Television viewers are in for a rare treat this evening as previously unseen footage of comedy legend Ken Dodd is broadcast for the very first time. The newly discovered recordings, which capture the iconic performer at the peak of his powers, form the centrepiece of a night packed with standout programming across the major channels.
A Comedy Legend Rediscovered
Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes airs at 9pm on Channel 5, offering a unique glimpse into the world of the beloved comedian. The programme features his wife, Anne, watching the recordings and reflecting on their life together and the years spent touring the length and breadth of Britain. One classic gag sees Dodd quip about the taxman, a nod to his own famous real-life brush with the authorities: "It's funny how the taxman always writes to you in brown paper, isn't it? I think they must know what you're going to do with it afterwards."
Prime Time Highlights Across the Board
Earlier in the evening, BBC One hosts a particularly poignant edition of DIY SOS: Gladiators Special at 8pm. Presenter Nick Knowles and a team of TV's Gladiators rally to build a new permanent base for the Cherry Tree Community Centre in East Yorkshire, which supports vulnerable teenagers but has been without a home since the pandemic.
Also at 8pm, Channel 5 celebrates Geoff Capes: Britain's Greatest Strongman. The documentary traces the late champion's journey from a "raw ruffian" shot putter to a two-time World's Strongest Man, with tributes from fellow sporting greats like Fatima Whitbread and Daley Thompson.
An Evening of Laughter and Drama
For a different kind of performance, Sky Max offers Rob & Romesh vs Shakespeare at 9pm. Comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan face the daunting challenge of performing Mercutio's death scene at Shakespeare's Globe, guided by an impressive lineup including Michelle Terry and Martin Freeman.
Later, BBC Two's Live at the Apollo at 10pm showcases exciting new talent, with Funny Woman award winner Laura Smyth and England para footballer turned stand-up Josh Pugh taking to the stage, hosted by the inimitable Mo Gilligan.
The channel continues the comedy theme with The Cockfields Christmas Special at 10.45pm, starring the ever-popular Joe Wilkinson in a festive episode of his dysfunctional family sitcom.
Film fans can seek out the darkly hilarious Friendship (2024) on Sky Cinema Premiere or Paramount+, featuring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, while Sky Sports covers tonight's Premier League football, including Chelsea's home fixture against Bournemouth.
