Television viewers are in for a rare treat this evening as previously lost recordings of comedy giant Ken Dodd are broadcast for the very first time. The newly discovered footage, capturing the legendary performer at his peak, forms the centrepiece of a night packed with unmissable programming across the major channels.
Comedy Royalty and Sporting Legends
At 9pm on Channel 5, Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes offers an intimate look at the master of the marathon stand-up show. The programme features the comic's widow, Anne Jones, watching the recovered material and reflecting on their life together and the years spent touring the UK. Dodd's iconic humour shines through, with quips like his famous observation on taxman's correspondence.
Earlier, at 8pm on the same channel, a documentary celebrates Geoff Capes, the late champion shot putter and two-time World's Strongest Man. Geoff Capes: Britain's Greatest Strongman charts his journey from a "raw ruffian" to a 1970s and 80s cultural behemoth, with tributes from fellow sporting greats including Fatima Whitbread and Daley Thompson.
Prime Time Renovations and Bardic Challenges
Over on BBC One at 8pm, the DIY SOS team is joined by a squad of TV Gladiators for a special episode. They take on the task of building 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. Presenter Nick Knowles finds the project particularly moving due to parallels with his own childhood.
For a different kind of challenge, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan take on the Bard in Rob & Romesh vs Shakespeare at 9pm on Sky Max. Their mission is to perform the death of Mercutio at Shakespeare's Globe theatre, guided by an impressive roster including Michelle Terry, Jessie Buckley, and Martin Freeman. Despite Beckett's disastrous rehearsals, the final performance is said to be genuinely exhilarating.
Late Night Laughs and Film Picks
Later comedy comes from BBC Two's Live at the Apollo at 10pm, hosted by Mo Gilligan and featuring Funny Woman award winner Laura Smyth and England para footballer turned stand-up Josh Pugh. Following that, at 10.45pm, The Cockfields Christmas Special sees Joe Wilkinson return to his dysfunctional family sitcom, with Simon and Esther heading to the Isle of Wight for the holidays.
Film fans can seek out Friendship on Sky Cinema Premiere or Paramount+. This 2024 dark comedy stars Tim Robinson as a socially awkward office worker and Paul Rudd as a weather presenter neighbour, exploring the absurdities of human behaviour with disturbing, comic effect.
In live sport, Sky Sports covers tonight's Premier League fixtures, including Chelsea v Bournemouth and Arsenal v Aston Villa.
