BBC announces Christmas 2023 TV line-up, including Doctor Who and Strictly

From festive special episodes of TV favourites to documentaries, expect 'an extravaganza of must-watch shows'
Doctor Who's Millie Gibson and Ncuti Gatwa, who plays the eponymous sci-fi hero, are among the stars appearing in the BBC's Christmas schedule
PA Media
Lola Christina Alao29 November 2023

The BBC has announced its full Christmas line-up for 2023. Its schedule covers the entire festive period across its TV channels and iPlayer.

We can expect to see TV favourites return, including Strictly Come Dancing, Ghosts, Call the Midwife, The Graham Norton Show and Doctor Who.

Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer said: “This year’s Christmas line-up on the BBC is an extravaganza of must-watch shows. Join us as we welcome a brand new Doctor and wave goodbye to our beloved sitcom Ghosts. 

"[There will be] a spectacular range of entertainment, drama, comedy and factual programming across the festive fortnight. It’s essential viewing for everyone as we bring friends and families together across the UK.”

Sci-fi hero Doctor Who will take over our screens on Christmas Day. In his first epic adventure, Ncuti Gatwa will take control of the Tardis as the 15th Doctor.

And in a moment which soap fans have been waiting for since February, they will find out which Walford resident is the dead body at Christmas on EastEnders.

But the fun doesn't end there, The Call the Midwife Christmas special takes viewers back to 1968 when Apollo 8 was poised to circle the moon. A new drama series Beyond Paradise makes a Christmas special debut, alongside a feature-length episode of Death in Paradise.

In Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster, Sir David Attenborough will investigate the discovery of a lifetime. In Charles III: The Coronation Year, viewers will get a unique insight into the life of King Charles III and Queen Camilla by seeing behind the scenes of the first year of his reign.

Strictly Come Dancing will return for a Christmas special for all the family to enjoy. Celebrities Dan Snow, Sally Nugent, Jamie Borthwick, Tillie Amartey, Danny Cipriani and Keisha Buchanan will take to the dance floor with their professional partners, while the singer Sam Ryder will also perform. 

There will be also many renowned entertainment shows, including The Hit List, The Weakest Link, Blankety Blank and Would I Lie To You, to enjoy.

And for the first time in MasterChef history, the tables will be turned on five of the country’s top food critics in MasterChef: Battle of the Critics 2023. After that, MasterChef judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode will welcome back four of the most memorable celebrities from past series in Celebrity MasterChef: Christmas Cook-Off 2023.

For more information on the BBC's festive programming, click here.

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