24CRACKERS CHRISTMAS

Madame Blanc stars SALLY LINDSAY and STEVE EDGE lead our sparking preview

1 THE MADAME BLANC MYSTERIES

CHANNEL 5, DRAMA

Santa is delivering a tree-mendous treat this Yuletide-another festive edition of hit whodunnit The Madame Blanc Mysteries! When a puppeteer is killed at a Christmas market in Sainte Victoire, Jean (Sally Lindsay) is determined to catch the murderer. Meanwhile, after finally admitting their true feelings for each other in the Series 3 finale, Jean and best pal Dom (Steve Edge) are looking forward to spending the season together as a couple for the first time...

' 'This year's special is extra Sally, who co-created and co-writes the show, promises TV Times as she and Steve join us for an exclusive photo shoot to lead our celebration of 2024 Christmas TV treats. 'There are toys, traditions and a special Christmas surprise at the end that the fans will just love!' 'It has a bit of everything that Madame Blanc does best,' adds Steve. 'Sainte Victoire is adorned with fairy lights, there's a festive French mystery plus an unexpected proposal - and, no, it's not Dom and Jean!'

2 BEYOND PARADISE

BBC1, DRAMA

DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and Martha (Sally Bretton) have a Christmas to remember in this year's seasonal special when they foster withdrawn teenager Jaiden (Austin Taylor). But there are mysteries to solve after a widower (Mark Heap) experiences haunting visions, and the church nativity scene is missing the Virgin Mary.

3 VERA

ITV1, DRAMA

Raise your bucket hats in tribute as DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn, right) bows out in two final episodes of the crime drama and unravels a pair of dark cases while reflecting on her past. Also, look out for the documentary Vera... Farewell Pet, which looks back at the show's impact since its launch in 2011.

4 CALL THE MIDWIFE

BBC1, DRAMA