world of Doctor Who before, and we can't wait to see how it all turns out.

What will you be watching on the telly box this festive season? Let us know in the comments section below!


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