This week in TV sees two favourite trios setting off on road trips, a new medical drama and the Grand Final of Strictly.
The Real Full Monty: On Ice
Monday 14th December
ITV, 9pm
See what happened on shoot day for our brave celebs taking part in #TheRealFullMontyOnIce ⛸
Tonight and tomorrow night, 9pm on @ITV & @ITVHub. pic.twitter.com/VSZSbDLZYI
— ITV (@ITV) December 14, 2020
Diversity’s head dancer Ashley Banjo has landed himself the mammoth task of choreographing a group of untrained celebrities to dance the Full Monty strip tease… on ice.
With help from Dancing on Ice’s professional skaters, and led by Ashley and Coleen Nolan, a group of eleven celebrities will be getting their kit off in order to raise awareness about cancer and how to spot the early signs.
The celebrities taking part include former Women’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray, former model Linda Lusardi, Doctor Zoe Williams from Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, Love Island contestant Chris Hughes, Welsh international rugby player Gareth Thomas and Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas.
Transplant
Tuesday 15th December
Sky Witness, 9pm
Transplant is a medical drama with a difference, following Syrian Bashir ‘Bash’ Hamed as he seeks refuge from his Civil War-torn home country in Canada. He’s a trained doctor, but as an immigrant, his foreign credentials don’t count for much.
His war zone experience does though, and he’s eventually employed by York Memorial Hospital in Toronto, where he begins to rebuild his career while dealing with the ongoing frustrations of immigrant status.
Gordon Gino and Fred: Desperately Seeking Santa
Wednesday 16th December
ITV, 9pm
Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo, Fred Sirieix are back together for another culinary adventure to try and end the year on a positive note, as they travel to Lapland in a bid to find Santa.
Following last year’s un-festive trip to Morocco, the trio are determined to celebrate the season in the ultimate Christmas wonderland.
D’Acampo wants to fulfil a promise to his daughter Mia and deliver her Christmas letter directly to Santa, Sirieix is excited to see the elusive Northern Lights and Ramsay is looking forward to tasting the culinary delights the country has to offer.
The Savoy at Christmas
Thursday 17th December
ITV, 9pm
The world-famous London hotel opens its doors once again to show viewers the preparations taking place to get the hotel ready for the festive period.
2020 has not been an easy year and the Covid-19 pandemic has had a disastrous effect on the hospitality and hotel industry, but for The Savoy, Christmas is their most profitable time of year.
Head butler Sean warns new recruit Michael about the festive rush and restaurant director Anne gets the hotel’s four restaurants ready, commanding 160 staff.
The staff are also going above and beyond for regular guest Howell Harris, who is spending his first Christmas at the hotel since his mother passed away.
The Grand Tour: A Massive Hunt
Friday 18th December
Prime Video
Following their stint as seamen, the reckless racers are back on land for a massive treasure hunt in a new special of The Grand Tour.
The trip begins all well and good on Reunion Island, with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond sitting comfortably in their sports cars as they race on the world’s most expensive stretch of tarmac, a ring road in the sea.
However, Mr Wilman blindsides them with a bizarre challenge. Across the ocean to Madagascar they must go, hitting the worst roads in the world in hot pursuit of pirate treasure.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Final
Saturday 19th December
BBC One, 6pm
After nine gruelling weeks of quick-footed Charlestons and glittering suits, four celebrities have made it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2020.
EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, comedian Bill Bailey, Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing and singer HRVY will be trying their best to impress with three dances: one chosen by the judges, their showdance and finally, their favourite routine of the series.
The finale will also feature a performance from Robbie Williams.
It’s then up to voters at home to decide who will get their hands on the coveted glitterball trophy, inheriting it from the reigning champion Kelvin Fletcher.
