Telly picks

Royal Carols: Together at Christmas Christmas Eve, ITV, 7pm

The Princess of Wales recognises the selfless efforts of individuals, families and communities across the UK during a very special carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

The ceremony also pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by championing the values she held dear, including empathy and compassion.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Christmas Day, BBC1, 5.10pm

The 2022 final took place last weekend, but for anyone missing Strictly, here’s the Christmas special.

Six new celebs take to the floor – actor George Webster, former Girls Aloud member and Masked Singer winner Nicola Roberts,

Gavin & Stacey’s Larry Lamb, DJ Rickie Haywood-williams, ex-corrie star Alexandra Mardell and podcaster and author Rosie Ramsey, whose husband, comedian Chris, made it to the semi-finals in 2019. Former judge Bruno Tonioli is back, too.

The Voice Kids

Boxing Day, ITV, 8.30pm

It may be short, but this spin-off from the original show is always sweet.

Its sixth run, lasting only three episodes, is about to begin, with Ronan Keating

(replacing Mel C) joining the coaching panel alongside will.i.am, Danny Jones and Pixie Lott. The quartet will be offering their views on the skills of competitors aged between seven and 14. Emma Willis hosts.

Riptide

Tuesday, Channel 5, 9pm

Jo Joyner (of Eastenders and Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators fame) stars in this new thriller.

She plays Alison, who appears to have the perfect life – she’s very much in love with her new, wealthy husband Sean and they have moved into a beautiful seaside property together. However, there are tensions – her daughter

Hannah isn’t happy with her new home, Sean’s son Ethan thinks his stepmother is a gold-digger, and Alison’s ex, Michael, still wants her back.

Then one day Sean goes out surfing and never returns.

The police conclude that he fell victim to the dangerous riptide (hence the title), but grieving Alison can’t help thinking that there could be another explanation...

Jon and Lucy’s Party of the Year Wednesday, Channel 4, 9pm

Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont are hosting a Christmas getaway for some of their closest friends.

They’re joined by fellow comedians Romesh Ranganathan, Judi Love and Tom Allen to eat, drink and get very merry during