Tonight's television schedule offers a compelling mix of intimate celebrity reflection, festive fun, and rare historical insight, providing viewers with a rich selection of evening viewing.
A Poignant Cuppa with Acting Royalty
Sky Arts presents a particularly special programme at 9pm. Tea With Judi Dench features the legendary actress sharing a pot of tea in her country home with her longtime friend and colleague, Sir Kenneth Branagh. The encounter is described as both wickedly funny and deeply moving.
Viewers will see Dench's playful side, from her James Bond-themed doormat to introductions with her famously potty-mouthed parrot. The conversation seamlessly shifts to more profound reflections on her illustrious career, her late husband, and departed friends from the acting world. The programme carries added emotional weight following Dench's recent announcement that worsening eyesight is forcing her to step back from acting.
Festive Fare and Spanish Celebrations
The BBC counters with a slate of celebratory programming. At 8pm, Celebrity MasterChef: Christmas Cook Off returns to BBC One with a fresh format. Instead of former contestants, four new celebrities—including reality star GK Barry, actor Kola Bokinni, presenter Nikki Fox, and comedian Iain Stirling—will battle for the Golden Whisk in a one-off special.
Later, at 9pm on BBC One, Amanda and Alan's Spanish Christmas sees the popular duo reunite at their Spanish renovation project. Amanda Holden and Alan Carr aim to throw a festive party for local residents, promising clashes over tinsel, a risky trifle, and a potential pre-feast skinny dip, all kicked off with a public performance of 'Feliz Navidad'.
Behind Sacred Doors and Comedy Battles
For those seeking intrigue, BBC Two airs Secrets of the Conclave at 9pm. This documentary offers exclusive footage from inside the Vatican, exploring the highly confidential process that led to the election of Pope Leo XIV earlier this year. It features interviews with some of the 133 cardinals who took an oath of secrecy, providing a rare glimpse into one of the world's most mysterious electoral events.
Channel 4 serves up comedy competition at the same hour with Taskmaster: Champion of Champions 2025. Five recent series winners—Andy Zaltzman, John Robins, Maisie Adam, Mathew Baynton, and Sam Campbell—return to compete for the ultimate title, attempting to prove themselves the best of the best in Greg Davies's absurd arena.
Rounding out the evening's offerings is a Mammoth Christmas Special on BBC Two at 10pm. Mike Bubbins returns as the resurrected PE teacher Tony Mammoth, who finds himself suspended after a risqué performance of 'Deck the Halls' and risks ruining his first family Christmas since his return.
Late-Night Film Highlights
Film lovers are also well catered for. BBC One broadcasts Luca Guadagnino's critically acclaimed tennis drama Challengers at 10.40pm, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor. Meanwhile, Film4 offers a chance to revisit Yorgos Lanthimos's Oscar-winning period piece The Favourite at 11.05pm, featuring powerhouse performances from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz.
