Gavin & Stacey is now as synonymous with Christmas as fighting over the Teasers from the box of Celebrations.

As a reminder, in 2019 (yes, we’re struggling to believe it was five years ago too), 17 million people watched Nessa (Ruth Jones) propose to Smithy (James Corden) in the show’s finale. And we’ll finally learn how he answered as we go back to Barry Island for the last time. Although that’s about all we do know. The cast, which also includes Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, Alison Steadman, Larry Lamb and Rob Brydon, has taken a vow of silence. 

G&S super-fans should also look out for Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, an intimate documentary telling the 17-year story of the beloved sitcom on New Year’s Day. 

Watch on 25 December, 9pm on BBC One

It’s a festive miracle: the return of Wallace and Gromit. 

While we love Wallace’s inventions, Gromit is concerned his cheese-loving pal is becoming overly dependent on them. Particularly when he develops Norbot, a gnome that turns evil. 

But who’s controlling Norbot? And does the reappearance of Feathers McGraw have anything to do with it? It’s down to Gromit to save the day. 

The film will see the return of Ben Whitehead and Peter Kay, as well as new voices including Reece Shearsmith, Lauren Patel, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh and Lenny Henry. 

Watch on 25 December, 6.10pm on BBC One 

The most charismatic (and well-dressed) Doctor in the canon will return for another festive voyage around time and space in Joy To The World.

Most excitingly, Ncuti Gatwa will be joined by a very special guest star, Nicola Coughlan, who will play Joy, a determined young woman. The show’s writer has said of her: “Nicola is wonderful in it; she will break your heart.”

A stylish festive weep. What could be better?

Watch on 25 December, 5.10pm on BBC One 

This will be our 13th Christmas visit to the midwives at Nonnatus House. So all those babies from the early days will now be teenagers wanting Sol De Janeiro sets in their stockings. 

This year we’ll get a double dose of midwives via two festive episodes, set in 1969. A funfair comes to town, but so too does influenza and the Hong Kong flu. Add in some new babies, and a mince pie competition and it’s going to be a busy few days in Poplar. 

Watch on 25 December, 8pm and 26 December, 7.30pm on BBC One

Ellie Taylor, ready? Joel Dommet, ready? Louise Minchin and Rob Beckett, ready? 

After the runaway success of the Gladiators’ return, celebs will be taking on Bionic, Fury, Viper and the other Olympians and bodybuilding giants. 

My money is on marathon runner Minchin. 

Watch on 1 January, 6pm on BBC One 

Want to feel ancient? Here’s your opportunity. 

Eight years after our last visit to the Brockmans, the family is coming back together for the festive season. But everything has changed. 

Pete (Hugh Dennis) and Sue (Claire Skinner) have downsized, as their kids have fled the nest. Also, they’re grandparents now. I know…

You’d be disappointed if everything went according to plan wouldn’t you? Luckily you won’t be.

Watch on 26 December, 9.40pm on BBC One 

Forty years on, Last Christmas by Wham! remains the perfect festive song. Written by George Michael, who died on Christmas Day 2016, the track is an ode to love and loss, and this new documentary dives into the song’s legacy.

Offering insight into the song’s storytelling and enduring appeal, it will also reunite some of the stars from the video, including Andrew Ridgeley and popstars Pepsi and Shirlie. We’ll also be treated to plenty of archive footage of George.

I think it might be time to load up my Spotify Christmas playlist…

Watch on 14 December, 8.35pm on BBC Two

James Norton takes the lead in this brilliant-sounding psychological thriller written by Malpractice writer Grace Ofori-Attah and adapted from the bestselling novel by British thriller author JP Delaney. 

It’s a family drama like no other when Peter (Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar) discover that their toddler was accidentally swapped at birth with the child of Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay). It’s a story about navigating the horrific dilemma of whether they should keep the sons they raised or their own biological children. It also looks set to reveal the extent they can all trust one another.

Watch on ITV  

Another song with a big anniversary, as this year All I Want For Christmas turns 30. To celebrate, the woman behind the magic sits down with Rylan Clark for a candid chat.

They’ll get into her life before fame (we refuse to admit such a time exists), her musical inspirations and how she became the queen of Christmas. 

Watch on 7 December, 8.15pm on BBC Two

While Dua Lipa might not immediately scream it’s Christmas, she has had an incredible year and sings some absolute bangers, so I have high hopes for this special. Tinsel or not. 

Filmed at the Royal Albert Hall, it will see her perform her greatest hits with the Heritage Orchestra and includes an appearance from Elton John. 

Watch on 8 December, 8pm on ITV  

If you like a side of dystopian death games with your Boxing Day sandwiches, you’re in luck. Cult Korean drama Squid Game is returning. 

Against advice, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) returns to the games alongside hundreds of other cash-strapped contestants, and it looks even more brutal this time around. 

Watch on 26 December on Netflix 

You thought it was all over for the Defoe sisters after that dramatic finale. The good news is they’re back, and they’re going on holiday. 

Hannah (Nicola Walker) and the family have come together for a big wedding at a vineyard in Catalonia. But there’s lots of drama to contend with before the big ‘I do’, including tricky prenups, wedding crashers and general chaos. 

Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button will all be returning, as will Toby Stephens as eligible family lawyer Archie Moore. 

Watch on 29 December, 9pm and 30 December, 9pm on BBC One 

Murder On The Dancefloor had a whole new life this year, thanks to that scene and that bottom in Saltburn. So, who better to see out the year than its creator (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, to be clear – not Barry Keoghan’s bum)?

The singer will be bringing the D-I-S-C-O to the BBC’s New Year’s Eve party and inviting lots of her famous pals to join her. 

Watch on 31 December on BBC One  

If you’re in the market for sunnier climes and an exciting thriller, then North Shore, a new drama coming to ITV, will hit the mark. 

It stars Downton’s Joanne Froggatt as a government minister who is dealing with the murder of her 19-year-old daughter in Australia. She is joined Down Under by English policeman Max (played by Game Of Thrones star John Bullen) sent to help unravel the mystery. 

Watch on 29 December on ITVX 

A sparky young cast brings Beth O’Leary’s 2021 romantic novel to life. Emma Appleton (Everything I Know About Love) plays Addie, who sets off to a friend’s wedding with her sister Deb. But they’ve barely begun their journey when her VW camper van gets taken down by a boy racer. 

That boy racer happens to be her ex Dylan (Laurie Davidson) and his unlikeable best friend, Marcus (David Jonsson), who are also heading to the wedding. So they agree to all travel together on the world’s most awkward road trip. 

If Hinge is looking particularly depressing right now, this might be what you need…

Watch on 26 December on Paramount+