ITV have revealed their bumper Christmas line-up ahead of the festive season.
The broadcaster has released information about whats in store in the lead up to Christmas, as well as what viewers can expect on the day itself – which includes the television premiere of the Downton Abbey film.
The Larkins, All Star Musicals and The Real Full Monty are among ITV favourites all gearing-up for festive specials in the lead up to Christmas Day.
Perfik! ITV have revealed their bumper Christmas line-up ahead of the festive season (Bradley Walsh in The Larkins)
After being announced as part of the 2020 Christmas Day schedule, Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and This Morning will all air pre-recorded specials on the day – marking the first time they’ll ever be shown on a Saturday.
Following the morning magazine shows is Ainsley’s Christmas Good Mood Food, James Martin’s Christmas Day and Love Your Christmas with Alan Titchmarsh.
Taking viewers into the afternoon will be The Chase Celebrity Specials & The Chase Bloopers, Tipping Point Lucky Stars Christmas Special, Simply Raymond Blanc and the Downton Abbey film.
The Larkins will air a feature length-special where in the village all the talk is of the pantomime and an ongoing spate of burglaries – Miss Pilchester, the Normans and Johnny Delamere are amongst the victims.
A regal screening: The broadcaster has released information about whats in store in the lead up to Christmas, as well as what viewers can expect on the day itself – which includes the television premiere of the Downton Abbey film (2019)
Whilst PC Harness applies his limited gifts to finding the culprit, Mariette and Charley take their love to the next lev.
Pop and Ma are overjoyed to have the pair back for Christmas, but when Charley’s parents arrive to meet the Larkin clan, and the entire village is left without lighting and heating following a power cut, chaos descends on the Larkins’ farm.
Elsewhere, Ashley Banjo is back with a bang to lead a brand-new line-up of brave celebrities ready to take the strip to a whole new level on The Real Full Monty On Ice.
Bringing old school glitz and glamour to the all-new supersized strip, this is a Monty dance extravaganza. In front of a guaranteed to be screaming audience, there will be a completely new twist for the 10 nervous celebrities baring all, determined to remind viewers that getting private areas checked can save their lives.
Special episode: The Larkins will air a feature length-special where in the village all the talk is of the pantomime and an ongoing spate of burglaries – Miss Pilchester, the Normans and Johnny Delamere are amongst the victims
With star singers, stunning guest performances and sensational solos, expect the unexpected. With new dance mentors joining Ashley’s team to ensure every move is en pointe, this is strictly the most ambitious Full Monty yet.
Bradley and Barney Walsh will be up to snow good as they take their famous RV across the sea to the magical island of Iceland, for a special bumper Christmas episode of the beloved father and son travel show.
The Walsh boys will test themselves to frosty new limits in the country of volcanoes, glaciers and breath-taking landscapes, finding Christmas joy and terrifying challenges in equal measure.
Barney says: ‘Our family loves Christmas, so, as a special present to dad this year, I’m giving him some challenges on a festive trip to Iceland. If he’s not keen on those he’s always got the RV. He loves driving that thing. It’s going to be great fun.’
Bradley says: ‘Barney knows I hate the cold but I love Christmas, so I had to say yes to a festive road trip around Iceland. I just hope I can find somewhere to roast my chestnuts.’ By the end of all their festive frolics, will they discover the most valuable Christmas experience is spending time with the people we love, or will they be left bickering about their frostbite?’
You can leave your hat on! Elsewhere, Ashley Banjo is back with a bang to lead a brand-new line-up of brave celebrities ready to take the strip to a whole new level on The Real Full Monty On Ice (pictured 2017)
All Star Musicals is back with two show-stopping, special episodes, starting this winter on ITV and ITV Hub. Six celebrities per episode will take centre stage as they embark on the ultimate musical theatre masterclass, each hoping to steal the show with their spectacular performance and be voted All Star Musicals Champion.
The first installment, All Star Musicals at Christmas, will see presenter Fern Britton, actor Ben Miller, former-MP and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, presenter Anita Rani, actress Catherine Tyldesley, and sports presenter Radzi Chinyanganya take centre-stage for a night of festive entertainment.
The second line-up of celebrities taking to the stage for All Star Musicals in 2022 is due to be confirmed soon.
Meanwhile, the Jonathan Ross Show is ready to pack a festive punch on ITV as hot on the heels of series 18, comes a one-off Christmas special.
Jonathan will be joined by an array of big-name guests as they look forward to this year’s festivities, give us the inside track on their latest projects and, of course, join in some hilarious holiday-inspired games.
Filled with laughter, banter and all round good cheer, The Jonathan Ross Show Christmas Special is the perfect way to get viewers into the festive spirit. All of the guests will be confirmed nearer the time as will this year’s musical act.
Chat king! Meanwhile, the Jonathan Ross Show is ready to pack a festive punch on ITV as hot on the heels of series 18, comes a one-off Christmas special
And Animal lover extraordinaire Paul O’Grady is back for more festive fun at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, ready to celebrate the season of goodwill by falling in love with a new group of adorable stray and abandoned pooches.
Paul is determined to bring some Christmas spirit to Battersea by helping more dogs find a new forever home. He meets a Patterdale puppy called Pudding who undergoes a life changing operation, and a Cockapoo called Boo who has zero table manners due to his over excitement and enthusiasm.
The Voice Kids to return to ITV this Christmas with brand-new coach Melanie C. Spice Girl Melanie C joins Danny Jones, will.i.am and reigning champion Pixie Lott in the search for the next generation of singing talent, while Emma Willis is back to host the series.
Airing during the festive period, this year’s series of The Voice Kids is a Christmas television event not to be missed. An array of singers, aged seven to 14, will take to the stage in a bid to impress the star coaching panel and get those big red chairs turning.
Singing sensations: All Star Musicals at Christmas, will see presenter Fern Britton, actor Ben Miller, former-MP and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, presenter Anita Rani, actress Catherine Tyldesley (pictured) and sports presenter Radzi Chinyanganya take centre-stage for a night of festive entertainment
Presenter and one of the UK’s best loved comics, Alan Carr is to host The Royal Variety Performance from the magnificent Royal Albert Hall in London, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this very year.
The world’s longest running entertainment show – 2021 marks the 109th event and this year the Royal Variety Charity is celebrating 100 years of our reigning Monarch being their Patron, commencing with His Majesty King George V in 1921.
Once again, the event will be held in the presence of senior members of the Royal Family.
The evening will be a spectacular show featuring exceptional performers, world-class theatre, outstanding singers and top-notch British comedy.
Stars lined up to appear include multi award-winner Ed Sheeran, international sensation Sir Rod Stewart, the cast of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s phenomenal Matilda The Musical, who are celebrating an incredible 10 years in the West End, chart topper Anne-Marie and music from Years and Years.
Also returning to the RVP stage with a mesmerizing performance of their latest show ‘Luzia’ are Cirque du Soleil. Brit Award-winner James Blunt will play some of his greatest hits, following its Tony award-winning success, the sensational Moulin Rouge The Musical joins for an exclusive performance, plus Germany’s The Messoudi Brothers will showcase their breathtaking hand to hand act.
The evening will also feature performances from respected musicians and Grammy Award winners Gregory Porter and Elvis Costello.
Ha! Presenter and one of the UK’s best loved comics, Alan Carr is to host The Royal Variety Performance from the magnificent Royal Albert Hall in London, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this very year (pictured 2012)
A special collaboration from actress Keala Settle and the Some Voices choir with the amazing, award-winning song ‘This is Me’ and comedy from Judi Love, Bill Bailey, Chris McCausland and Josh Widdicombe. The event is staged in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen.
The money raised from the show helps those people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance.
While it’s impossible to tell what advent events will fall under Spitting Image’s legendary gaze, oh come all ye faithful-puppets including: Emma Raducanu, Boris Johnson, Tom Cruise, Gary Lineker, Raheem Sterling, Cristiano Ronaldo, Prince Andrew, Vladimir Putin, Harry & Meghan, Ed Sheeran, Jürgen Klopp, Adele and even Covid-19… to offer us a bit of seasonal satirical cheer.
Spitting Image has delivered record subscribers for BritBox UK, the BBC and ITV created streaming platform, and has seen over 200 million views globally online.
ITV’s festive offerings also include Christmas specials of some of its best loved and most popular game shows, including Epic Gameshow, The Chase, The Cube, Rolling in It, Tipping Point Lucky Stars, Celebrity Catchphrase, Family Fortunes, and In for A Penny.
New show: Spitting Image has delivered record subscribers for BritBox UK, the BBC and ITV created streaming platform, and has seen over 200 million views globally online
2022 promises some great content and the new year kicks off with nail biting drama, brand new entertainment and topical factual programming.
Vicky McClure and Adrian Lester star in Triggerpoint, a six part thriller written by newcomer Daniel Brierly and produced by Jed Mercurio.
The drama turns the spotlight on counter terrorism policing and the extraordinary work of the Metropolitan Police Bomb Disposal Squad.
ITV will broadcast a sumptuous adaptation of Len Deighton’s The Ipcress File. Set against the backdrop of Cold War Europe, this beautifully realised series stars Joe Cole in the iconic role of Harry Palmer, alongside Lucy Boynton, Ashley Thomas and Tom Hollander.
Adapted by Oscar nominated and BAFTA award winning screenwriter John Hodge, The Ipcress File is an enthralling and atmospheric espionage thriller set in Berlin and London in the 1960s.
No Return is a four part drama starring Sheridan Smith, Michael Jibson and Louis Ashbourne Serkis as an unassuming family who find themselves caught up in a living nightmare whilst on holiday in Turkey.
Exciting: ITV will broadcast a sumptuous adaptation of Len Deighton’s The Ipcress File. Set against the backdrop of Cold War Europe, this beautifully realised series stars Joe Cole in the iconic role of Harry Palmer, alongside Lucy Boynton, Ashley Thomas and Tom Hollander
An arrest, an expensive and alien legal system, and resistance from fellow holiday makers to come to their aid, leaves the distraught parents fighting for their son’s freedom. With themes of parental love, guilt, grievances and the issues around consent for teenagers, No Return is produced by Nicola Shindler, Richard Fee and series creator and writer Danny Brocklehurst.
Tuppence Middleton, Martin Compston, Rupert Penry Jones, Weruche Opia and Buket Komur all star in Our House, adapted by screenwriter Simon Ashdown from the international best selling novel by Louise Candlish.
The Bay returns for a third series, with Marsha Thomason in the lead role as DS Jenn Townsend. The last season of The Bay averaged 8 million and was ITV’s biggest drama of 2021 in terms of Hub viewing.
Another returner is The Good Karma Hospital. Amanda Redman, Amrita Acharia, Neil Morrissey, Darshan Jariwala and Nimmi Harasgama all return to the series which has been filmed again in Sri Lanka.
McDonald & Dodds starring Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins returns for a third series with its last run having attracted 6.7 million viewers. Other returning series include Kate and Koji, Grace, Grantchester and Vera.
Ant and Dec present a brand new show called Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win – the world’s first quiz show with a limitless jackpot.
Wow! Ant and Dec present a brand new show called Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win – the world’s first quiz show with a limitless jackpot
Every question is an opportunity for each contestant to climb the endless prize ladder and reach the big money, but only a correct answer banks the cash. Push their luck too far and they’ll crash out of the game losing it all.
Starstruck is an great new format which sees members of the public transform into and sing as their musical idols – but with a twist – as they all perform against each other and in front of a panel of judges that includes Beverley Knight, Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and Jason Manford, all seasoned performers themselves. Olly Murs hosts.
John Bishop will present a brand new Saturday night show. The John Bishop Show will feature the comedy superstar giving his trademark stand up as well as shooting the breeze with some very special celebrity guests. He’ll also be checking the global comedy pulse with a team of stand ups from all over the world.
As well as this new entertainment, other favourites return including The Masked Singer, hosted by Joel Dommett with more well known faces donning our terrific costumes and singing incognito to the panel of Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Mo Gilligan and Jonathan Ross.
And Dancing On Ice returns with some brilliant names including Bez from the Happy Mondays, Corrie’s Sally Dyvenor, Ria Hebden and Liberty Poole from Love Island all taking to the ice.
Ice, ice baby! And Dancing On Ice returns with some brilliant names including Bez from the Happy Mondays, Corrie’s Sally Dyvenor, Ria Hebden and Liberty Poole from Love Island all taking to the ice (pictured 2013)
And the multi-award winning Saturday Night Takeaway is back. The series will once again feature big showbiz guests, high octane challenges and hilarious hidden camera set ups – plus a specially filmed comedy serial and a whole host of brand new studio games and live surprises – and of course remains the only series on TV that lets its audience ‘win the ads’.
Lee Mack is at his unrivalled, quick-witted best as he fronts the 1% Club, a brand new quiz where all you need to succeed is logic and common sense. 100 contestants begin each show – but to make it to the end and win the top prize of up to £100,000, contestants must correctly answer a question only 1% of the country would get right.
And 2022 is going to be a big year for sport on ITV. The FA Cup returns and will hit its stride with the third round early in the New Year. ITV has the 6 Nations, which, under the new deal announced earlier this year, remains free to air for viewers and sees ITV showing even more live matches from the 2022 tournament onwards. ITV has England Women’s team’s qualifiers and friendlies as well as the coverage of the Men’s England team’s build up fixtures to the first ever winter World Cup later in the year.
In Factual, Joanna Lumley presents a brand new three part series that sees her explore and capture the secret delights that Rome, Paris and Berlin have to offer. Britain’s favourite travel companion is determined to head off the beaten track to find out what it’s like to live in one of these vibrant cities and aims to get under the skins of these great capitals. Sticking to the travel theme, Martin Clunes explores the islands of the Pacific.
Bradley Walsh and son Barney return with a new series of Breaking Dad. Travelling in their RV from the heat of the Mediterranean to the icy Arctic of Northern Scandinavia, Barney cajoles his dad into taking risks he’d normally run a mile from.
And Kate Garraway is making a sequel to her award winning documentary Finding Derek, which follows her family facing the challenges of Kate’s husband Derek Draper’s return home following his long stay in hospital while seriously ill with Covid-19.
The Secret Life of Pets uses the very latest camera technology to dig deep into our pets inner lives to discover the secrets that until now they’ve kept hidden, from spectacular feats of communication to extraordinary athleticism, extreme super senses and unique physical abilities.
And over on ITV2 and The Hub, we have another series of Finding Derek which was a stand out hit for us and at its launch in 2021 became ITV Hub’s most popular entertainment show.
This year sees three brand new Cabins in Wales for the lovelorn pairings to check into. In the stunning, intimate surroundings, they then have 24 hours to decide whether they would like to spend more time together – or call it a day and walk away.
Looking for love: This year sees three brand new Cabins in Wales for the lovelorn pairings to check into. In the stunning, intimate surroundings, they then have 24 hours to decide whether they would like to spend more time together – or call it a day and walk away