Broadcasting
Radio and Telly Today: Christmas Day 2023
TV and radio Highlights for Christmas Day, 2023
EASTENDERS
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It’s Christmas Day in Walford, and Keanu and Sharon are getting married. Sharon masks her guilt about Albie as she and Keanu get ready at No.43.
Bernie tries to put on a brave face as she wakes up to an empty flat. Following an emotional call with Karen, Bernie urges Keanu to talk to Sharon so that their mum can return home. Keanu refuses and rescinds Bernie’s invitation to the wedding.
Hurt by Keanu’s actions, Bernie arrives at the Mitchell’s and asks to speak to Phil. At the church, Sharon is a vision in white as she walks down the aisle with Albie. Sharon and Keanu are about to say ‘I do’ when Phil arrives…
Meanwhile, Suki prepares to leave Walford but she is delayed by a surprise visitor. Later, as Suki continues with her plans to leave the Square, she receives a panicked call from Vinny, forcing her to return to No.41.
Elsewhere, things are tense between Stacey and Jack when she calls round to collect Charli for the Slaters’ Christmas lunch. Anna and Gina join Cindy and the Beales for Christmas lunch. After learning George is on his own in The Vic making preparations for Keanu and Sharon’s wedding reception, Cindy secretly heads there to invite him over for a drink.
Elaine and Ian become jealous as Cindy and George take a trip down memory lane. Sensing Elaine’s upset, George thinks on his feet and lies that he’s booked her a romantic trip away in a hotel.
Also, the Mitchell’s receive a surprise video message from Lola revealing that Jay and Honey have been entered into next year’s London Marathon. Lola’s words about family resonate with Phil and he heads to The Vic. In the Vic, Denise, Kathy, Linda, Sharon, Stacey and Suki try to process the events of the day, unaware of what is still to come. In a flash their lives are forever changed as a Walford male meets his fate.
BBC One, 9.45 pm
THE MASKED SINGER Christmas Special
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Ho, Ho, Ho, The Masked Singer is getting a sprinkle of Christmas cheer this festive season for the very first time, as the celebrity costume entertainment show unveils its first Christmas Special.
Hosted by our very own ringmaster, Joel Dommett, our super sleuths return as Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan are back in the detective chairs and joining them is special guest panellist, award-winning singer-songwriter Leona Lewis.
The TV special will see four characters unwrapped as they attempt to fool the panel and viewers at home. Viewers will see performances from Decorations, Reindeer, Sprout and Partridge (In A Pear Tree), but which famous faces are hiding behind the masks!
The festive characters are, Reinder – When they perform they always lead the SLAY. The tinsel is in town, it’s Decorations. Hold the nose Sprout is here, after lunch they’re always a GAS. And finally this early bird is hoping to catch the WORM, it’s Partridge (in a pear tree)
ITV1/STV at 7.30 pm
CHRISTMAS FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE with Alan Tichmarsh
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This special carol service was recorded live in the grand surroundings of the Palace ballroom, held to thank members of the Royal Household for their work throughout the year.
Once again, Classic FM has been given exclusive access to record the event, which features the Choir of the Chapel Royal performing a collection of traditional seasonal carols, alongside members of Palace staff giving readings to tell the Christmas story.
Television presenter, gardener and Classic FM host Alan Tichmarsh introduces the proceedings from the royal setting.
Classic FM, 3 pm
PAUL O’GRADY: A Musical Celebration
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For fourteen years, Paul O’Grady presented his legendary Christmas Day radio show. Whilst he joked about the songs he played, Paul loved music – from show tunes to Northern Soul, Motown to classical, jazz to Old Time Music Hall. Now, for the first time his friend, Julian Clary, introduces some of Paul’s favourite music and celebrates his life, accompanied by those who knew Paul best: his friends, fans and family.
The programme features personal memories and tributes from some of Paul’s favourite singers including Elkie Brooks, Michael Buble, Barbara Dickson and Madeline Bell. Dawn French offers her words – and actor and director Amanda Mealing recalls an infamous trip to a theme park in Paris with Paul, while Brenda Gilhooly (Gayle Tuesday), Sonia and Hazell Dean all share their memories of working with Paul’s alter ego Lily Savage.
Plus, Julian uncovers a special phone message from a singing legend that Paul treasured for more than ten years. Joan Marshrons – who worked alongside Paul for over thirty years – speaks about her friendship, as does lifelong pal “Vera”, and we hear from Paul’s only child, his daughter Sharyn. The programme also features contributions from Paul’s long-time radio producer Malcolm Prince.
Boom Radio, 12 noon
