Get ready for a thrilling evening of TV, because tonight's lineup has some unexpected twists and turns! A family drama unfolds in Midsomer Murders, but it's not your typical whodunit.
In the new series of Midsomer Murders, airing at 8:30 pm on ITV1, we witness the unraveling of the Stourwick family. When the head of the household, Henry Shirewell, passes away, his eldest son, the talented ceramicist Lucian, drops a bombshell. He announces his plan to turn the family estate into an artists' haven, which means saying goodbye to his siblings for good. But here's where it gets controversial: a suspicious letter surfaces, casting doubt on Lucian's intentions. DCI Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter step in to investigate, and what they uncover might just be a shocking murder mystery.
For a more light-hearted break, Celebrity Escape to the Country offers a glimpse into the lives of famous faces seeking their rural retreats. At 6:30 pm on BBC One, Nicki Chapman guides broadcaster Angellica Bell and her husband, the former children's TV star turned teacher, Michael Underwood, as they explore the charming landscapes of Devon. It's a delightful escape from the post-Christmas lull.
And if you're in the mood for some festive fun and games, Richard Osman's Festive House of Games is the perfect choice. Starting at 7 pm on BBC Two, this week's batch of celebrities includes Alex Brooker from The Last Leg, comedian Rhys Darby, Gavin & Stacey's Joanna Page, and EastEnders' Molly Rainford. They'll put their general knowledge to the test in a Christmas-themed edition of Osman's beloved gameshow. Who will reign supreme?
But the culinary showdown on BBC One at 8 pm is where things get really interesting. Recent MasterChef winners Natalie (2013), Thomas (2020), Chariya (2023), and Brin (2024) go head-to-head in a royal-themed challenge. Their dishes will be judged by none other than Tom Parker Bowles, the closest MasterChef has to royalty. John Torode and Grace Dent host this culinary battle fit for a king.
For a unique Christmas special, The Celebrity Apprentice takes a turn on BBC One at 9 pm. Alan Sugar, not typically associated with Christmas cheer, has assembled a cast of mostly famous faces for a two-part special benefiting Children in Need. Watch as personalities like Rob Rinder, Eddie Kadi, AJ Odudu, and former contestant Tom Skinner face the pressure cooker of Lapland. It's a surprising twist on the usual Apprentice format.
And for classical music enthusiasts, Sky Arts presents the Classic FM Live: 25th Anniversary Concert at 9 pm. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, along with its chorus, performs iconic anthems like Jerusalem, originally gifted by Hubert Parry to the women's suffrage movement as their unofficial hymn. They'll also perform Zadok the Priest and Nessun Dorma, making this concert a must-watch for classical music lovers.
So, which show will you tune into first? And do you think Lucian's plan is truly sinister, or just a family drama blown out of proportion? Let's discuss in the comments!
