Six Seasonal Specials
We Can’t Wait To Watch

We’ve all got our favourite films, and some top festive telly traditions too; let’s face it, Ted and his priestly pals knocking about Ireland’s biggest lingerie section never gets old! There’s a load of new treats to look forward to every year too, though – and 2018 will prove no different. To get through everything worth keeping an eye out for would take aaaaages, so we’ve done our best to whittle it down; from getting reacquainted with reality stars to checking in on sitcom standouts, these are the Christmas crackers we’re counting down to! 

 

THE YOUNG OFFENDERS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

December 25th @ 10.35pm, RTÉ One, Virgin TV 101

Conor and Jock aren’t who’d jump to mind when you think of seasonal saviours, but they’re in top festive form here! Mairead is ill, and the eviction notices are up on the estate, which means there’s loads for the lads to take care of – but would you bet against them?! The dynamic duo are something of an Irish institution by now, so it’s only right that we get to see them over the holidays – could we have a new sitcom staple for Christmases to come?!  

 

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF

December 25th @ 8pm, Channel 4, Virgin TV 111

Your own kitchen will likely be a bit of a madhouse, so why not duck into the most famous tent on telly for a bit of an escape? In fact, there’s double the fun this year as we get a pair of specials for our troubles; one for Christmas, and one for New Year – now that’s spoiling us! Expect to see a host of old favourites returning, as well as the ever-present Noel, Sandi, Paul and Prue, in what’s fast becoming a constant in our seasonal schedule! 

 

MRS. BROWN’S BOYS

December 25th @ 10.00pm, RTÉ One, Virgin TV 101

What’s better than reuniting with Agnes and her motley crew for Christmas? Doing it twice, that’s what! When you’ve recovered from your post-Turkey nap the madcap matriarch will be entering a decorating competition organised by Father Damian, while a week later she’ll be putting up Winnie and Sharon – and realising that having your mates around all the time isn’t quite like you’d imagine! 

 

BIG FAT QUIZ OF THE YEAR

December 26th @ 9pm, Channel 4, Virgin TV 111

So, how much attention have you been paying this year? Well, it hardly matters – is anyone really watching this just for the questions?! There is, of course, a quiz going on, but it’s really all about the madness that ensues during one of the unmissable shows of the Yuletide schedule. Jimmy Carr is, as ever, the host with the most, while Richard Ayoade, Noel Fielding, Mo Gilligan, David Mitchell, Claudia Winkleman and Michelle Wolf will be the famous faces racking their brains for the answers!

 

JOOLS HOLLAND’S HOOTENANNY 

December 31st @ 11.15pm, BBC 2, Virgin TV 109

For those celebrating the New Year on the couch, the musical maestro’s annual knees-up is unfailingly good company. On this occasion the bluesman will be joined by the likes of George Ezra, Michael Bublé and Jess Glynne, while Nile Rodgers, will also be involved because the Chic leader has never seen a party he didn’t want to be involved in! Throw in Marc Almond, Rudimental, and a host of other noisemakers and you have the perfect soundtrack to start 2019! 

 

 

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