On TV tonight, it's the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final and the MasterChef: The Professionals final, plus Strike and Robin return in Strike: Troubled Blood, and there's some great documentaries too. Here's what you shouldn't miss on TV Tonight.
- Our hand-selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include TV shows, a film, live sport and the latest trending need-to-binge-on-now box set
- Keep up to date with the latest soap spoiler storylines on TV tonight with our daily soap synopsis
- For more information about what’s on TV tonight see our TV Guide
What's on TV tonight
Our expert TV journalists have picked the best things on TV tonight...
Best TV shows on TV tonight
Strictly Come Dancing 2022, 7.15 pm, BBC One
The scheduling of the latter stages of this series is all over the place because of the World Cup — so it’s a good job the ridiculously high standard of this year’s dancing makes it unmissable TV. Even so, Craig waited until Blackpool week to award his first perfect score — and that 10 went to Fleur, whose Couples’ Choice dance with partner Vito he described in just three syllables — ‘fab-u-lous!’.
Fleur was named an early favourite, but has still featured in the dance-off. Will she make it through tonight’s semi-final? Don’t miss tomorrow’s results show (8.15pm, BBC One) to find out who’s going through to next week’s final.
★★★★★ JP
MasterChef: The Professionals, 6.15 pm, BBC One
From the 32 chefs who initially entered the kitchen, discerning judges Anna Haugh, Gregg Wallace and Marcus Wareing have selected their top three, who will now go head-to-head in the all-important final. The epic last challenge sees the contestants devise a dazzling three-course meal that demonstrates every one of the skills they have picked up along the way and combines stunning flavours with tip-top presentation.
With nerves jangling and only three hours on the clock, anything could go wrong as the contestants try to serve up the perfect starter, main course and dessert. But who will be the one to take home the coveted title?
★★★★ CC
Strike: Troubled Blood, 9 pm, BBC One
Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger make a welcome return as dedicated private eyes Strike and Robin. This time, a disturbing cold case sees them trying to discover what happened to GP Margot Bamborough, who vanished back in 1974. Was she the victim of a sick serial killer or were other forces at work?
As ever, the emotional heart of the drama comes from the wonderful will-they- won’t-they chemistry between the two sleuths, who are also facing an increasing barrage of personal woes. Look out for some cracking guest stars including Call the Midwife’s Linda Bassett as Strike’s ailing Cornish aunt, Joan. Continues tomorrow.
★★★★ CC
Christmas From Above, 8 pm, National Geographic
Embark on an aerial journey across Europe to witness the incredible Christmas and New Year events that take place across the continent each year. Using flying cameras, this documentary takes us from the fairy-light-covered Dartmoor Steam Railway in the UK to a New Year monster parade in Bulgaria.
There are reindeer, 27m-high trees and floating concerts to get you in the festive mood, not to mention a special trip to Santa’s Village in Finnish Lapland, where the hard-working ‘elves’ sort through 30,000 letters to Santa Claus every single day.
★★★★★ NH
Big Ben Restored: The Grand Unveiling, 7 pm, Channel 4
It’s always disappointing for sightseers to find a landmark shrouded in scaffolding, and that’s been the case for London’s Big Ben clock tower (or the Elizabeth Tower, as it was renamed in 2012) for the past five years. But after years of exposure to the elements, as well as pollution, that renovation was much-needed. This film tells the story of the intricate process as the tower’s sparkling new face has been revealed.
★★★ JP
Best box set on TV tonight
Motherland, Netflix or BBC iPlayer
With the Motherland Christmas special heading our way in a couple of weeks, it's the perfect time to re-watch or try the original series. The popular BBC comedy explores the trials and traumas of middle-class motherhood with plenty of hilarious and cringeworthy moments along the way.
What's more, it's got an all-star cast including Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Punch, Paul Ready, Philippa Dunne and Diane Morgan, who all brilliantly play a variety of parents trying to balance life, work and kids.
Best film on TV tonight
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out, 5:30 pm, BBC One
Nick Park's Bafta-winning film which introduced the animated inventor and his faithful canine sidekick to the world. Wallace is distraught when his cheese supplies run out, so he decides to take a trip to the moon. All he needs to do is build himself a rocket. With the voice of Peter Sallis.
★★★★ LB
Live Sport
- Women's Super League: Manchester City v Manchester United, 12:15 pm (Kick-off 12.30 pm), BBC One
- Live Champions Cup Rugby: Saracens v Edinburgh, 2:45 pm (Kick-off 3.15pm), ITV1
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final!
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
