What's on TV tonight: Monday, December 29 highlights include a new Midsomer Murders mystery and Celebrity Apprentice
Plus, an unmissable Sky documentary and a MasterChef specialWhat’s on TV tonight – Monday, December 29 – includes a new episode of Midsomer Murders and MasterChef: Champion of Champions.
Yes, ITV is finally beginning to show series 24 of the beloved crime drama after a long delay which has frustrated fans. Plus there’s a special episode of MasterChef and the first of a new series of Celebrity Apprentice to enjoy.
Here’s what’s actually worth your time watching
Midsomer Murders (ITV1, 8.30pm)
If Midsomer Murders and Death in Paradise battled for TV’s craziest plots, it would be a close-run thing. But we reckon Midsomer would probably win! In The Devil’s Work, the opening story of the new four-part series, Peter Serafinowicz guest stars as rebellious ceramicist Lucian.
When his father dies, Lucian shocks his family by announcing plans to turn the family estate into an artists’ retreat. DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) are called in when Lucian’s lover Jordana (Verity Marshall) is found murdered. With a huge list of suspects, Barnaby has a tricky case. Might a pottery tool be the murder weapon?
It really is Christmas for Midsomer fans as the second episode follows tomorrow night (Tuesday, December 30) at 8.30pm on ITV1.
Celebrity Apprentice (BBC One, 9pm)
Lord Alan Sugar is sending 12 celebs to Lapland in this two-part special which concludes tomorrow. And Lord Sugar is living up to his name by asking them to make sweets! So, the competing teams must create the most fabulous gingerbread biscuits they can.
As ever expect lots of arguments as everyone clashes on how to make the perfect advert. Moreover, they have to make a jingle as well to sell their treats. But it can’t have gone too badly as the two finished biscuits are now on sale in aid of Children in Need.
Taking part are TV presenter AJ Odudu, podcaster Angela Scanlon, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi and EastEnders legend Jake Wood. Also competing are singer JB Gill, paralympic athlete Kadeena Cox, Gladiators star Matt Morsia, presenter Rob Rinder, actor Sarah Hadland, comedian Shazia Mirza and TV personality Tom Skinner.
MasterChef Festive Extravaganza: Champion of Champions (BBC One, 8pm)
This is the ultimate challenge for four former winners as they battle each other for the champion of champions title. Competing are 2013 winner Natalie Coleman, 2020 title holder Thomas Frake, 2023’s champion Chariya Khattiyot and 2024’s best cook Brin Pirathapan. The quality of the contestants is reflected by the fact they’ve all gone on to careers in the industry.
They’re tasked with suitably tricky tasks including cooking something fit for royalty. They’re expected to serve up an extravagant feast worthy of a state banquet. Erm, no pressure there then!
Restaurant critic Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, makes the perfect guest judge. He joins judges Grace Dent and John Torode, who look like they’re in for a tasting treat.
What’s on TV tonight: Murder at the Post Office (Sky Documentaries, 9pm)
In 2010, the Yorkshire village of Melsonby was left stunned when postmistress Diana Garbutt was found murdered in the post office she ran with her husband, Robin.
Robin claimed she’d been the victim of a violent intruder. However, the police began to suspect Robin. Prosecutors claimed that £16,000 had been missing from the safe and that Robin had killed Diana when she confronted him over the money. In 2011, the court sentenced Robin to life in prison, but he has always maintained his innocence.
Now, this three-part true-crime documentary looks into the case as Robin attempts to clear his name. The prosecution case was partly based on the Horizon system, the technology at the centre of the Post Office scandal. So, Robin’s defence team believe they have good grounds for him to be cleared.
Read more: Top-tier dramas returning in 2026
