Christmas_TV_Guide

arrive at an alpine chalet for a holiday, where the creepy Klaus regales them with tales of The Devil of Christmas . Walliams & Friend Christmas Special (BBC1, 10pm) Star of Downton Abbey and W1A Hugh Bonneville partners with David Walliams in a variety of comedy sketches with a festive theme. Pompeii with Michael Buerk (ITV, 10.45pm) Almost 2,000 years after the city of Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash, that Italian region continues to captivate the world. Michael Buerk gives us his take on one of the most devastating natural disasters of all time. With the aid of computer-generated imagery, he takes viewers through 24 hours in the area, from the commute to work in the morning, to brutal sports at noon and a plenitude of vices by night. Wednesday, December 28 What Britain Bought in 2016 (Channel 4, 8pm) There’s little doubt that 2016 has been a rollercoaster of a year, but have the political upheavals of the past 12 months had an impact on the UK’s £7bn-a-year shopping habit? That’s what Mary Portas is about to find out as she talks to some of the nation’s leading retailers, including John Lewis,

leader Sean Lock is joined by co- median Johnny Vegas, taking on team leader Jon Richardson, and Sara Pascoe. Meanwhile, David O’Doherty joins Countdown’s resident lexicographer Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner to arbitrate over the players’ collective efforts and Rachel Riley looks after the numbers and letters with Joe Wilkinson. QI (BBC2, 10pm) Comedian, novelist and presenter David Baddiel, comedian, actress and writer Cariad Lloyd and stand-up comedian and actor Ross Noble join regular panellist Alan Davies and recently-installed host Sandi Toksvig to contemplate questions and facts on the theme ‘nature and nurture’.

Inside No 9 – The Devil of Christmas (December 27, BBC2, 10pm)

Katona, Stefan Dennis and Len Goodman recall the year’s showbiz events. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie split, while the curious coupling of Liam Payne and Cheryl occurred. Justin Bieber was mean to his fans, Kanye West reignited his long-running feud with Taylor Swift, and Zayn Malik revealed why he left One Direction. Shock- ingly good moments included politician Ed Balls on Strictly and Honey G on The X Factor , while the restart of Top Gear failed to fire on all cylinders. Thursday, December 29 remarkable career trajectory of Adele Adkins, the pop and blue- eyed soul singer who rose from humble beginnings in Tottenham to become one of the biggest stars of the modern music industry. Guy Martin: Cycling Home for Christmas (Channel 4, 9pm) The bike enthusiast takes on his longest and hardest challenge yet as he cycles around the entire coast of Great Britain in just 20 days. This documentary follows Guy’s preparation as he uncovers how much he will need to eat and sleep, learns about the extreme weather he will face, and meets with expert bike builders. Bruce Springsteen: In His Words (Channel 4, 10.35pm) Rock legend Bruce Springsteen released his critically-acclaimed autobiography, Born to Run , earlier this year, but if you’re still wondering what makes the man his fans like to call ‘The Boss’ tick, then this 90-minute documentary should provide some answers. In an intimate conversation, Bruce explores what drove him to become a musician, sheds new light on the inspiration behind some of his best-loved songs, and explains why he’s still motivated to make new music. Friday, December 30 Noel’s Sell or Swap Live (Channel 4, 7pm) Children of the 1970s and 1980s The Adele Story (Channel 5, 9pm) Documentary charting the

might remember Noel Edmonds’ Saturday morning TV show Multi Coloured Swap Shop which, in the days before the internet, gave kids a chance to offload their junk by exchanging it for someone else’s. So, prepare to feel nostalgic as Noel hosts this familiar-sounding programme, in which guests get a chance to bid on an eclectic mix of items. 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown New Year Special (Channel 4, 9pm) This unique fusion of two popular Channel 4 shows receives a New Year outing as Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show’s version of the words-and-numbers quiz, with a Hogmanay flavour. Team

Noel’s Sell or Swap Live (December 30, C4, 7pm)

Maplin, Waterstones, ASOS, Superdrug, Hobbycraft and Waitrose, as well as buyers, forecasters and influencers.

Kitten Rescuers (Channel 5, 8pm)

Cats are natural explorers and often find themselves in tricky and dangerous situations. As a result, staff at the RSPCA have their work cut out on a daily basis as they strive to keep Britain’s felines out of harm’s way. This documentary allows viewers an insight into the work of vets and volunteers. Part of the Animal Magic season. The Most Shocking Celebrity

Equine experts

Moments of 2016 (Channel 5, 9pm)

You can trust our outstanding horse vets to look after your horse or pony, supported by extensive equine facilities.

Louis Walsh, Michelle Visage, Darren Day, Bobby Norris, Chloe Khan, Eamonn Holmes, Kerry

Newbury equine centre: Oxford Road, Newbury RG14 2JB T: Equine - 01635 39039 (24-hours)

E: info@donningtongrove.com www.donningtongrove.com

Bruce Springsteen: In His Words (December 29, C4, 10.35pm)

15