New Year's Eve TV guide: The shows and films to help you ring in the new decade

Skip going out and stay in with this lot...
Studio 13 Entertainment Ltd/Blake Ezra Cole
Tobi Akingbade31 December 2019

The festive season might nearly be over but there's one more celebration to be had - New Year's Eve.

If you're lucky enough to still be out of the office then today is one of your final chances to chill on the sofa and polish off the last of the leftovers.

And if you're not then don't worry - there's always this evening, when it will also be time to pop open the champagne.

As usual, broadcasters including BBC One, ITV an Channel 4 have a whole host of specially programming planned to help you enjoy the last day of the decade.

Whether you fancy a classic film or ringing in the New Year with a pop superstar, there's something for everyone.

Here are our top TV picks for New Year's Eve... ​

Paddington 2 - BBC One, 1:30pm

Best for: The whole family

Paddington 2 is the perfect early afternoon viewing for people of all ages. The live-action animated comedy is directed by Paul King and written by him and Simon Farnaby.

The movie is the follow-up tothe 2014 hit but don't worry - you don't need to have seen that to enjoy this one.

Sister Act 2 - Back in the Habit, Channel 5, 12:40pm

Best for: Sing-alongs before a big night out

Who doesn’t already know all the words to the songs of this musical classic? This is the perfect watch for anyone lounging around the house before going out to celebrate the New Year.

The 1993 sequel to Sister Act stars Lauryn Hill and Whoopi Goldberg and sees showgirl Deloris Van Cartier ( Goldberg) return in her Sister Mary Clarence disguise to teach music to a group of Catholic students whose run-down school is slated for closure.

The Queen - ITV, 12:45pm

Best for: Royalist and Princess Diana fans

The 2006 biographical drama film stars Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II and focuses on the time surrounding the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on August 31, 1997.

Initially, the Royal Family regarded Diana's death as a private affair and thus not to be treated as an official royal death.

But things soon got complicated as prominent figures including then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and Diana's ex-husband, Prince Charles, took the public's side in calling for an official expression of grief.

Ever After: A Cinderella story - Channel 4, 1.20pm

Best for: A feminist rewrite of a fairytale classic

Ever After (1998) was inspired by, you guessed it, Cinderella.

Starring Drew Barrymore, and set in 16th century France, the film is often seen as as a modern, post-feminist interpretation of the Cinderella story.

Spectre - ITV, 8pm

Best for: Action films fans

This 2015 film is the 24th installment in James Bond series and the fourth starring Daniel Craig as Bond.

After the events of Skyfall, Bond has become a troubled man. His mentor, M, is dead and MI6 is crumbling under a newer, high-tech organisation led by the mysterious Max Denbigh.

Tune in if you want to refresh your memory in time for the sequel, No Time to Die, which is out in April 2020 and sees Craig reprising his role for a final time.

Billy Elliot - BBC One, 9.00 pm

Best for: A British classic

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British dance drama film about a boy aspiring to be a professional dancer while dealing with the negative stereotype of the male ballet dancer.

Billy, a coal miner's son in Northern England, is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a dance class during his weekly boxing lesson.

If you somehow haven't seen it before then you're in a for a treat - look out for Julie Walters as his inspiring, tough-loving dance teacher.

Dame Edna Rules the Waves - BBC One, 9.05pm

Studio 13 Entertainment Ltd/Blake Ezra Cole

Best for: Anyone who fancies a hearty belly laugh

This variety show is hosted by the iconic Dame Edna.

Direct from her superyacht, Dame Edna guides us through an evening with guests Sharon Osbourne, Rob Rinder, Emily Atack, Joe Sugg and music from the legendary Nile Rodgers and Chic.

Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-play - ITV, 11pm

Ken McKay/ITV/REX

Best for: Showbiz news fans

This year has featured an eclectic range of news events - from Stormzy smashing Glastonbury to Boris Johnson fighting his way into Number 10.

On the sporting side of things, we've enjoyed world cup triumph in the cricket and last-minute heartbreak at the rugby - it's fair to say it's been one hell of a year.

Celebrate all of the triumphs (and commiserate on the lows) with Alan Carr’s hilarious recap of the past 12 months.

Jools' Annual Hootenanny - BBC Two, 11:15pm

BBC

Best for: Music enthusiasts

Jools Holland's iconic NYE show is back and will see a whole host of big names helping him to ring in the New Year on BBC One. But if you fancy something a bit more pop-inspired, there are other options...

Craig David Rocks Big Ben Live - BBC One, 11.25pm

ITV

Best for: Popping open a bottle of champagne as the New Year begins

The singer-songwriter performs live at London's Central Hall Westminster in a concert to ring in the New Year. His performance will continue after the traditional fireworks display so you can dance your way into 2020 - in the comfort of your own living room, of course.

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