These are the best things to watch on TV tonight - as the UK prepares for a New Year’s Eve at home
With this New Year Eve’s set to be unlike any other, as most of the country is under lockdown rules, why not settle down and enjoy some quality TV?
The BBC has planned a Big News Year’s In, and ITV is showing the much loved James Bond blockbuster, Skyfall.
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Hide AdHere are some of the best things to watch on TV tonight (31 Dec).
Paddington, Channel 4 - 5:15pm
Begin the evening with a film for the whole family to enjoy. The beloved children’s bear got the cinematic treatment in 2014, and brought all the charm and humour of the books to life. The film stars Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Nicole Kidman and Sally Hawkins.
The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity New Year Special, BBC One - 8pm
The second part of the celebrity special of The Great British Sewing Bee airs tonight. Celebrities include Lesley Joseph, presenter Sabrina Grant, actress Sally Philips, and Drag Race star The Vivienne. Challenges will include making a New Year’s Eve party dress, and making a pantomime character out of old clothes.
Celebrity Crystal Maze, Channel 4 - 8pm
The final celebrity special of the classic game show culminates on New Year’s Eve. Pop star Fleur East will lead a team featuring Natalie Cassidy, Nina Wadia and Georgia Toffolo. Presented by comedian and actor Richard Ayoade.
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Hide AdSkyfall, ITV - 9pm
Why not spend New Year’s Eve cosy on the sofa watching some James Bond? Often regarded as one of the greatest Bond films of all time, Daniel Craig’s third outing sees him hunt down a former MI6 agent across the UK.
The Big New Year’s In, BBC One - 9pm
Paddy McGuinness will be hosting a night of lighthearted games to bring some fun and music into households around the UK. There will be celebrity guests and one last virtual quiz for 2020 that viewers can join in on from home.
The Last Leg of the Year 2020, Channel 4 - 9pm
If you need a break from the films and games, switch over to Channel 4 for a two hour special of the Last Leg. The show will look back at a memorable 2020 in the trio’s own unique style. It will feature a host of special guests including Tom Allen, Lorraine Kelly, James Acaster, Judi Love, Asim Chaudhry, and Alex Horne & The Horne Section.
The Graham Norton New Year’s Eve Show, BBC One, 10:25pm
Incorporated into BBC One’s Big Night In, those wanting to watch Norton’s New Year’s staple show can catch the red sofa at 10:25pm. The line up will include Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, Jessica Chastain, Nish Kumar, and Tom Hanks. Music will be from Sophie Ellis Bextor.
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Hide AdOnly an Excuse, BBC One Scotland, 10:25pm
Those in Scotland can catch a very special edition of the Hogmanay football favourite, Only an Excuse. Jonathan Watson returns with some special guests, featuring classic sketches, popular characters and up-to-date skits tackling Scotland in 2020.
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny, BBC Two, 11:15pm
A New Year’s Eve staple, those looking for a musical entrance into 2021 can look no further than Hootenanny. Still going strong after nearly 30 years, this year’s guests include Celeste, Sir Tom Jones, Michael Kiwanuka, Roisin Murphy, Rag’n’Bone Man, Rick Wakeman, Ruby Turner and the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards. The 2020 edition will see replay performances from Jamiroquai, Rudimental and Ella Eyre and Madness.
Hogmanay 2020, BBC One Scotland, 11:30pm
With no Edinburgh street party this year, Susan Coleman presents Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations with a sofa full of some of the country’s biggest stars, as they look forward to the new year.
Alicia Keys Rocks New Year’s Eve, BBC One, 11:30pm
There may not be fireworks this year, but Alicia Keys will be promising to bring some star studded music to the end of 2020. The multi-award winning singer songwriter will be leading the new year countdown with some special performances of her greatest hits, on location in Los Angeles.