What's on BBC One This Christmas in the UK?

BBC One & BBC iPlayer List

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


NEWS PROVIDED BY
BBC One

[Original Press Release Published on Nov. 30, 2022]

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse

A story of kindness, friendship, courage and hope for viewers of all ages in a heart-warming, hand-drawn traditionally animated film based on Charlie Mackesy’s book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. The poignant and heartfelt journey follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse travelling together in the boy’s search for home.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a Matthew Freud production of a Charlie Mackesy film, produced by NoneMore Productions and Bad Robot Productions (1 x 32 mins) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer and Ayela Butt, BBC Drama Commissioning Executive.

The Smeds and The Smoos

From Oscar nominated producer, Magic Light Pictures, The Smeds and The Smoos is a half hour special, adapted for screen and based on the best-selling picture book by creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. In this animated intergalactic adventure, the red Smeds and the blue Smoos must learn to overcome their differences and work together to find young Janet and Bill – who eloped to escape their families’ long standing rivalries.

The cast stars Adjoa Andoh as Grandmother Smoo, Bill Bailey as Grandfather Smed, Rob Brydon as Uncle Smoo, Daniel Ezra as Bill, Sally Hawkins as Narrator, Ashna Rabheru as Janet, and Meera Syal as Aunt Smed. The film will premiere on BBC One this Christmas and will stream on BBC iPlayer.

Motherland: Last Christmas

Kevin (Paul Ready), Julia (Anna Maxwell Martin), Liz (Diane Morgan), Anne (Philippa Dunne), Amanda (Lucy Punch) and Meg (Tanya Moodie) are gathered in a Christmassy kitchen

School’s out for the festive season so the mums, and Kevin (Paul Ready), are busy prepping for the ultimate in blended Christmas celebrations.

It’s a full house at Julia’s (Anna Maxwell Martin) with an influx of grandparents demanding endless cups of tea, as they play with a VR headset Paul bought “for the kids”. Julia has invited Kevin along too after learning that his alternative was dining on turkey crisps from the hotel vending machine in the company of the other divorced dads. Kevin excitedly offers to whip up a full-on Persian feast. Liz (Diane Morgan) also turns up when her ex cancels following a massive Christmas Eve bender, letting her down on his first ever offer to host.

Meanwhile, Amanda (Lucy Punch) is spending Christmas Day with Johnny (Terry Mynott), the kids and Johnny’s new wife Tamara (Louise Delamere). Which is fine. Really fine. It’s fine. Amanda’s mother Felicity (Joanna Lumley) has been invited too and jumps at the chance to revel in the awkward atmosphere. The contrast with Christmas at Anne’s (Philippa Dunne) house couldn’t be starker; Anne is hosting her mammy (Maggie McCarthy) and the cousins – all 29 of them - and is beside herself with excitement.

Despite their enduring love-match, Meg’s (Tanya Moodie) husband Bill buys her a present so dire that it has her questioning whether he really knows her at all. She gets stuck into the plentiful supply of booze she’s bought for the day but regrets the drunken results when something really shocking happens over the road at Julia’s.

Motherland is written by Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe, Divorce, Pulling), Holly Walsh (Dead Boss, The Other One), Helen Serafinowicz (Motherland), and Barunka O'Shaughnessy (Timewasters).

Motherland is a Merman production with TwoFour for BBC One and will be distributed by Lionsgate. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Controller Comedy Commissioning. Produced by Caroline Norris and directed by Simon Hynd, the Executive Producers are Clelia Mountford, Sharon Horgan, Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz and Barunka O’Shaughnessy. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Tanya Qureshi.

Happy Valley

Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) stands in her hi vis police vest and uniform with a bloody nose

Sally Wainwright’s multi-BAFTA award winning hit Happy Valley returns to the BBC for its third and final series, starring Sarah Lancashire as Sergeant Catherine Cawood. When Catherine discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir, it sparks a chain of events that leads her straight back to Tommy Lee Royce [James Norton]. Her grandson, Ryan [Rhys Connah], is now sixteen and has ideas of his own about the kind of relationship he wants to have with the man Catherine refuses to acknowledge as his father, leaving Catherine’s sister Clare [Siobhan Finneran] caught in the middle. In another part of the valley, a local pharmacist gets in over his head when a neighbour is arrested.

Happy Valley series three (6x60’) is a Lookout Point production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Executive producers are Sally Wainwright and Sarah Lancashire, with Faith Penhale and Will Johnston for Lookout Point, Ben Irving and Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC. In advance of series three, the first two series of Happy Valley are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

The Hit List Christmas Special

It’s time to jingle all the way to a star-studded Christmas Special of The Hit List!

The three teams joining Marvin and Rochelle Humes to test their music knowledge for this festive treat are presenter Arielle Free and music legend Paul Young, Mrs Browns Boys stars Fiona O’Carroll and Eilish O’Carroll, and DJs Gary Davies and Richie Anderson; but who will be Driving Home For Christmas with a potential £10,000 win for their chosen charity? Get ready to play along and shout out the answers at the telly!

The Hit List Christmas Special (1x45’) is a Tuesday’s Child Scotland production and was commissioned for BBC One by Kate Phillips in her capacity as Director of Entertainment. The Executive Producer is Karen Smith for Tuesday’s Child Scotland and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum.

The Weakest Link Christmas Special

Romesh Returns with a Christmas Special of The Weakest Link and will be joined by 8 celebrities, each with their own connection to Christmas who will have to work as a team to try to win a maximum prize of £50,000 for their chosen charity.

Each round one player will be voted The Weakest Link by their fellow contestants and will leave with nothing. After a final head to head one celebrity will be crowned The Strongest Link and will take the prize.

The Weakest Link, a 1 x 45’ is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production for BBC One and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Kate Phillips in her capacity as Director of Entertainment. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Pete Ogden. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum.

That’s My Jam

Multi BAFTA award winning Mo Gilligan hosts TV’s biggest music game show, That’s My Jam.

Each week two new teams of celebrities take on a host of super-sized musical challenges as Mo pushes their singing abilities, performance skills and musical knowledge to the limit as they compete to be declared That’s My Jam champions.

But which team will be victorious as they blast their best vocals and bust their best moves playing games such as The Wheel of Impossible Karaoke, Launch The Mic, The Vinyl Countdown, Disco Charades and Take on Mo before facing the mighty DoomBox in the epic end game, Slay It, Don’t Spray It!?

Who has the rhythm and who will be left with the blues? Let the musical mayhem begin!

That’s My Jam (8 x 60) is produced by Universal International Studios’ Monkey in partnership with Universal Television Alternative Studio for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Kate Phillips in her capacity as Director of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC. The Executive Producers for Monkey are Will Macdonald and Andy Price. The Series Producer is Isabel Forte. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Pinki Chambers.

Sam Ryder's All Star New Year's Eve

Eurovision and break through music artist of ’22, Sam Ryder, is joined by some of music’s biggest stars to put on a spectacular New Year Eve party as we build up to the midnight moment. Performing hits which span the decades, Sam and his all-star guests rock into the New Year. After midnight, the party continues with Sam’s take on classics and special duets.

Sam Ryder's All Star New Year's Eve (2 x 30) is a BBC Studios production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music, TV. The Series Editor is Lewis Thurlow and the Executive Producer is Mel Balac. The Director is Julia Knowles and the Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Jonathan Rothery and Dawn Payne.

The Cleaner Christmas Special

Paul 'Wicky' Wickstead (Greg Davies) and Robert (Robbie Curran) stand behind the counter in an ice cream parlour

It’s Christmas Day and Wicky is looking forward to winning Weasel’s Christmas raffle: first prize, an actual horse. All that stands in his way is a blood-soaked crime scene in an ice cream parlour, and a regular customer who isn’t going to let a little thing like a murder stop him from getting the perfect peach melba ice-cream.

The Cleaner Christmas Special is a Studio Hamburg UK (1 x 30) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy Commissioning. The Executive Producer for Studio Hamburg UK is Vivien Muller-Rommel and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Ben Caudell.

Ghosts Christmas Special

The Ghosts, touched by Alison’s thoughtful generosity, are inspired to give her a special Christmas present in return – but with Alison due back in a matter of hours, can they pull off their ambitious plan in time? Mike’s loaded Tupperware comes in handy when their journey hits a bump in the road, forcing them to reassess their Christmas day plans. And Kitty gets her moment in the spotlight thanks to a much-needed pep talk from a surprising source.

The Ghosts will also get together for a special festive episode of the companion podcast Inside… Ghosts: Christmas Special, featuring Jim Howick (Pat) and Mathew Baynton (Thomas), available on BBC Sounds straight after the Ghosts Christmas special airs on BBC One.

Ghosts is a half hour Christmas Special for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy. The Executive Producers for Monumental Television are Alison Carpenter, Debra Hayward and Alison Owen and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Seb Barwell. The producer is Pat Tookey-Dickson, the director is Simon Hynd and the episode is written by Mathew Baynton and Jim Howick.

Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond are also executive producers.

Mrs Browns Boys - Christmas & New Year Specials

Episode 1: Shining Mammy

Cathy’s creepy boyfriend is initiated into the family and Agnes gets a festive fright when looking after his spooky twins. Meanwhile Bono rethinks his eco-kick after a lesson from Agnes.

Episode 2: Mammy's Hair Loom

Buster and Dermot are convinced Cathy’s boyfriend is a vampire and there’s only one way to deal with vampires. Meanwhile, Agnes awaits the valuation of an ‘antique’ vase that’s been in the family for generations

Mrs Brown’s Boys is a BBC Studios Comedy Production in partnership with BOC-PIX and RTE (2 x 30) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producers for BBC Studios Comedy are Steven Canny and Josh Cole, Brendan O’Carroll and Fiona Gibney for BOC-PIX and Justin Healy for RTE. Written by Brendan O’Carrolll, the specials are directed by Nick Wood. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.

Two Doors Down Christmas Special

Neighbours Colin (Jonathan Watson), Anne Marie (Siobhan Redmond), Eric (Alex Norton), Beth (Arabella Weir), Ian (Jamie Quinn), Gordon (Kieran Hodgson), Christine (Elaine C Smith), Michelle (Joy McAvoy) and Alan (Graeme ‘Grado’ Stevely) gather in a coffee shop

As the snow begins to fall, it’s a welcome break at the coffee shop after a spot of Christmas shopping where Christine surprises the neighbours with some uncharacteristic festive generosity.

Two Doors Down is a BBC Studios Comedy production in Scotland (1 x 30) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Seb Barwell, Commissioning Editor. Written by Simon Carlyle and Gregor Sharp, the director is Ben Gosling Fuller and the producer is Jacqueline Sinclair. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Steven Canny and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Seb Barwell.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special, once again bringing festive fun, frolics and fab-u-lous dancing to homes across the nation.

Six stars will take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2022, but will the judges be naughty or nice to them?

Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the Christmas Special will include a merry musical performance and some spectacular group routines including the celebrities and their professional partners, guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.

Blankety Blank Christmas Special

Bradley Walsh stands on the set of Blankety Blank, which has been decorated with Christmas trees

Blankety Blank is a Thames (a Fremantle label) production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight. The Executive Producer for Thames is Christopher Barbour and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Kalpna Patel-Knight

Bradley Walsh returns with a festive special of the legendary Blankety Blank. A panel of six celebrities will fill in the missing BLANKS to help some very lucky contestants win some amazing prizes.

Joining the panel this week for a fun and festive Christmas special are TV presenters Alison Hammond and Jonathan Ross, comedians Alex Horne and Guz Khan, and actresses Dame Joanna Lumley and Joanna Page.

Michael McIntyre's Christmas Wheel

Three celebrity contestants – TV Chef Gino D’Acampo, singer and TV personality Alesha Dixon and adventurer Bear Grylls – attempt to complete the Wheel to win money for their chosen charities this Christmas.

Trying to help the three famous faces on bank as much cash as possible are seven celebrity experts; singer and presenter Michael Ball OBE, comedian Rosie Jones, author and etiquette expert William Hanson, singer-songwriter Fleur East, celebrity chef Hugh Fearney Whittingstall, TV presenter AJ Odudu and comedian, musician and actor Bill Bailey. They will take their turn to try and help answer questions on everything from Elves, to Christmas Parties even Carols and Christmas decorations Whose help will be the perfect present and who has got their traditions in a whirl?

Full of laughs and plenty of festive cheer, The Wheel will get viewers in a spin in this special yuletide edition.

Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel (1x60) is a Hungry McBear Media production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, and Kate Phillips, Commissioning Director, Unscripted. The Executive Producers for Hungry McBear Media are Dan Baldwin and Tom Blakeson. The Senior Head of Commissioning, Entertainment for the BBC is Kalpna Patel-Knight.

The Graham Norton Show New Year’s Eve Special

The Bafta award-winning chat show returns for its traditional New Year’s Eve edition on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Together on Graham’s Hogmanay sofa will be Oscar-winning Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown), and BAFTA rising star Micheal Ward (Top Boy), co-starring in Sam Mendes’ powerful romantic drama Empire of Light; musician, writer and comedy great Hugh Laurie; actor and award-winning stand-up Romesh Ranganthan; one of the stars of 2022, footballer Leah Williamson (who captained England’s Lionesses to victory in the Euros); and the stars of Cabaret, Callum Scott-Howells (It’s A Sin) and Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale), who chat and perform “Willkommen” and “Don’t Tell Mama” from the hit West End revival. Plus, end-of-year stories from the audience in Graham’s world-famous Big Red Chair.

The Graham Norton Show, a 1 x 60’ is made by So Television for BBC One and iPlayer. Commissioned by Kate Phillips in her capacity of Director of Entertainment Commissioning the show. The Series Producer is Jon Magnusson and the Executive Producer is Graham Stuart. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum.

MasterChef Christmas Specials

Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off and Festive Extravaganza

Bringing some foodie fun to the festive season, MasterChef judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace are back once again for both a Christmas and Festive special, inviting eight of the most memorable celebrities from past series back into the infamous MasterChef kitchen.

Expect a real cracker from the Christmas MasterChef kitchen with plenty of laughs, songs, and some astonishing food.

Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off will see Happy Monday’s legend Bez; Athletics World Champion Iwan Thomas MBE; Pop star Josh Cuthbert and opera singing superstar Lesley Garrett CBE, compete to be crowned Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Champion 2022.

While Dancer AJ Pritchard; Actor Chizzy Akudolu; British Drag Performer Kitty Scott-Claus and reality star and X-Factor winner Megan McKenna, go all out as one cook will be crowned Celebrity MasterChef Festive Champion 2022.

Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off and Celebrity MasterChef Festive Extravaganza, are 2x60’ for BBC One and iPlayer, made by Shine TV. Commissioned by Kate Phillips and Sarah Clay. The Commissioning Editor is Sarah Clay and the Executive Producer is David Ambler, and Series Editor Katie Attwood.

Pointless Celebrities Christmas Special

A special festive edition of the general knowledge quiz in which four teams try to come up with the answers that no-one else could think of.

Presented by Alexander Armstrong and co-host Richard Osman. Featuring TBC.

Pointless Celebrities is a Remarkable (1 x 49min) production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producers for Remarkable are Tamara Gilder & Richard Hague. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum.

Would I Lie to You Christmas Special

Rob Brydon is back in the host’s chair for a festive edition of Would I Lie To You?

Would I Lie To You? At Christmas is a Zeppotron Limited (1 x 30) production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producers for Zeppotron Ltd are Rachel Ablett and Peter Holmes and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Pinki Chambers.

Question of Sport

In the Question of Sport Christmas Special, Paddy McGuinness hosts alongside regular team captains Sam Quek and Ugo Monye. Joining them are Strictly Come Dancing's Kai Widdrington, presenter and Love Island star Chris Hughes, England goalkeeper David James and Britain's most successful Paralympian Sarah Storey.

Question of Sport is a BBC Studios (36 x 30) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Gareth Edwards and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Katie Taylor.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022

A sensational year of sport will be celebrated as BBC Sports Personality of the Year comes live from Media City UK in Salford.

Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will look back at the year’s biggest triumphs, with the evening being rounded off as the public-voted Sports Personality of the Year 2022 is crowned.

The 69th edition of the glittering awards show will champion those in the world of elite sport, as well as the unsung heroes in local communities who do inspiring work at grassroots level.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year is made by BBC Sport in house. Head Of Production: Debbie Dubois; Editor: Marc Vesty, Creative Director: Gabby Cook.

The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special

Sara Pascoe, Esme Young and Patrick Grant invite celebrity sewers for a festive Sewing Bee Special. Strictly's Johannes Radebe, EastEnder’s Natalie Cassidy, Podcaster Rosie Ramsey and TV personality Penny Lancaster take on a pattern for a Christmas apron and turn a sack full of children's hand me downs into a novelty outfit for a baby. Finally they create pop star inspired fancy dress to ring in the New Year before dancing the night away to a Dolly Parton classic.

The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special, a 1x60’ for BBC One and iPlayer, is made by Love Productions. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Live Events. The Executive Producers are Susanne Rock and Richard McKerrow and the Commissioning Editor is Patrick McMahon.

Antiques Roadshow Christmas Special: Toys and Childhood

Antiques Roadshow hosts a Special Episode about toys and games and how they have shaped our childhoods. Drawing together stories filmed all across the country this summer, with specially selected items filmed at the Museum of the Home in East London.

From a 4,000 year-old pull-along toy, to one of the first personal computer consoles; the Roadshow team explores how toys and our notions of childhood have changed over time.

Raj Bisram discovers a collection of Action Men, while Marc Allum tries his hand at some old school Subbuteo. We see toys drawn from a history of conflict, as Bunny Campione hears the story of a Mickey Mouse figure given to a family member escaping Occupied France, while Fiona Bruce delves into the museum archives to uncover a unique Christmas present made from an old gas mask box. Our experts bring along some of their own childhood toys, including Mark Smith’s teddy, Bunny Campione’s original soft toy bunny which she is named after and a bottle rocket that Ronnie Archer-Morgan played with as a child in the 1950s.

Finally, the team uncovers some antiques for the future, including a collection of signed first edition Raymond Briggs books and some original draft drawings of hit children’s television favourites, the Teletubbies.

Antiques Roadshow Christmas Special is a BBC Studios (1 x 60min) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Series Editor is Robert Murphy and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Clare Mottershead.

Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas

Monica Galetti, Rylan Clark, Angela Hartnett and Mary Berry stand around a counter near a Christmas tree

In this brand new programme, Dame Mary Berry shares her ultimate Christmas feast, packed with tips to plan and get ahead for the big day.

Using her definitive tried and tested recipes, she will offer her guide for a fool-proof delicious three-course festive dinner. It begins with her deliciously simple Stilton and sage mini scone canapés, followed by her traditional Christmas feast including lemon and herb roast turkey, crispy roast potatoes, ruby red cabbage and apricot and chestnut stuffing. To complete the festive feast are two desserts. Mary’s British Christmas pudding recipe goes back to Medieval times – a rich mix of dried fruit and nuts, served alongside a boozy cream. Alongside this is a Festive trifle with layers of custard, cream, sponge and pear, topped with spun sugar.

Mary will also be joined by friends Chef Angela Hartnett, Chef Monica Galetti and broadcaster Rylan Clark, to toast and tuck into this incredible Christmas spread, as well as share festive recipes of their own.

Mary visits Angela at home, where she cooks up rich pumpkin ricotta tortelli, a seasonal tradition for her Italian family; and is welcomed to Monica's London restaurant kitchen where she prepares a twist on Samoan palusami with smoked haddock, cavolo nero and sourdough, a dish she’ll be serving to her family on Christmas Day.

Mary and Rylan visit a ‘pick your own’ vegetable farm where they cook up Brussels sprouts with peas and cashews to try and convert some local sprout-hating kids. The perfect meal also needs the perfect setting and Mary also shows how to create a sustainable and cost-conscious centre-piece from foraged greenery.

Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas, a 1 x 60 for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, is made by Rumpus Media. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events. The Executive Producers are Emily Hudd and Kelly Sparks and the Commissioning Editor is Ricky Cooper.

Frozen Planet II: Worlds of Wonder

This special episode brings together highlights from the series, in a journey from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

At the end of winter in the frozen Arctic ocean, two polar bears meet on the ice, and together they enjoy several hours playing together – seemingly dancing on ice.

On the coast of Greenland, the Arctic pack ice serves a very important purpose – it is a nursery for baby harp seals.

South of the Arctic, temperatures can fall to -40C and here we meet a super-pack of wolves, who must work together to take down the only substantial prey available to them at this time of year – American bison.

On the high-altitude cold steppe of Mongolia, a Pallas cat faces life alone. He may have the densest fur of any cat in the world, but he also has the shortest legs - which makes hunting prey in snow challenging…

Golden eagles live in the mountains all year, surviving on prey live and dead. In spring, when their neighbours chamois have calves, it’s an opportune time for the eagles to raise their chicks. But as the chamois calves grow, conditions become more challenging until, in autumn, one pair of golden eagles decide to take on prey many times larger than them…and in Mount Kenya, a mother chameleon must hunker down overnight while temperatures plummet, but by day she must race to feed and breed.

Even in summer in Antarctica, its waters are choked with millions of ice floes… the perfect place for Weddell seals to haul out after a nights feed. But they are not alone… with the most sophisticated hunting strategy of any animal, a pod of killer whales has an ingenious way to catch food resting on the ice above.

Our journey finishes in the coldest, darkest winter on Earth when Emperor penguin chicks face one of the toughest upbringings on the planet.

Frozen Planet: Worlds of Wonder, a 1x60’ for BBC One and iPlayer, is made by BBC Studios Natural History Unit. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, and the Executive Producer is Mark Brownlow.

Dynasties II (Macaque)

High in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, lives a group of Barbary macaque monkeys. The Alpha male, known as Mac, has just battled to win the crown. He must now lead and protect his troop, while fending off rivals who still want his crown…

Mac leads his troop through his first year as alpha, facing both the scorching summer drought, and snowy frozen winter, all while trying to defend his throne.

But a costly misjudgement leads to Mac’s leadership coming under even greater threat. As mating season approaches, his allies start to turn against him, and a brutal attack sees him deposed, and banished from the group.

But the new alpha is a much more aggressive leader… With the troop unsettled, Mac seizes the opportunity to make a new ally, and not only find his way back into the group, but also reclaim the top spot.

Mac will have to make decisions, forge alliances, face challenges and battle the elements in a bid to hold on to his crown, and keep his huge extended family safe. But by overcoming the challenges he faces, he is able to sire a possible future heir to his throne and start his own dynasty.

Dynasties II – Macaque, a 1x60’ for BBC One from BBC Studios Natural History Unit, was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Executive Producer is Mike Gunton and the Series Producer is Simon Blakeney.

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again

Mr Parker (Griff Rhys Jones), Raj (Harish Patel), Flavio (Kevin Bishop), Dad, Mike (David Walliams), Mum, Linda (Sheridan Smith), Ben (Archie Yates), The Queen (Maggie Steed) and Esha (Shobu Kapoor)

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, an adaptation of the hugely popular 2021 children’s book written by David Walliams, comes to CBBC, BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas.

This comedy-drama, the sequel to the 2013 BBC One movie Gangsta Granny, features a stellar cast which includes Walliams himself as Dad, Mike, Sheridan Smith as Mum, Linda, Kevin Bishop as Italian dancer Flavio, Maggie as Queen, Griff Rhys Jones as Mr Parker and young Archie Yates as grandson Ben.

We join Ben a year on as he is getting used to life without his beloved Gran. With the memory of their daring Crown Jewel heist still fresh in his mind, he is stunned to learn another spate of thefts are beginning to occur – with all the clues pointing to The Black Cat, better known to Ben as Granny!

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! is made by King Bert Productions, their Executive Producer is Jo Sarjent, and the Executive Producer for CBBC is Melissa Hardinge. It was commissioned by BBC Children’s Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions 7+, Sarah Muller.

CBeebies Christmas Show 2022 - Dick Whittington

A host of children’s favourites including Ben Cajee, Jennie Dale, Andy Day and Justin Fletcher star in CBeebies latest reimagining of a classic pantomime.

Dick Whittington and his best friend Lucky the Cat travel to London for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Parade and are charged to look after the Golden Hammer. The Christmas Parade can only begin when the mayor rings Big Ben with the hammer so until then the duo need to keep it safe. However three mischievous rats steal the hammer hoping to use its magic to turn the parade totally ratty. A tale of friendship, adventure and surprises unfolds as Dick Whittington and his Cat try to rescue the hammer, find their inner sparkle and make sure it’s a Christmas Parade everyone can enjoy.

Directed by Chris Jarvis the colourful stage show is full of sing-a-long songs from Banks and Wag and laugh out loud fun for all the family to enjoy.

Dick Whittington and His Cat is made by BBC Studios Kids and Family Productions for CBeebies. Series Producer is Anna Perowne and Executive Producer is Vanessa Amberleigh.

It was commissioned for CBeebies by Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions 0-6

Mayflies

Everyone has a Tully Dawson (Tony Curran) - the friend who defines your life. In the summer of 1986, in a small Scottish town, Jimmy (Martin Compston) and Tully ignite a brilliant friendship based on music, films and the rebel spirit. With school over and the locked world of their fathers before them, they rush towards the climax of their youth - a magical weekend in Manchester, the epicentre of everything that inspires them in working-class Britain. There, against the greatest soundtrack ever recorded, a vow is made: to go at life differently. Thirty years on, half a life away, the phone rings. Tully has the worst kind of news, and a request that will test their friendship, love, and loyalty to the limit…

Adapted by Andrea Gibb (Elizabeth Is Missing) from Andrew O’Hagan’s acclaimed novel of the same name and directed by Peter Mackie Burns (Rialto) and produced by Synchronicity Films (The Cry), Mayflies is a memorial to youth’s euphoria and to everyday tragedy. A tender goodbye to an old union, it discovers the joy and the costs of love.

Mayflies is a Synchronicity Films production, a co-commission with BBC Scotland in association with All3Media International with support from Screen Scotland (2x60”) for BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.

It was commissioned by Ben Irving, Acting Director of Drama, Gaynor Holmes, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor and co-commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Multi-Platform Commissioning for BBC Scotland.

Mayflies is produced by Brian Kaczynski and executive produced by Claire Mundell for Synchronicity Films, Andrea Gibb, Andrew O’Hagan, Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland and Gaynor Holmes for BBC Drama.

Call the Midwife Christmas Special

Nurse Trixie Franklin (Helen George), Collette Corrigan (Francesca Fullilove), Nurse Nancy Corrigan (Megan Cusack), and Nurse Lucille Anderson (Leonie Elliott) stand in the snow

It is December 1967 and with Christmas fast approaching, life in Poplar is returning to normal after the terrible train crash. Trixie (Helen George) arrives back from Portofino, looking poised and beautiful, much to the delight of Matthew (Olly Rix).

The midwives move the maternity clinic into new premises and are delighted when one of their first patients through the door is Rhoda Mullocks (Liz White) who the team know well. Rhoda is heavily pregnant, and understandably nervous, after her last baby was born with limbs that have been affected by Thalidomide.

Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) cares for a heavily pregnant single mother, recently released from prison, while Sister Frances (Ella Bruccoleri) is called out to deliver a Sylheti mother’s child in a garment factory in a rough area of Poplar.

Elsewhere, Fred (Cliff Parisi) decides that Poplar needs to come together to raise money for those families still affected by the train crash and pitches the wonderful idea of a festive talent show – Poplartunity Knocks!

Call The Midwife is a Neal Street Production (X75 minutes) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Charlotte Moor, Chief Content Officer. The Executive Producers for Neal Street Productions are Pippa Harris, Heidi Thomas and Ann Tricklebank. Writer is Heid Thomas and Director is Ann Tricklebank. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Mona Qureshi.

Strike: Troubled Blood

Private detective Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke) is visiting his family in Cornwall when he’s approached by a woman, Anna Phipps (Sophie Ward) asking for help finding her mother, Margot Bamborough (Abigail Lawrie), who went missing under mysterious circumstances in 1974.

Strike’s never tackled a cold case before let alone one forty years old, but despite the slim chance of success, he’s intrigued and takes it on, adding to the long list of cases that he and his partner in the agency Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger) are currently working on. Robin herself is also juggling a messy divorce and unwanted male attention as well as battling her own feelings about Strike.

As Strike and Robin investigate Margot’s disappearance, they come up against a fiendishly complex case with a psychopathic serial killer and witnesses who cannot all be trusted. They learn that even cases decades old can prove to be deadly.

Sue Tully is directing. Her credits include Too Close, Strike - Lethal White, Line of Duty, Tin Star, The A Word and The Musketeers.

Ruth Kenley-Letts (Too Close, Strike, You Don’t Know Me), J.K. Rowling (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Strike, The Casual Vacancy), Neil Blair (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Strike, The Casual Vacancy) and Tommy Bulfin (for the BBC) executive produce based on a script by Tom Edge (You Don’t Know Me, Vigil) who also wrote Strike - The Silkworm, Strike - Career of Evil and Strike - Lethal White. Jenny van der Lande (Too Close, You Don’t Know Me) is story producer and Alex Rendell produces.

EastEnders

As the residents of Walford get set to celebrate the festivities, there are those who are desperate to reclaim lost soul mates, forge futures with new loves and fight dirty to protect their families.

Danger lies in ahead for Mick Carter as he hurtles towards a wedding to pregnant Janine while fighting his lingering feelings for ex-wife Linda. While Mick is wavering, mum Shirley desperately seeks evidence that proves Janine’s keeping dark secrets. But can she get conclusive proof before Mick says, ‘I do’?

Alfie Moon’s panto provides the perfect backdrop for his elaborate plan to win back Kat. Can Alfie convince her they can have a fairytale ending, even though Kat’s supposed to marry Phil?

The Mitchell hardman has other problems to contend with as he battles to keep Billy from spending life in prison. DCI Keeble is hellbent on revenge, but Phil’s got a plan – one that’s fraught with deadly risks.

Meanwhile, Jay pulls out all the stops to show Lola how much he loves her, and he is determined to make what could be her last Christmas one to remember.

EastEnders is a BBC Studios Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producer is Chris Clenshaw and the BBC Commissioner is Tommy Bulfin.

Animal Park at Christmas

In a special week of programmes, Animal Park is returning to enjoy a magical Christmas at Longleat Safari Park.

The keepers are ensuring their creatures are cosy and prepared for the winter, and Ben Fogle and Kate Humble will be there to enjoy every festive moment and joyous tale.

Across the series, we’ll see lots of heart-warming stories. The keepers are worried Harry the Lion won’t be able to eat his Christmas dinner because he has a problem with his teeth. There are also Christmas romances. Including cheetah Rachel who is ready for love. But the men she’s falling for aren’t showing her much interest - will she get her festive kiss under the mistletoe?

Kate and Ben will be helping the animals across the park celebrate the season. They’ll gift Elf the Bongo his very own Christmas pickle and they’ll bring the parrots a present of 5 gold rings.

Joining them will be wildlife cameraman and star of Strictly Come Dancing, Hamza Yassin who will be focussing his zoom lens on the animals to see them closer than ever in the winter sunlight.

Megan McCubbin will also be back, bringing Christmas treats for the animals and providing insights into animal behaviour in the chillier weather.

Animal Park Christmas Special is a Remarkable TV (5 x 45mins) production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producer for Remarkable TV is Joff Wilson and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Lindsay Bradbury.

Countryfile – Christmas at Rockingham

John Craven and Anita Rani are getting into the Christmas spirit at Rockingham Castle. The castle, just outside Corby, is also celebrating its 950th birthday so what was Christmas like way back then and how have celebrations evolved over the years? We also meet the needle experts behind a special commemorative tapestry. Romy Gill and her posse of young countryside cooks create some Christmas treats for John and Anita. Adam Henson takes a look at mistletoe and how it’s destroying our precious orchards while Tom Heap delivers some Christmas cheer to those in need.

Countryfile – Christmas at Rockingham is a BBC Studios (1 x 60min) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producer is Jane Lomas and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Clare Mottershead.

My Life at Christmas - with Sally Phillips

In a special series of films for advent, actress and comedian Sally Phillips meets three well-known faces to explore how their memories of Christmas reflect the enormous changes they have gone through in their lives, careers, family and faith. Revd Richard Coles reflects on his Christmas journey from childhood chorister and Communards fame, to life as a vicar and the death of his beloved life-partner David. Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas talks about her rise to dance success - culminating in a tragic Christmas that turned her life upside down. And poet Lemn Sissay reveals how a childhood in the care system gave him the passion to make Christmas special for hundreds of other care leavers.

Episode 1 – Reverend Richard Coles

Sally takes Revd Richard Coles back to the church pew where he first found his faith to discover how Christmas has brought some of the most joyful, meaningful, and sorrowful moments in his life. From childhood chorister and Communards fame, to life as a vicar and the death of his beloved life-partner David, Richard tells a story filled with frank, funny and festive memories.

Episode 2 – Lemn Sissay

Sally meets Lemn Sissay who spent years in the care system after being taken from his mother as a baby. His is a tale of lost Christmases and rejection, before finding the voice and words that have made him one of the most celebrated poets in the UK today. As Sally discovers, it’s a position that has now helped him bring the true meaning of Christmas to hundreds of other care leavers across the country.

Episode 3 – Shirley Ballas

Sally visits the home of Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas to hear how Christmas has marked her journey from a penniless childhood in the Wirral to huge acclaim across the world as a professional dancer. Shirley shares her story of hard work, passion and loss - with one particularly tragic Christmas at its heart.

My Life at Christmas - with Sally Phillips is a Big Circus Media (3 x 60min) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Gareth Collett for Big Circus Media and the Executive Producer is Elliot Falk. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Daisy Scalchi.

Songs of Praise

Three episodes of Inspiring hymns and songs, together with uplifting stories of faith from around the UK and beyond.

Sunday 18 Dec – Advent Joy – Claire McCollum gets into the Christmas spirit at Hever Castle in Kent, former home of Anne Boleyn and where today local school children add final Christmas decorations to the tree and prepare for the Christingle service where a candle is lit, symbolising the light of Christ.

Sunday 25 Dec – Christmas Carols from Cardiff - Aled Jones presents the Christmas Day edition of Songs of Praise from Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, packed with favourite carols and seasonal music. Llandaff Cathedral Choir perform In The Bleak Mid-Winter, reigning Songs of Praise Gospel Singer Of The Year Patrice Campbell sings the modern classic Mary, Did You Know and Aled and Russell Watson have the perfect song for Christmas Day- Mistletoe and Wine.

Sunday 1 January – Celebrating New Year’s Day - Sean Fletcher hosts the first Songs of Praise of 2023, which kicks off the New Year with a star-studded programme from Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. Katherine Jenkins and Brenda Edwards perform a song that’s close to their hearts, You’ll Never Walk Alone. We hear the male Welsh voices of The Morriston Orpheus Choir as they sing World In Union, and there’s a stunning performance of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma from opera star Freddie De Tommaso. Plus, there are favourite hymns for everyone to sing along to.

Songs of Praise is an Afanti Media and Nine Lives Media production (3 episodes x 35min) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producers for Afanti Media and Nine Lives Media are Emyr Afan and Cat Lewis. and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Daisy Scalchi.

On Christmas Night

Winding down Christmas Day to a gentle close, Ballroom Dancer and TV panellist Oti Mabuse reads the story of the first Christmas from the Gospel according to St Luke.

Oti lends her own voice to the familiar Bible story of the angels appearing to shepherds with the news of the birth of a baby – born in a stable in Bethlehem. Accompanying Oti’s reading is a special recording of “Love Came Down at Christmas” from Bristol’s Exultate Singers, conducted by their founder, David Ogden.

On Christmas Night is a BBC Studios (1 x 5 mins) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Chris Loughlin. The producer and director is Garry Boon, and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Daisy Scalchi.

Dogs In the Wild: Meet The Family

Dogs In the Wild: Meet The Family is the first single species series about dogs that has been produced by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit. Narrated by Chris Packham, this 3 x 60 minute series will feature astonishing cinematography, together with emotional and immersive storytelling around the remarkable members of one 37-strong family of wild dogs.

From the rugged peaks of the Himalayas to the blistering Sahara desert, wild dogs thrive in the least likely of places. They are the most widespread carnivores on the planet. The latest scientific revelations reveal fresh perspectives on characters who constantly surprise us with their diversity and their unusual behaviour. These are the world’s ultimate canids!

Dogs In the Wild: Meet The Family is a BBC Studios Natural History Production (3 x 60 minutes) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual. The Executive Producer is Jo Shinner and the Commissioning Editor for BBC Natural History is Sreya Biswas.

Source BBC One

December 23, 2022 4:00am ET by BBC One  

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