This evening's television offers a festive treat with a national treasure, a dark crime thriller, and a fascinating historical investigation. The schedule is packed with everything from culinary inspiration to sporting farewells.
A Culinary Celebration with Mary Berry
At 9pm on BBC One, A Mary Berry Christmas sees the beloved cook, who celebrated her 90th birthday this year, demonstrating her festive culinary prowess. Far from slowing down, Berry will showcase a menu featuring innovative dishes like a pigs in blankets cassoulet, a cherry and lemon millefeuille, and a pear and ginger steamed pudding.
She is joined in the kitchen by special guests including actress Alison Steadman, sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and broadcaster Zoe Ball. The programme isn't just about cooking; Berry also embarks on a trip to Windsor Great Park to select the perfect Christmas tree, adding a touch of seasonal adventure to the mix.
Drama, Mystery and a Sports Quiz Finale
For those seeking suspense, U&Alibi broadcasts The Hunting Party at 9pm. The series continues as Bex and her team hunt escaped serial killer Tom Beecher, whose horrifying method involves forcing one woman to witness another's murder. Critics note the drama is somewhat undercut by the killer's uncanny resemblance to a certain children's TV character.
Over on Sky Arts at 9pm, Mozart's Sister presents a dramatic musical investigation into a historical injustice. It explores the story of Maria Anna ‘Nannerl’ Mozart, the musical prodigy who was five years older than her famous brother Wolfgang. The documentary examines how her talent was sidelined when, at 18, it was deemed improper for a young lady to perform publicly, posing the poignant question: what happened to all that potential?
Meanwhile, an era ends on Sky Max as A League of Their Own blows the final whistle after 15 years and 20 seasons. The last episode, refereed by Romesh Ranganathan, features regulars Jamie Redknapp, Jill Scott, and Micah Richards. They are joined by Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny, boxer Tony Bellew, and chef Big Zuu for a final celebration of the rowdy sports quiz.
More Highlights Across the Channels
Channel 4 offers two diverse options. At 8pm, Inside Legoland at Christmas goes behind the scenes of the theme park's winter transformation, showcasing the world's biggest Lego Christmas tree and the immense effort of erecting 700 real trees. Later, at 12.05am, Untold: Controlled – Can I Trust My Partner? sees Daisy Maskell investigating the normalisation of unhealthy relationships online and the alarming rise of stalkerware apps.
Film fans can catch the acclaimed Dune: Part Two on Sky Cinema Greats at 10.35pm. The epic sequel, starring Timothée Chalamet, continues the complex saga of Paul Atreides on the desert planet Arrakis with stunning visual effects.
Sports enthusiasts have a choice between the EFL Cup quarter-final between Newcastle and Fulham on ITV1 at 7.30pm, and the third Ashes Test from Adelaide on TNT Sports 1, starting at 11pm.
