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Week 50 Round Up: Freeview News and TV Highlights

9 December 2011

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Saturday

Bieber fever hits the UK as ITV1 and ITV1 HD dedicate a whole hour to the US pop sensation. The 17 year old will be singing a selection of hits such as Baby and Never Say Never plus a performance of his new Christmas track. There will also be a studio full of screaming Belieber s – that’s his fans – from 7pm in This is Justin Bieber.

It’s the big one, live from Wembley Arena! The X Factor comes to head this weekend as part one of the 2011 final, starting at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV1 HD. In one corner there is Amelia, in another it’s Girl group Little Mix, and in the other (it’s a triangle) there’s Marcus. The show will end with a big bang and one winner in part 2 from 7.30pm tomorrow night.

If you are as excited about Christmas as we are, Channel 5 will be showing a classic Tommy Cooper’s Christmas from 9pm. The one-hour show will feature archive footage of the late comedian plus magic themed tricks.

Sunday

Channel 4 will be taking a look back to earlier this year when an earthquake caused a massive Tsunami in Japan. There’s amateur footage shot from the ground and eyewitness reports in Japan Tsunami: Caught on Camera at 8.15pm.

ITV have been busy working on a new project that will see various charities benefit from viewers donations. Text Santa: the Launch kicks off on ITV1 and ITV1 HD at 9.30pm, hosted by Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley. Tune in for a wealth of performances and heart touching stories from the subjects that charities help.

In the wake of Amy Winehouse’s posthumous release which has gone in straight to number one, ITV2 will be paying tribute to the late singer in The Amy Winehouse Story at 10.45pm. The film will look back at the life and times of the Back to Black singer. 

Monday 

BBC2 will be catching up with the finalists of New Faces 1986, the original talent show. There’s been many celebrities that have passed through the show, including Michael Barrymore, that started in 1973. I Had the X Factor… 25 Years Ago: a Wonderland Special is on BBC2 and BBC HD at 9pm. 

Over on ITV1 and ITV1 HD, cameras will be catching up with Amelie, The Real Thumbelina at 9pm. Even though she is four years old, Amelie is only the size of a baby and has a rare from of dwarfism called Russell-Silver syndrome. The film sees Amelie and her family prepare for her first day at school whilst looking at what can be done for the disorder. 

Channel 4 will be teaching you how to grow your own dinner at 9pm in Jimmy’s Grow Your Own Christmas Dinner at 9pm. The farmer, Jimmy Doherty, will create his festive feast from scratch – you just need to get a turkey egg. 

Tuesday 

My Big Fat Gypsy crew return to Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD for a one–off My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas at 9pm. Catch up with the travellers, old and new, as they prepare for Christmas in the travelling community. 

This Is England ’88 starts on Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD at 10pm with a three-part series. The drama stars the original cast of This Is England and the series continues throughout the week. 

If you are having withdrawal symptoms from The X Factor ending, head over to ITV2  for The Xtra Factor: Best and Worse. The series, that laughs at the bad and remembers the good, is on from 8pm and is hosted by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs. 

Wednesday 

ITV1 and ITV1 HD will be showing the  2011 Royal Variety Performance at 7.30pm. The entertainment gala is hosted by Peter Kay and features performances from Jason Manford and Leona Lewis plus magic from Penn & Teller and a preview of Singin’ in the Rain. 

Over on Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD, Jamie Oliver will be giving advice on cooking a festive feats in Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On. The two-part programme will show you how to cook jerky ham, Jamie’s special hot chocolate and Christmas waffles. If you’re on a budget this festive season, tune in to Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD at 8pm for SuperScrimpers Christmas where they’ll be cooking a Christmas dinner for under £50. 

BBC2 and BBC HD will be showing a documentary about Apple creator Steve Jobs at 9pm. Following his death this year, the world has mourned what they labelled a modern day genius. The film, Steve Jobs: Billion Dollar Hippy, also has interviews from Stephen Fry and Rita Clifton. 

Thursday 

The brides that had to endure their husbands wedding choices get their revenge in Don’t Tell the Bride: Christmas Revenge at 8pm on BBC Three. The two-part series will revisit the nuptials of two couples and lets the her have a go at the him. 

Earlier this year rioters took to the streets of the UK and well, tore it to pieces. The TV cameras captured burning buildings and streets filled with debris. Tonight, BBC One and BBC One HD will be showing the victims of those buildings and their fight to bring the fire starters justice.  Up in Flames: Mr Reeves and the Riots starts at 10.45pm. 

Friday 

The British Comedy Awards starts at 9pm on Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD live from the Fountain Studios in London. The cream of the comedy scene will be out in force including host Jonathan Ross and likely, last years winner, Miranda Hart. 

Happy Birthday Tony Bennett – he’s 85 and still going on strong. BB4 will be celebrating the singers birthday with a special concert that stars Leona Lewis, Cleo Laine and of course, the man himself. Tony Bennett’s 85th Birthday Concert is on at 9pm and is followed by Tony Bennett: an American Classic at 10pm. 

Tom Allen counts down the World’s Greatest Body Shockers at 9pm and boy are they shocking. From skinny to celebs to body transformations, prepare to be shocked. 

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