The TV schedules are crammed with so many festive treats this week that instead of our usual weekly highlights, we’re doing a daily round up of the best of the Christmas telly
Tonight’s line up typically includes something for everyone, from nostalgia trips from BBC Four’s The Golden Age of Children’s TV to feats of human strength in the World’s Strongest Man on Channel 5.
World’s Strongest Man
Channel 5
6.55pm
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual display of beefy men demonstrating their super strength as they attempt to lift extraordinary weights under the burning Malaysian sun.
Presenters James Richardson and Charlie Webster will be on the ground in Putrajaya with strongman Terry Hollands, while Danny Wallace and Colin Bryce assume commentary duties.
The Making of the Sound of Music Live
ITV
8pm
Viewers of last night’s epic The Sound of Music Live had just one complaint on Twitter: that it was too good to be live.
Doubters were eventually proved wrong after the young actress playing Marta von Trapp took an unfortunate tumble during the performance.
Tonight’s The Making Of… shows just how director Coky Giedroyc and her cast and crew pulled off a faultless production.
Gorilla Family and Me
BBC Two
9pm
Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan fulfils a lifelong dream as he travels to the Democratic Republic of Congo to spend time with the largest primates on earth, Grauer’s Gorillas.
In the Kahuzi-Biega National Park he meets Chimanuka, a 30 year old gorilla who heads up a family of 25.
Although Chimanuka has come into contact with humans before, Buchanan must build up a trust with the gorilla to gain a fascinating insight into the family life of gorillas.
From Andy Pandy to Zebedee: The Golden Age of Children’s TV
BBC Four
9pm
While some parents may argue that being able to park your child in front of Peppa Pig and YouTube all day is a revolution in childcare, many hark back to the ‘golden age’ of children’s TV.
BBC Four explores the stories behind some of the nation’s favourites, from Jackanory to Newsround, combining classic clips and interviews with those involved in making the shows.
Photo credit: BBC / Gordon Buchanan