Shamrock Rovers visit Chelsea for their Christmas party, there's the An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024, The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special, First Dates at Christmas and a some excellent documentaries . . .
Live UECL: Chelsea v Shamrock Rovers, Premier Sport 1 & TNT Sport 1
Shamrock Rovers have been on an unprecedented run in Europe and come to their final league phase game unbeaten, with three wins and two draws. Crazy!
But no one at Rovers is under any illusions about tonight’s challenge.
They're hitting a Blue brick wall tonight in the shape of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (KO 8pm), the only club with a 100% record in the competition and currently one of Europe's top sides.
Stephen Bradley's (above) Hoops have already made history by becoming the first ever Irish club to qualify for the knockout stage of a European competition (with a game to spare too!), so tonight is a free hit.
Just as well, because Rovers have been out of season since November 1 and will be more than a little rusty. Que sera, sera.
Anyway, I'll be there, along with 3,000 other Rovers' fans. And I don't care if we lose 20-0. The Hoops are having a party.
Here’s a look at the shortlist and winner of the An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024.
Oliver Callan (above) presents as the six titles are drawn from the category winners and are chosen on the principle of the highest number of votes secured during the shortlist voting process across all categories.
The overall winner will be decided by a distinguished panel of judges, including a literary editor, Director of International Trade with An Post, the CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, the Managing Director of Dubray Books and a literary journalist.
The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special, 9.00pm, BBC One
This celebrity special sees singer and actor Ian 'H' Watkins, EastEnder Kellie Bright, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri and TV personality Charlotte Crosby put their sewing skills to the test.
They are tasked to put their twist on a pattern for an advent calendar, turn onesies into a fun Christmas costume for a child in the transformation challenge and create an outfit inspired by their favourite Christmas tune.
Esme Young and Patrick Grant judge their endeavours, while Sara Pascoe (above) hosts.
Secrets of the Christmas Market, 8.00pm, Channel 4
Now in its 20th year, Belfast's festive market is set to be bigger than ever, and a team of 50 people has just two weeks to transform the empty grounds of Belfast City Hall into a spectacular winter wonderland.
Market boss Allan, in his last year before retirement, is eager to make this the best market yet, as stallholders from 30 different countries join local traders.
They create and sell everything from hand-made trinkets to religious artefacts, to pancakes so good that they cause queues around the block.
This documentary looks behind the scenes, meeting some of the people who bring Christmas to life at one of the UK's most popular events.
First Dates at Christmas, 9.00pm, Channel 4
Fred Sirieix (below) and his crew of Christmas Cupids open the restaurant doors in the romantic city of Bath to singletons hoping to find love at Yuletide.
Tee thinks chivalry is dead but is looking for a fellow romantic who can rival her celebrity crush Anthony Joshua.
Her date is 29-year-old martial arts instructor Kyroe. At 6ft 1in fiftysomething Louise has never dated a man taller than her.
Cue Justin, a 6ft 6in Glaswegian straight from her wish list. Returning to the restaurant is 29-year-old semi-competitive Pokémon player Isaac.
His date is 27-year-old Rhiannon, a professional princess at Warwick Castle who's searching for her very own Prince Charming.
Miracles, 9.00pm, Sky Max
Streaming on NOW
Steven Frayne, the magician formerly known as Dynamo, is back with an epic new show which sees him return to his roots by taking his magic back to the streets.
Here he is taking it to the Thames.
After his dramatic rebirth in the epic conclusion of Dynamo Is Dead last year, Britain’s greatest magician is setting out on a journey around the country, unearthing everyday heroes and delivering mind-blowing magic.
Throughout this Sky Original Christmas Special, magic builds to an astonishing climax in which Steven will take the ultimate risk, pushing himself to the limit for a death-defying finale: the miracle to end all miracles.
Get ready for a show filled with inspiration, wonder, and pure magic, as Steven once again defies belief.
Kevin Bridges: The Overdue Catch-Up, 10.40pm, BBC One
A stand-up performance by the Glaswegian at the Cork Opera House in 2023, in which he employs his signature wit to poke fun at modern life, demonstrating his shrewd and hilarious outlook on the modern world.
WARNING: strong language alert!
Caroline Aherne: Queen of Comedy, 9.00pm, BBC Two
A superb celebration of the life and career of the comedy writer and actress Caroline Aherne (below), featuring contributions from a cast of friends including Steve Coogan, John Thomson, Craig Cash and Andy Harries.
The film traces Aherne's life from childhood in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, through her early adventures as a (rare) woman on Manchester's alternative stand-up scene and the breakthrough moment when the BBC commissioned The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family.
As her star rose, the realities of living with her own fame came to define Aherne's life, as she became a fixture of tabloid speculation about her personal life.
With contributions from co-writers Henry Normal and Phil Mealey, and Royle Family cast members Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson and Ralf Little.
Maureen O'Hara - Banríon Hollywood, 9.340pm, TG4
Another chance to see this documentary looking back at the life and Hollywood career of movie star and lifelong Shamrock Rovers fan, Maureen O'Hara.
Featuring interviews with Maureen's family and friends and legendary co-stars Hayley Mills, Stefanie Powers and Patrick Wayne.
Virgin River, Netflix
It's season 6 of the US romantic drama.
Against the backdrop of Mel and Jack’s romantic spring wedding season, this sixth installment promises fresh twists and turns, escalating love triangles, delightful wedding drama, as well as uncovered secrets from Mel’s father’s past which will transport us to the magic and mystique of Virgin River in the 1970s.
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