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New Year's Eve 2017: Which channel and what to watch on TV, from Jools Holland to Alan Carr

The old standards, from Jools Holland to Alan Carr, and some fun alternative picks, like Nile Rodgers and Chic

Clarisse Loughrey
Sunday 31 December 2017 11:49 GMT
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The boardgames have run dry. The prosecco tastes sickly sweet. Turn to the warm, comforting embrace of TV - ready to swoop in and save the day on this New Year's Eve.

Of course, plenty of the old classics are on hand for anyone who wants to start up 2018 with tradition and familiarity, as both Jools Holland and Alan Carr return to screens once more with their annual bashes.

Plus, there are a few alternative picks also waiting in the wings, with Nile Rodgers and Chic ready to ring in the New Year with the likes of "Le Freak" and "Everybody Dance", a perfect party-starter before the big countdown and fireworks show.

Here's a guide of the best TV picks to guide you through New Year's Eve fully awake and entertained.

6pm

The Lego Movie - Channel 5 - It's the movie that had no right to be as good as it was, so bring in 2018 with a little positivity and a hope that, just maybe, everything will be awesome.

7pm

Robot Wars Special 2017: The World Series - BBC Two - The very best of the series - Apollo, Sabretooth, Terrorhurtz, and Gabriel 2 - will pit themselves against a Rest of the World Team, led by Ireland's highly successful Diotoir.

8pm

Antiques Roadshow: Entertainment Special - BBC One - Fiona Bruce presents a special episode filmed on the set of Eastenders, featuring iconic props from the likes of Star Wars, The Shining, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (7.50pm) - ITV - Conclude 2017 in the most epic way possible, with the most epic of cinematic conclusions.

9pm

Alan Carr's New Year Specstacular 2017 - Channel 4 - The presenter's annual party this time features guests Big Narstie, Jonnie Peacock, Keith Lemon, Caroline Flack, Alex Brooker, Binky Felstead, Tom Davis, Charlotte Dawson, Kim Woodburn and Liam Charles, with music from Stefflon Don and Pete Tong, with Becky Hill and The Heritage Orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckley.

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The Real Marigold on Tour - BBC One - The series finale sees Rosemary Shrager, Sheila Ferguson, Paul Nicholas and Dennis Taylor explore Thailand, trying out tai chi, dental work, and attending a Ladyboys show.

10pm

The Graham Norton Show (10.20pm) - BBC One - The New Year's Eve edition sees the host joined by The Greatest Showman stars Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, and Zac Efron, alongside Doctor Foster's Suranne Jones and Darkest Hour's Gary Oldman.

11pm

Jool's Annual Hootenanny (11.20pm) - BBC Two - Holland's 25th annual New Year party is this time headlined by Ed Sheeran, who performs track from ÷ alongside the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Other acts include Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jessie Ware, Soul II Soul, Beth Ditto, the Beat starring Dave Wakelin, George McCrae, Jose Feliciano and Ruby Turner, while the Pipes & Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards will play at midnight.

Nile Rodgers and Chic (11.20pm) - BBC One - The band celebrates its 40th anniversary, performing the likes of "Le Freak", "Good Times", and "Everybody Dance". At midnight, the show will pause for the fireworks display and a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, before continuing with more tracks from the band.

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