A Christmas Television Extravaganza
Motherland
One of our favourites here at United, Motherland returns to our screen this month. Julia has a full-house this year as she is inundated with not just grandparents, but Kevin and Liz (Diane Morgan). Meg hits the booze a little too hard, Amanda grins and bares it as she spends the holidays with her ex-husband and his new wife. Whilst Anne is giddy as she welcomes her mammy and cousins.
Air Date: 23rd December
Channel: BBC 1 and BBC iPlayer at 9.30pm
Airing from Sunday 18th December, this incredible series will continue throughout the Christmas period with episode 2 showing on BB1 on Christmas Eve. Featuring the talents of James McAvoy, Jade Anouka and Ruta Gedmintas, this whirlwind adventure is the show for you if you're looking for some dark escapism.
Air Dates: 24th December, 31st December and continues throughout January 2023
Channel: BBC1 and BBC iPlayer at 7pm
Ghosts
The hilarious comedy returns to our screens this festive season, starring Jim Howick as Pat. In this episode, we see Alison and Mike set off for a Christmas lunch with Mike's parents, and whilst they are away the ghost's decide to put on a play. Keeping in the spirit of Christmas, they opt for a pantomime, deciding on Cinderella. However, they decide it needs a little more tragedy and as such, the tears and laughs come in equal measure.
Air Dates: 25th December
Channel: BBC1 and BBC iPlayer at 7.25pm
A Christmas Carol: a Ghost Story
Starring Mark Gatiss as Jacob Marley in his own theatrical retelling of Dicken's classic winter ghost story, this powerful tale of life, love, loss and redemption is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. Directed for the stage by Adam Penford and narrated by United Voices client, Christopher Godwin, this is a wonderful chance to see this stage production from the comfort of your own home.
Air Dates: 25th December
Channel: BBC4 and BBC iPlayer at 7pm
The Canterville Ghost
Another ghostly classic tale for your Christmas day viewing, The Canterville Ghost is a modern retelling of Oscar Wilde's story. Resident ghost Sir Simon de Canterville is delighted when American tech billionaire Hiram Otis (James Lance) and his family move into the mansion he has been haunting for centuries. However, his delight soon turns to frustration when Hiram and his family refuse to be scared by his ghostly goings on.
From Voices, we also have the talented Caroline Catz (Virginia Otis) and Jack Bardoe (Lord Cecil Canterville).
Air Dates: 25th and 26th December
Channel: Channel 5 at 3.10pm (Christmas Day) and 3pm (Boxing Day)
Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked
If you are more of a non-fiction kind of person, we have you covered with this documentary from national treasure, Miriam Margolyes. "Do you feel that you're getting a fair go?" is the question she posits to her fellow Australians. Having had a home there for several decades and becoming a citizen back in 2013, Miriam interrogates the equal opportunity reputation, starting in Tasmania where half the population have 'convict blood'. Speaking to politicians, activists and bikers, she is distressed to hear of the treatment of indigenous people and shocking literacy levels in Tasmania.
Air Dates: 27th December and throughout January 2023
Channel: BB2 and BBC iPlayer at 9pm
Riptide
This new thriller starring Jo Joyner (Alison) and Peter O'Brien (Sean), sees newlyweds Alison and Sean wedded bliss torn apart when Sean fails to return from surfing one morning. Police conclude he fell foul of the riptides, but is there something more sinister at work?
Watch the trailer here.
Air Dates: 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th December
Channel: Channel 5 at 9pm
The Mitchells vs the Machines
A sci-fi comedy? Check. Genocidal robots and AI? Check. A family fighting for survival? Check.
This zany animated film starring the voice of Olivia Colman is perhaps not the most traditional Christmas viewing but with a touching father-daughter narrative driving the plot along, this film is a heartfelt celebration of family.
Air Dates: 26th December
Channel: ITV1 at 3.30pm
Mayflies
A dramatisation of Andrew O'Hagan's novel, the show follows successful author Jimmy and his long-time friend, teacher Tully. Tully has terminal cancer and needs Jimmy to be his "campaign manager" for the months ahead. This deeply moving story explores loyalty, death and male friendship along with how it ages and how it dies.
Featuring Shauna Macdonald and Natali McCleary.
Air Dates: 27th and 28th December
Channel: BBC1 and BBC iPlayer at 9pm
Eight out of Ten Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special
Arguably a staple of Christmas programming Eight out of Ten Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special returns for 2022. Returning to her role of Queen of Etymology is United Voices Susie Dent
Air Dates: 28th December
Channel: Channel 4 at 10pm
Big Fat Quiz of the Year
For those that love a pub quiz, the return of ultimate quiz will be a relief. This year Katherine Ryan joins the panel of comedians and host Jimmy Carr.
Air Dates: 26th December
Channel: Channel 4 at 9pm