Christmas TV: Smashie’s Xmastastic Playlist
Paul Whitehouse’s original superstar DJ Mike Smash returns, sadly sans Dave Nice.
Saturday 23 December, 4pm, Gold
Even Better Than the Real Thing
Paddy McGuinness hosts his beyond-kitsch tribute act show. Brace yourselves for the Kylie Minogue and Elton John clones.
Saturday 23 December, 7.10pm, BBC One
Ratburger
He writes the books and stars in the TV versions too. Comic turned publishing sensation David Walliams plays burger van operator Burt with an idea for a new rodent-tinged filling. Sheridan Smith plays Mrs Burt.
Christmas Eve, 6pm, Sky1
Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show
The skipping stand-up presents a festive edition of his prime-time hit with guests Bill Bailey, Alesha Dixon and Seal.
Christmas Eve, 8.30pm, BBC One
Trollied Christmas Special
Christmas Eve, 9.30pm, Sky1
Not Going Out Christmas Special
Lee and Lucy enjoy some Santa-based domestic strife in Lee Mack’s long-running sitcom.
Christmas Eve, 9.35pm, BBC One
Upstart Crow
Emma Thompson pitches up as Queenie in Ben Elton's bardic sitcom starring David Mitchell that isn't like Blackadder at all, honest.
Christmas Day, 8.25pm, BBC Two
Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special
Very popular sitcom. Christmas.
Christmas Day, 10pm, BBC One
Alan Carr’s Christmas Chatty Man
Alan's guests include Noel Gallagher, Christian Slater, John Bishop, Lorraine Kelly and Kasabian.
Christmas Day, 10pm, Channel 4
300 Years of French & Saunders
The iconic duo return with something old and something new. Expect The Handmaid's Tale and Gogglebox to be among those getting the F&S treatment.
Christmas Day, 10.35pm, BBC One
Two Doors Down Christmas Special
The Scottish sitcom returns. Beth and Eric’s yuletide plans do not go as, erm, planned.
Boxing Day, 10.30pm, BBC Two
Alan Partridge: Why, When, Where, How and Whom?
In the run-up to a new Brexit-inspired BBC series this in-depth documentary looks at the man and the myth that is Alan Partridge. With a little help from Steve Coogan.
Wednesday 27 December, 9pm, BBC Two
Miranda Does Christmas
Miranda Hart is C4's big comedy gun this year, fronting a house party-style soiree with guests including David Tennant, Susan Calman and Prue Leith.
Wednesday 27 December, 9pm, Channel 4
Tim Vine Travels Through Time Christmas Special
Jester alert! The Punmeister General ends up in the court of Henry VIII.
Friday 29 December, 7.30pm, BBC One
Vic & Bob’s Big Night Out
The iconic 1990s British comedy gets rebooted with the help of Matt Lucas and Matt Berry. Sing hosannahs, a four-part series is to follow in 2018.
Friday 29 December, 9pm, BBC Two
Frankie Boyle’s 2017 New World Order
The Glaswegian gob looks back at 2017. It's no Screenwipe but it'll do.
Friday 29 December, 10pm, BBC Two
Inside No 9
Hot on the heels of The League of Gentlmen's triumphant returns here's a fourth series for Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton's brilliant must-see one-offs with a twist.
Tuesday 2 January, 10pm, BBC Two
Picture: Sophie Mutevelian/BBC
OK, that's your lot, after this it's back to the misery of real life.
