Channel 4 has released its schedule for the festive period and Christmas Day, including a number of special episodes of some of our favourite shows.

But the star on top of Channel 4's festive tree this year is Terry Pratchett's The Abominable Snow Baby, an animated special which will air on Christmas Day at 7.30pm.

Based on Terry Pratchett's 2014 story, it tells the tale of a 14-foot-tall Abominable Snow Baby that arrives in a small English town. Julie Walters, Hugh Dancy and David Harewood have all lent their voice talents.

abominable snow baby
Channel 4

Speaking about the animation, Channel 4's head of drama Caroline Hollick said in a statement: "Channel 4's original Christmas animation has become a real highlight over the years and this year will be no exception.

"I'm delighted Julie Walters, Hugh Dancy and David Harewood will be bringing to life this wonderful, funny and moving yuletide tale."

Also on Christmas Day, Channel 4 will air a special edition of The Great British Bake Off featuring It's a Sin stars Olly Alexander, Lydia West, Nathaniel Curtis and Shaun Dooley at 8pm.

Then at 11.15pm, a festive First Dates special will see Fred Sirieix and his team return once again to give a new crop of festive singletons a Christmas to remember.

great british bake off it's a sin christmas special
Mark Bourdillon//Channel 4

Of course, there will also be films for the whole family to enjoy on Christmas Day with Home Alone 2 at 5.15pm, The Snowman at 3.55pm and Slumdog Millionaire at 12.20pm.

The Christmas period will also include Jamie Oliver's Keeping Cooking at Christmas and a special edition of Sunday Brunch.

Comedian Joe Lycett will also host Mummy's Big Christmas Do! a 90-minute special being recorded live from his hometown of Birmingham, and there will also be an 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown Christmas Special and The Last Leg Christmas Special.

And of course there will be a Big Fat Quiz of the Year to come!

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Stephanie Chase

Reporter, Digital Spy 

Stephanie is a writer who specialises in pro wrestling, covering everything from AEW and WWE to NJPW. 

After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she went on to study journalism at Birbeck University. 

Outside of her journalism work Stephanie is also a YouTube content creator focusing on AEW and interviewing talent from AEW, WWE, and across the indie wrestling scene. She has also worked for Revolution Pro Wrestling as a backstage interviewer and commentator.

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