What’s on TV on Christmas Day 2022? A guide on what to watch

Virgin Radio

22 Dec 2022, 09:45

Christmas Day isn't all about pigs in blankets and dining out on mince pies! It's also the best time to turn on the telly - but what is on the box?

Christmas Day is very much the day of festive specials, with the likes of Strictly Come Dancing, Ghosts and Call The Midwife all bringing out their wintry episodes on the Big Day itself.

Here’s what’s on TV on Christmas day 2022:

BBC One

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, 5.10pm

You know it’s Christmas when Strictly Come Dancing airs their annual festive special!

This year’s line-up of stars hitting the dance floor include Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, Gavin and Stacey’s Larry Lamb, podcaster Rosie Ramsey, radio DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams, Coronation Street’s Alexandra Mardell, and CBeebies presenter George Webster. 

Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas-inspired routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience! But who will lift the coveted Strictly Come Dancing Christmas trophy?

Michael McIntyre's Christmas Wheel, 6.25pm  

Michael McIntyre will put celebs through their paces for the Christmas edition of The Wheel. 

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.

Trying their best to help out the stars are the seven celeb experts, including Michael Ball, Rosie Jones, William Hanson, Fleur East, Hugh Fearney Whittingstall, AJ Odudu and Bill Bailey. The star-studded cast will answer questions on everything, from Elves, the Christmas parties and even Christmas carols. 

Ghosts Christmas Special, 7.25pm  

Following on from their fourth series, Ghosts will be back for their 2022 Christmas special. 

In the festive episode, we can expect to see our favourite Button House ghosts return with Alison (Charlotte Richie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe).

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? 

Call the Midwife Christmas Special, 7.55pm  

Fans are in for an emotional treat with the Call The Midwife 2022 Christmas Special. 

The official BBC synopsis reads: “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.”

EastEnders, 9.25pm

As with every year, the EastEnders drama will ramp up once again for the epic Christmas Day episode. 

Danny Dyer’s Mick Carter is hurtling towards a wedding to pregnant Janine while fighting his feelings for ex-wife Linda. Mick’s mum Shirley is also seeking evidence that proves Janine’s keeping dark secrets. 

Meanwhile, 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?

Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas Special, 10.25pm

Mrs Brown’s 2022 festive offering will be a double whammy, with two episodes airing across Christmas Day and New Years. 

The first will follow the Irish family as Cathy’s (Jennifer Gibney) creepy boyfriend is initiated into the family, while Agnes (Brendan O'Carroll) gets a festive fright while looking after his twins. 

The Christmas episode will mark the show’s 11th festive special. 

ITV

Doc Martin Christmas Special, 9.05pm  

Doc Martin will say goodbye with the emotional Christmas special…and series finale!

Martin Clunes will be back as the nation’s favourite grumpy medic, with Louisa (Caroline Catz), their family and all the familiar faces for the final yuletide offering.

In the special, the Doc manages to upset the children of Portwenn by closing down Santa’s Grotto. Martin said: "He thinks Santa may have something contagious because he is itching and scratching, and the children can’t be put at risk, even though it is upsetting for them.

"His son James is so upset at not meeting Santa he tries to run away to the North Pole in search of him. James doesn’t want to speak to his father, nobody wants to speak to him - but he’s been there before."

Channel 4

The Festive Pottery Throw Down, 7:50pm

Celebs will get to flex their creativity with The Festive Pottery Throw Down.

Siobhán McSweeney is back to host the very first festive Pottery special, as four stars roll up their sleeves and take on two yuletide challenges set by judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller.

The contestants taking part this year are James Fleet, Jenny Eclair, Jamie Laing and Sunetra Sarker.

Gogglebox 2022, 9:05pm

Get ready for some armchair highlights from the Gogglebox 2022 crew!

There have been lots of laughs, tears and everything in between this year, with the families reacting to some huge telly moments.

Those moments include the numerous Prime Ministers coming and going from Downing Street, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's triumph at Eurovision, and former Health Secretary Matt Hancock entering the I'm A Celebrity....Get Me Out Of Here jungle.