On TV tonight, Litvinenko arrives on ITVX, Joe Lycett explores his recent World Cup stunt, Stacey Solomon shows off her festive crafting skills, Matt Baker goes travelling with his parents and Gordon, Gino and Fred reflect on their latest travels. 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
Litvinenko, ITVX (boxset)
David Tennant won a TV Times Award for his portrayal of real-life serial killer Dennis Nielsen in Des, and he turns in another tour-de-force performance as Alexander ‘Sasha’ Litvinenko, who was poisoned in 2006. The image of the former KGB agent lying in a hospital bed during his final days will live in infamy, and this brooding drama captures those dark memories skilfully while telling his extraordinary story.
Tennant is excellent as Litvinenko, but there are plenty of other heroes to admire — and a terrifying villain who still looms large — in a four-parter that seems as prescient as ever. Tie-in documentary Litvinenko: The Mayfair Poisonings is also available on ITVX.
★★★★★ SMA
Gordon, Gino and Fred: Unseen Bits, 9 pm, ITV1
The three musketeers of gastronomy have a look back at their various road trips in Mexico, the United States and Morocco and get out the blooper reel — who needs holiday snaps? Considering that their semi-shambolic shows almost resemble blooper reels to start with, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of gaffes, huffs and guffaws as Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix reveal just how royally three consummate professionals can make a mess of things. As ever, a ton of good-natured fun. Concludes tomorrow.
★★★★ SM
Matt Baker: Christmas Travels with Mum & Dad, 9 pm, More 4
Matt and his lovely mum, Janice, and dad, Mike, enjoying mince pies around a twinkling tree — does it get any more Christmassy? ‘Ho Ho No’ is the answer, and if the festive spirit hasn’t grabbed you yet, enjoy this yuletide special with the Baker clan helping Co Durham’s stunning Raby Castle get ready for Christmas. While Matt and Mike feed the estate’s cattle, Janice polishes the 500- piece copper collection, makes a giant door wreath and helps Matt to decorate the 12ft tree he chops down for the entrance hall. Tree-mendous viewing!
★★★★ RF
Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas, 8pm, BBC1
We love a crafty TV show, especially a Christmassy one, and the Loose Women star’s festive special, which is packed with easy and thrifty tips on Christmas gifting and decorating, is an absolute joy. Her magical DIY transformations include hand-made garlands and a budget bauble wreath, while her whole family, including her kids and husband Joe Swash, get stuck in, too. She even turns her neighbour’s barn into a grotto. Viewing as warming as a hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s evening.
★★★★ HD
Joe Lycett V David Beckham: A Got Your Back Christmas Special, 9 pm, Channel 4
Last month, to highlight LGBTQ+ rights, Joe gave David an ultimatum: the footballer should give up his Qatar World Cup ambassador role or the comedian would shred £10,000. This festive edition of his consumer show follows Joe’s stunt, more headline-making even than his Liz Truss comments on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. And not forgetting it’s Christmas, he also takes on a card seller and reunites the cast of a TV gem.
★★★★ NT
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
Emma, 7 pm, BBC Three
In Regency-era England, wealthy Emma Woodhouse searches for a new companion after her governess, Miss Taylor, marries. The well meaning but selfish young woman proceeds to interfere in the romantic affairs of her friends. Director Autumn de Wilde's adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn and Josh O'Connor.
★★★★ LB
Soaps
- EastEnders, 7:30 pm, BBC One
- Emmerdale, 7:30 pm, ITV1
- Hollyoaks, 6:30 pm, Channel 4
Live Sport
- Live World Darts Championship, 6 pm, Sky Showcase
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss the highly anticipated Litvinenko starring David Tennant in the leading role.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
