What's On TV Tonight: Tuesday 30th December 2025

Tuesday's got a cracking mix of nostalgia and chaos. Ken Dodd's recently discovered stage recordings see the light of day, Rob Beckett makes a complete hash of Shakespeare (in the best way), and the Gladiators swap lycra for hard hats. Plus: Joe Wilkinson's brilliantly awkward family sitcom returns.

Table of Contents

• Quick Picks: Tonight's Best
• Early Evening: Sport & Family
• Prime Time: The Main Events
• Late Night: Comedy & Chaos
• If You're Not Into Comedy
• What's on Streaming
• Tonight's Viewing Schedule

Quick Picks: Tonight's Best

• ⭐ Rob & Romesh vs Shakespeare (Sky Max, 9pm) - Beckett performs at the Globe. It's as chaotic as you'd hope.
• DIY SOS: Gladiators Special (BBC One, 8pm) - Emotional renovation with spandex-clad helpers
• Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes (Channel 5, 9pm) - Newly discovered recordings of the comedy legend
• The Cockfields Christmas Special (BBC Two, 10:45pm) - Joe Wilkinson's family dysfunction sitcom

Early Evening: Sport & Family

Premier League: Chelsea v Bournemouth - Sky Sports, 6:30pm

Cole Palmer continues his return to fitness as Chelsea host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal v Aston Villa is also on at the same time on Sky Sports Premier League if you fancy a north London alternative. One of those evenings where you'll need two screens or a very patient partner.

Prime Time: The Main Events (8pm - 10pm)

DIY SOS: Gladiators Special - BBC One, 8pm

This week's renovation is a particularly emotional one for Nick Knowles, who's noted some parallels with his own childhood. East Yorkshire's Cherry Tree Community Centre supports vulnerable teenagers but has lacked a permanent base since the pandemic. Enter a gaggle of Gladiators - yes, those Gladiators - who swap the arena for power tools to build them a shiny new headquarters. Bring tissues.

Geoff Capes: Britain's Greatest Strongman - Channel 5, 8pm

The late champion shot putter, budgie fancier (yes, really) and Volkswagen Polo flipper Geoff Capes was a sporting and cultural behemoth in the 1970s and 80s. This affectionate documentary traces his evolution from "raw ruffian" to two-time World's Strongest Man, with fellow Olympians Fatima Whitbread and Daley Thompson among those paying tribute. A proper look at someone who was as much a character as he was an athlete.

Midsomer Murders - ITV1, 8:30pm

It's part two of the festive Midsomer double-bill. DCI Barnaby and DS Winter are back investigating "Book of the Dead" - more creative murders in the Cotswolds. If you caught yesterday's pottery-themed killings, you'll want to see how this one wraps up.

⭐ Rob & Romesh vs Shakespeare - Sky Max, 9pm

Beckett and Ranganathan's new challenge is a cracker: they must perform the death of Mercutio to a packed house at Shakespeare's Globe. Their lineup of trainers is genuinely impressive - Michelle Terry, Jessie Buckley and Martin Freeman all pitch in - but Beckett is an absolute disaster in rehearsals. Which, let's be honest, is exactly what you want from this format. The final performance is exhilarating, though probably not for the reasons the Bard intended. My pick of the night.

Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes - Channel 5, 9pm

"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." For the first time, these recently discovered recordings of Ken Dodd in action are shared with the world - including with the great comedian's wife, Anne, who reflects on their life together and time spent touring around Britain. If you remember Dodd's marathon shows (he'd routinely go on for four hours), this is a lovely bit of nostalgia.

The Celebrity Apprentice: Christmas Special - BBC One, 9pm

Part two of the festive special, now set in London. After yesterday's gingerbread chaos in Lapland, Rob Rinder, AJ Odudu, Eddie Kadi and the gang face Lord Sugar's boardroom. Someone's getting fired (but nicely, because it's Christmas and it's all for Children in Need). Did the bubblegum and pepper biscuits find any buyers? All shall be revealed.

Late Night: Comedy & Chaos

Live at the Apollo - BBC Two, 10pm

Exciting talent coming through: Funny Woman award winner Laura Smyth and England para footballer turned standup Josh Pugh are cracking the jokes live on stage. Mo Gilligan, who needs no introduction, is hosting at the Hammersmith Apollo. Smyth in particular is one to watch - sharp observational stuff that doesn't rely on easy punchlines.

The Cockfields Christmas Special - BBC Two, 10:45pm

After his stint on The Celebrity Traitors and that brilliant Keira Knightley Christmas advert, who doesn't love Joe Wilkinson? Here he is in a special episode of his dysfunctional family sitcom with Susannah Fielding. Simon and Esther head home to the Isle of Wight for the holidays, where Simon's overbearing mum is hosting. If you've not caught The Cockfields before, think Gavin & Stacey meets family therapy - Wilkinson's awkward comedy at its finest.

If You're Not Into Comedy

Want drama? Midsomer Murders (ITV1, 8:30pm) continues with more creative Cotswolds killings

Want nostalgia? Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes (Channel 5, 9pm) - newly discovered recordings of the comedy legend

Want sport? Chelsea v Bournemouth (Sky Sports, 6:30pm) or Arsenal v Aston Villa (Sky Sports Premier League, same time)

What's on Streaming

Friendship (available to rent/buy) - Tim Robinson's first film leading role. He plays a socially awkward marketing executive whose life disintegrates after his new neighbour (Paul Rudd) drops him following a faux pas. Darkly hilarious if you like I Think You Should Leave energy.

Tonight's Viewing Schedule

Final Verdict

Tuesday's a treat for comedy fans. Rob & Romesh vs Shakespeare is the headline act - watching Beckett attempt the Globe is worth the Sky subscription alone. DIY SOS hits the emotional notes it always does, but the Gladiators involvement adds something special. Ken Dodd's lost recordings are a gift for anyone who remembers his legendary marathon shows. And if you're still up at 10:45pm, The Cockfields is the perfect nightcap of awkward family chaos.

All times shown are UK times. Schedule may vary by region.