THE fun doesn’t have to be over once Christmas Day itself has passed, because Boxing Day usually provides some great festive TV too.
This year is no exception, with some fab films and TV shows to enjoy after a busy few days with friends and family. Here’s some of the highlights.
The Story of SM:TV Live
Channel: ITV
Time: 9.25am
If you’re up early and of a certain age on Boxing Day, this will be a great watch for a bit of nostalgia.
To celebrate 30 years on TV, Ant and Dec reunite with Cat Deeley to reminisce on the hit Saturday morning TV show that catapulted their careers into stardom, and relive classic moments from ‘Wonky Donkey’, ‘Challenge Ant’ and the unforgettable ‘Chums’.
Plus, famous faces including Kylie Minogue, Stephen Mulhern, Fleur East and Scarlett Moffatt share why SM:TV made Saturday mornings worth waking up for.
Cinderella (2015)
Channel: BBC Two
Time: 2.50pm
This Disney live-action film stars former Downton Abbey actress Lily James as Cinderella, with hunky Richard Madden starring alongside her as the Prince/Kit.
The classic Disney tale is as magical as ever, with Cinderella getting the chance to go to an incredible ball at the Royal palace thanks to her Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter).
Cinderella and Kit fall in love almost immediately, but the path to true love never runs smooth, especially if her wicked stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and the ugly sisters have anything to do with it.
The Repair Shop at Christmas
Channel: BBC One
Time: 6.45pm
A popular show all year round, this festive edition is perfect viewing for a relaxing Boxing Day.
Jay Blades and the team try and bring some festive cheer to treasured items, including a rocking horse belonging to a vicar and his wife.
The couple had gifted it to their five-year-old daughter Tamsin, two years before she tragically passed away.
Another beloved item is 80-year-old Christopher’s toy truck which was made by a team of WW2 engineers, led by his own father.
The Masked Singer
Channel: ITV
Time: 7pm
The second series of this celebrity singing show gets a festive launch on Boxing Day, with Joel Dommett back on hosting duties.
Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross are all back on the panel alongside newbie Mo Gilligan.
The panel will try and work out the identities of the 12 new celebrities behind the elaborate masks, with new characters this season including Badger, Bush Baby, Harlequin and Viking.
The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special
Channel: BBC One
Time: 7.45pm
Host Joe Lycett will welcome four celebrities to the Christmas Special, and they all have to compete in a trio of challenges.
The first of the two festive specials sees Dr. Ranj Singh from This Morning, Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas, comedian Sara Pascoe and TV star Denise Van Outen all take part.
The pattern challenge will see them attempt to make festive pyjamas, while transformation task will get them to make a festive costume for a dog.
The final task will require them to make a perfectly fitted dress for Christmas Day.
Dunkirk
Channel: BBC One
Time: 9.05pm
Not the most festive of films by a long shot, Christopher Nolan’s epic WW2 film will certainly have you gripped.
The cast includes Sir Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Harry Styles and Cillian Murphy, with the action taking place on land, sea and in the air.
Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2020
Channel: Channel 4
Time: 9.05pm
2020 has been quite the year so it’s bound to make for an interesting subject matter in this televised quiz.
Jimmy Carr is once again back in the hosting seat, and regulars Richard Ayoade and David Mitchell are joined on the panel this year by presenter Maya Jama as well as debutants James Acaster, Joe Lycett and Stacey Solomon.
