Telly and Streaming Highlights: David Tennant bids another farewell to Doctor Who

Plus: Wee Danny on TG4; Planet Earth III winds up on BBC One; Fíorscéal examines 
The Giggle completes the trio of Doctor Who anniversary specials and will air on BBC One at 6.30pm on Saturday, December 9

The Giggle completes the trio of Doctor Who anniversary specials and will air on BBC One at 6.30pm on Saturday, December 9

Saturday

Doctor Who: The Giggle, BBC One, 6.30 pm 

David Tennant’s comeback as the Doctor comes to an end. The giggle of a mysterious puppet is driving the human race insane. When the Doctor discovers the return of the terrifying Toymaker, he faces a fight he can never win.

Opry le Daniel i gConnacht, TG4, 8.30pm 

Daniel O'Donnell is back as host to present Opry le Daniel I gConnacht. In this special programme, we show a selection of performances that have not been seen in the series so far. Artists include Tommy Fleming, Sean Keane, Brian Kennedy, Mary Coughlan, Chantelle Padden, Cathy Jordan and many more.

Cher Night, BBC Two, 9pm 

The goddess of pop sits down for a fun and in-depth chat with Rylan Clark about her new record, her biggest hits and her incredible life and career.

Sunday 

Planet Earth III, BBC One, 6.20pm 

In the final episode of his latest series, David Attenborough introduces conservation heroes fighting to save the world’s wildlife, from exploring remote jungles to going undercover to catch criminals in the illegal ivory trade.

Vigil, BBC One, 9pm 

Suranne Jones returns for a second season of the aquatic military thriller. When a weapons test turns deadly, with allies from the Middle East among the dead, all eyes are on DCI Amy Silva (Jones), who tries to ignore the politics to get to the truth.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Virgin Media One, 8pm 

Which celeb will triumph in the jungle? After three long weeks, all will finally be revealed.

Monday 

The Best Christmas Food Ever, BBC Two, 2.15pm 

Paul Ainsworth and Catherine Fulvio are joined by presenter Dominic Littlewood as they share culinary secrets, perfect for creating delicious festive flavours for Christmas.

Éamonn Ryan: An Máistir, TG4, 8pm 

The late Éamonn Ryan is best known as the manager of the Cork Ladies Football team that won 10 All-Ireland Championships. He played for Cork in the All-Ireland Final in the sixties, but it was as a manager that his talents blossomed. It became his trademark to revive the fortunes of teams in the doldrums. Every team he managed won championships. He inspired everyone who played under him, but he was humble about his own success. Éamonn Ryan - the story of an exceptional mentor and teacher.

Taking Back Control, RTÉ One, 9.35pm 

A victim of coercive control tells of the abuse she suffered, inflicted by a member of An Garda Síochána who was convicted in 2022 for the crime. 

Tuesday 

Northern Lights, TG4, 8pm

In flashback, we see Lloyd and Denise's excitement at their 20-week scan. In the present, Lloyd and Áine admit they aren't sure if they regret the kiss. But what do they do now? What does this mean for them both? Later that night, Lloyd texts Denise - he's finally ready to accept that it's over between them.

Louis Theroux Interviews, BBC Two, 9pm 

Louis travels to the seaside town of Herne Bay to spend time with Top Boy star and ex-So Solid Crew rapper Ashley Walters.

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas.
Mary Berry's Highland Christmas.

Wednesday 

Mayfair Witches, BBC Two, 9pm 

The eagerly anticipated Anne Rice adaptation continues. Following the death of her adoptive mother Elena, a grieving Rowan discovers that Elena had lied about attempting to track down her birth parents.

Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas, BBC One, 9pm

Mary Berry travels to her mother’s homeland of Scotland, where she’s joined by friends Andy Murray, Iain Stirling and Emeli Sande to cook indulgent Christmas dishes.

Litir Ghrá ón Dara Cogadh Domhanda, 9.30pm 

The inspirational story of how the love Belfast Doctor Frank Murray had for his Gaeltacht sweetheart Eileen O'Kane prevailed despite the horrors of captivity in Japanese POW camps during World War 2 

Hannah Fry and Marc Alden Taylor. in The Secret Genius of Modern Life
Hannah Fry and Marc Alden Taylor. in The Secret Genius of Modern Life

Thursday 

Stacy Solomon’s Crafty Christmas, BBC One, 8pm 

With a little help from her family, Stacey Solomon shows us crafty ways to create beautiful decorations and gifts that are sure to spread some homemade cheer this Christmas time.

The Secret Genius of Modern Life, BBC Two, 10pm 

Hannah Fry goes behind the scenes to look at the technology behind the lift, entering a 246m high lift shaft to test everything from the brakes to her own fear of heights.

Fíorscéal, TG4, 10.30pm 

As the USA is trying to heal the wounds of a year of racial violence, an over-50-year-old cold case suddenly resurfaces. A short time after a police officer's deathbed letter revealed the FBI's involvement in the murder of Malcolm X, and following a 22-month investigation conducted by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, two of the men convicted for the killing are exonerated.

Friday 

QI: Toys, Tinsels and Turkeys, BBC Two, 10pm 

Sandi Toksvig presents QI’s T series Christmas special with Aisling Bea, Chris McCausland, Gyles Brandreth and Alan Davies.

The Graham Norton Show, 11.10pm 

Together on Graham’s sofa are Imelda Staunton, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Dornan and Jack Lowden. With music from Gregory Porter, who performs his song Christmas Wish.

Alan Ritchson as Reacher, on Amazon Prime.
Alan Ritchson as Reacher, on Amazon Prime.

Streaming

Under Pressure: The US Women’s World Cup Team, Netflix, Tuesday 

In this docuseries, the U.S. women's national soccer team pursues their third consecutive title amid trials and triumphs at the 2023 FIFA World Cup – where Ireland also put in a memorable appearance.

Reacher, season two, Prime Video, Friday 

Based on Bad Luck and Trouble, the 11th book in Lee Child’s global best-selling series, Reacher Season Two stars Alan Ritchson in the title role of Jack Reacher, with Maria Sten, Serinda Swan, and Shaun Sipos as key members of the 110th MP Special Investigations Unit.

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