Our top Crimbo telly choices

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Christmas might only come once a year, but in the build up to the big day there are hundreds of choices when it comes to deciding what to tune into. Whether you’re a TV traditionalist or prefer the idea of binge-watching Netflix till Boxing Day, one thing’s for sure - you’ll want a big tin of Christmas choccies parked next to you.

With so much on offer we’ve jotted down a few of the things things we’ll be watching over the festive season to share with you. So warm up a mince pie, get your halls decked out and have that remote control at the ready.

Maigret’s Dead Man - Christmas Day at 9pm on ITV

Move over Poirot, because Rowan Atkinson is returning as legendary French detective Maigret, proving once again that he’s more than just his Mr Bean funny man persona.

We originally saw Atkinson take on the role, previously played by the likes of Michael Gambon and Richard Harris, back at Easter in ‘Maigret Sets a Trap’.

The Maigret character was originally created by author Georges Simenon and featured in 75 novels from 1931 to 1972. With so much source material and Atkinson having confirmed his appearance in at least two more films, this feature-length episode based on the 1948 novel looks set to be a Christmas highlight.

In the meantime here’s a sneak preview which shows Atkinson in action:

Doctor Who - Christmas Day at 5.45pm on BBC1

For sci-fi geeks out there it’s not really Christmas Day without a strong dose of Doctor Who.

And true fans have had a long time to wait as it’s been a year since we last saw Peter Capaldi with sonic screwdriver in hand.

Now he’s back, trusty Tardis in tow in ‘The Return of Doctor Mysterio’ which sees him tackle an alien invasion in New York. Apart from knowing there’s a vague superhero theme for this special and a vigilante named ‘The Ghost’, producers have been typically tight-lipped.

The closest look we’ve had at characters is this BBC sneak preview below:

Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes – Boxing Day and 27^th December at 6.30pm on BBC1

For adults of a certain age, the original Revolting Rhymes book was a hilarious antidote to traditional fairy tale endings which summoned surprises you didn’t expect to see.

This two part animated adaptation offers up retellings of Little Red Riding Hood, Snow-White, Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella with a whole host of famous names including Rob Brydon and Dominic West voicing the characters.

Philomenia Cunk on Christmas - Thursday 29th December at 10pm on BBC2

If you like your Christmas programming with an extra helping of deadpan sarcasm then Philomenia Cunk is the woman for you.

A break out star in Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe, her genius comes in the form of a pseudo-news reporter style of parody. Taking on the true meaning of Christmas this time it’s sure to serve some tongue in cheek Christmas cheer.

If you’ve never experienced her unique sense of humour before then check out this clip below where she explains the ‘Wonder of Money’:

 Looking for more options this Christmas when it comes to the telly? Get a great selection of different channels with YouView TV from Plusnet for only £5 a month.