2014 was a strong year for British television, with shows like The Great British Bake Off, Sherlock and the FIFA World Cup entertaining millions.

This year looks to be just as promising, with a whole host of new series coming to the small screen, as well as the highly anticipated return on some of the nation's favourites.

We've rounded up five of this year's most anticipated programmes.

Broadchurch

 

The much anticipated second series of RTS award-winning Broadchurch returned to ITV on Monday, following detectives Alec Hardy, played by David Tennant and Olivia Colman's Ellie Miller, in a Dorset seaside town.

Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall stars Damien Lewis as Henry VIII (left) and Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell (right) (Credit: BBC/Company Productions Ltd)

BBC 2's adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Man Booker prize-winning novel starts on 21st January. The series follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) and the power struggles in the Tudor court, after Cardinal Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce) is dismissed as Lord Chancellor, and Henry VIII (Damien Lewis) grows increasingly desperate for a male heir.

With Mantel herself saying that the adaptation has exceeded her expectations, Wolf Hall looks set to win over fans both new and old.

Cucumber/Banana/Tofu

Vincent Franklin as Henry in Cucumber (Credit: Channel 4)

Though it may sound like the contents of a lunch box, Cucumber, Banana and Tofu are three interlinking series exploring 21st century relationship pitfalls by Queer As Folk writer Russell T Davies.

Channel 4's Cucumber follows Henry and his long-term boyfriend Lance. After a disastrous date night, Henry embarks on a new life without Lance.

Henry's new life spills over into E4's Banana, which focuses on younger characters who feature briefly in Cucumber and, according to the channel, will cover "50 shades of gay and beyond."

Meanwhile on 4oD, Tofu is an eight-part series of factual shorts, interspersed with sketch comedy, exploring what sex means in modern Britain.

Poldark

Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark (Credit: BBC/Mammoth)

The wild Cornish landscape will take centre stage in BBC One's Poldark, starring Aidan Turner (last seen in The Hobbit trilogy) as Ross Poldark, who returns to his native county after the American War of Independence to find his old life in ruins.

The series, based on the novels by Winston Graham, will also feature Robin Ellis, who played Ross Poldark in the 1970s series.

Indian Summers

Julie Walters as Cynthia in Indian Summers (Credit: Channel 4)

Julie Walters appears as Cynthia, a widower and doyenne in the Himalayan city of Simla, the summer outpost of Brits posted to India. It's 1932 and the influence of the British Empire is beginning to pale as dreams of an independent India increase.

Channel 4's 10-part series promises everything from politics and power to sex and secrets, with Walter's Cynthia influence spreading through the community.

@PippaShawley