If your Christmas plans heavily involve snuggling up on the sofa and enjoying a feast of festive television, then read on for Hood’s handpicked guide to the best Christmas sitcoms, specials and films to enjoy…

A Christmas Carol

This intense new take on Dickens’ festive classic has been created by the teams behind Taboo and Peaky Blinders, so you know it’s going to be great. Slick, dramatic and unlike any version you’ve seen before.

22, 23 December and Christmas Eve, 9pm, BBC One

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

If, like us, you spend the festive season feeling a little nostalgic, this is the perfect show to indulge in. Channel 4 and the team behind The Snowman bring to life the charming Judith Kerr book about a tiger who unexpectedly becomes a house guest.

Christmas Eve, 7.30pm, Channel 4

Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special

The eagerly-anticipated one-off episode of one of the nation’s favourite sitcoms catches up with the beloved characters from Billericay and Barry, ten years on. to see how they’re faring with children, family and life in general.

Christmas Day, 8.30pm, BBC One

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

We love the original Strictly, so if you’re already suffering withdrawal symptoms now the main series is over, we think you’ll adore this glitzy festive special. Previous contestants, including Mark Wright, Debbie McGee and Richard Arnold, will take to the floor with a dazzling Christmassy routine in a bid to be crowned festive champion and take home the glitterball trophy/

Christmas Day, 4.40pm, BBC One

Dolly Parton: Here I Am

Whether you’re a country music fan or not, everyone loves Dolly. This fascinating documentary gives unprecedented access to the fiercely-private Dolly, showing her in a whole new light.

Christmas Day, 8.30pm, BBC Two

Kylie’s Secret Night

National treasure Kylie Minogue teams up with Alan Carr for this intimate 90-minute chat show, including hidden camera pranks, special performances and interviews, and Kylie like you’ve never seen her before.

Christmas Day, 10.30pm, Channel 4

First Dates at Christmas

Lovers of First Dates will absolutely adore this feelgood festive special. Follow singletons looking for love and romance this Christmas, as they enjoy a blind date, looked after by our favourites Fred and Merlin, of course.

Christmas Day, 9.30pm, Channel 4

Call The Midwife

The beloved BBC series decamps to Scotland this Christmas, as our favourite midwives are seconded to the Outer Hebrides to help with a shortage of nurses.

Christmas Day, 7pm, BBC One

The Great Christmas Bake Off

Who doesn’t love the Bake Off? There are two festive specials to indulge in this Christmas, complete with brilliant celebrity guests - previous contestants, and the cast of Derry Girls, no less.

Christmas Day, 7.10pm and New Year’s Day, 7.40pm, Channel 4

Worzel Gummidge

Mackenzie Crook writes, stars and directs in this retelling of the classic children’s story, along with an all-star cast featuring Sir Michael Palin, Zoe Wanamaker and Steve Pemberton.

Boxing Day, 6.20pm, BBC One

The Big Fat Quiz of the Year

We love teaming up to take on the funniest quiz on TV, and 2019’s offering looks set to be funnier than ever, with contestants including Richard Ayoade, Noel Fielding, Maya Jama and Roisin Conaty competing to scoop the top prize.

Boxing Day, 9pm, Channel 4

Richard Osman’s World Cup of the Decade

If you love Richard Osman’s yearly Twitter polls, spanning everything from the World Cup of crisps to the World Cup of biscuits, you’ll love this special episode which highlights the best bits of the 10s, from the best new songs and films, to the best new things we didn’t have a decade ago. Fascinating, funny and sure to spark debate in your household!

27 December, 9pm, Channel 4

The Trial of Christine Keeler

Lovers of a retro period drama will adore this six-part series focused on one of the biggest scandals of the 1960s: the Profumo Affair. Expect a stellar cast, gripping script and of course, an incredible wardrobe, alongside this thrilling tale of politics, feminism and power.

29 and 30 December, 9pm, BBC One

BBC/HARTSWOOD FILMS/NETFLIX/ROBERT VIGLASKY

Dracula

The classic horror story gets a thoroughly modern retelling, in this dark and dramatic three-part version penned by Sherlock co-creators, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.

New Year’s Day, 2 and 3 January, 9pm BBC One

Doctor Who

Of course, we couldn’t finish our TV guide without including the incredible first episode of the new series of Doctor Who. Jodie Whittaker returns as the Doctor, facing a whole new set of sci-fi adventures.

Hood's guide to the the best TV this Christmas