We’re looking forward to a relaxing Christmas – spending time with family and also, we aren’t ashamed to admit, in front of the tv, reading books and generally having some down time. These are our top picks.
TV
Emily in Paris, Netflix, 22 December
Lily Collins is back as the irrepressible American Emily trying to navigate her way in both work and her love life. Silly clothes and a great backdrop make for light but very fun viewing.
Superworm, BBC1, Christmas Day
Olivia Colman narrates this animation of the Julia Donaldson/Axel Sheffler classic childrens’ book with Matt Smith as Superworm and Rob Brydon as the Crow.
The Abominable Snow Baby, Channel 4, Christmas Day
Terry Pratchett’s tale, narrated by David Harewood, tells of a 14 foot Snow Baby who is rescued by the indomitable Granny (voiced by Julie Walters) who along with her grandson Albert (voiced by Hugh Dancy), welcomes him into her home and helps the local town overcome their fear and prejudice.
A Very British Scandal, BBC 1, Boxing Day
Claire Foy stars as Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, alongside Paul Bettany as Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll in this costume drama which follows their messy real-life divorce case which scandalised the public.
Around the World in 80 Days, BBC 1, Boxing Day
David Tennant takes the lead in this adventure mini series adapted from Jules Verne’s book about the English gentleman-turned-adventurer Phileas Fogg.
FILM
A Boy Called Christmas, Sky Cinema, available now
You can watch this either on Sky Cinema at home (also on NOW with a Sky Cinema pass) or at the actual cinema. With an all star cast including Jim Broadbent, Dame Maggie Smith, Toby Jones, Kristen Wiig and Stephen Marchant and a screenplay by Ol Parker, this magical adventure tells the story of how Christmas came to be.
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is released in cinemas on 1 January 2022 with previews on 29 December
Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy star in this quirky film about an English artist whose drawings of cats help to popularise them with the British public.
No Time To Die, screen at home on Sky or Prime Video
If you didn’t catch the latest Bond Film at the cinema (and the last with Daniel Craig in the lead), then you can watch it at home now. A masked baddie, great Bond girls and Craig on top form – it’s a classic.
OTHERS
State of Terror by Hilary Clinton and Louise Penny
We can’t say that we’ve read any other Hilary Clinton books but we were intrigued by the great reviews of her latest which is a political thriller co-written with Louise Penny. About a female Secretary of State who battles against time to find out who is behind a series of bomb attacks, Boris Johnson and Trump get a rough ride but it’s surprisingly page-turning and will keep you glued over the holidays.
Sweet Bobby is the real life story of a 10 year romance that turns out to be an extreme case of catfishing. It’s in the top 20 Apple Podcasts of the year and with good reason – it’s an extraordinary story.
A Little Bird Loves
