PICKS OF THE WEEK: 15-21 DECEMBER, WHAT TO WATCH NEXT WEEK

Our picks of what to watch during the week ahead.

THE FESTIVE FINISH LINE

Monday-Friday, BBC One

Roman Kemp hosts a special festive week of The Finish Line, assisted by Sarah Greene and featuring celebrities as the contestants. In the first episode, Christopher Biggins, Rachel Riley, Danny O’Carroll, Joel Mawhinney and Emily Campbell race in moving podiums across the Christmas-themed studio to try to win £5,000 for their chosen charity

 THE BIG QUIZ: EMMERDALE Vs CORONATION STREET

Monday, ITV1

Stephen Mulhern returns to present the annual quiz with members of the Coronation Street and Emmerdale cast - two titans of the ITV soap world - going head-to-head. This year, there are larger teams, more hilarious moments, two returning soap legends and even a special cross-over Corriedale round

 THE IMPOSTER

Monday-Thursday, 5

A sprawling seaside hotel sits at the heart of a dispute between matriarch Helen and her three adult children, Simon, Kate and Ian. The kids want to sell, but Helen is against the lucrative deal, despite her ailing health.

 FIRST DATES BEACH CLUB

Monday - Thursday, Channel 4

Fred Sirieix and Merlin Griffiths will return to take part in the ultimate summer of love, and alongside the First Dates team will witness sparks of chemistry and the unpredictable surprises that come with finding the one. The series promises to deliver the heartwarming and entertaining moments that have made First Dates one of the UK’s most beloved dating shows, but with the added sparkle of a sun-soaked holiday atmosphere and several fresh format twists to follow singles on their journeys to finding love during their stay.  

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

Wednesday, Netflix

The format sees giant boxes concealing "astonishing prizes, wild surprises and unexpected reveals". Over six episodes, host Neil Patrick Harris will lead pairs of contestants through rounds of fast-paced trivia as they race to guess what’s inside each box. But unpacking the prize is only the beginning. As the high-stakes game unfolds, competitors’ smarts, strategy, and stamina will be tested. Shifting alliances and unexpected twists mean only those with sharp instincts - and a little luck - will hold onto their winnings and claim victory.

 SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Thursday, BBC One

Presented by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, the iconic show, broadcast live from Salford, returns for its 72nd edition, and as always, it promises to be a wonderful showcase of who's who in British sport.

 BLANKETY BLANK CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Saturday, BBC One

The legendary Blankety Blank is back! Bradley Walsh hosts the funniest 30 minutes of the week as a panel of six celebrities fill in the missing blanks and help win brilliant prizes for some very lucky contestants. This week, he is joined by Daniel Mays, Charlotte Church, Jack Dee, Alex Brooker, Motsi Mabuse and Stephanie Beacham.

 THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE

Sunday, ITV1

Jason Manford hosts the Royal Variety Performance 2025 with a 40th anniversary celebration of Les Misérables, music from Jessie J, BGT winner Harry Moulding and a performance from Paddington The Musical. The world’s longest-running entertainment show returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London with Jason Manford taking the reins for the evening in the presence of members of the Royal Family as opera star Katherine Jenkins leads the National Anthem.

 BEYOND PARADISE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Sunday, BBC One

Humphrey has his hands full with a flurry of festive cases, while Martha is busy with a task of her own. Enlisting the help of Anne, Zoe and a special guest she races to pull off her secret plan. But with an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack, and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?