16 hours ago
5
Amadeus
9pm, Sky Atlantic
This breathless romp, adapted by Joe Barton from Peter Shaffer’s play, casts the 18th-century Viennese court as a place of intrigue, power games and debauchery. Into this milieu arrives a prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Will Sharpe) who is about to make staid elder statesman Antonio Salieri (Paul Bettany) look rather dull. Soon, Salieri’s feverish jealousy towards “this repulsive creature” is leading him down a dark path. Great fun. Phil Harrison
Wild Horses, the Rockies and Me
7pm, BBC Two
According to this nature film, no one has ever attempted to gain the trust of wild horses in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Can that really be true? Or is it just that no one has done it on camera? Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan tries immersing himself in their world for an intimate profile. Alexi Duggins
The Royal Variety Performance 2025
7.05pm, ITV1
Paddington the Musical is the newest show to light up the West End – and there’s a glimpse of it here, as Jason Manford hosts a night of music and performances. Also on the bill: Jessie J, the cast of Dead Ringers and Strictly’s Johannes Radebe doing a dance from Kinky Boots. Hollie Richardson
Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter – The Final
8pm, Channel 4
We’ve reached the final of Tom Daley’s knitting contest, so the already impressive standard is higher than ever. First, the three finalists form a team to transform a post box with yarn. Then, it’s time for the final solo challenge – a showpiece hat. PH
The War Between the Land and the Sea
8.05pm, BBC One
Russell T Davies’s allegorical Doctor Who spin-off reaches its conclusion, and things are about to get wet. With Salt (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) apparently lost, Barclay (Russell Tovey) potentially facing the final battle alone and traitors on manoeuvres, the oceans begin to rise. Can humanity survive? Jack Seale
Beyond Paradise Christmas Special
9pm, BBC One
A hungover man is found inside a wheelie bin, glued by mischievous chums into a snowman costume. Yes, it can only be Beyond Paradise at Christmas. Meanwhile, a person with dementia is discovered on the police station steps, clutching a surprising object. As Humphrey says, “I’m a little bit confused as to why you have a photograph of me in your pocket.” Ali Catterall
Film choice
Oppenheimer, 9pm, BBC Two
Although it appeared a leftfield choice at the time, it isn’t actually that big a shift for Christopher Nolan from the physics-defying plots and tormented heroes of films such as Inception to a biopic of the scientist who brought us the atomic bomb. Here’s a man (played with magnetic intensity by Cillian Murphy) who changed reality for all of humanity with his devastating weapon, then was haunted by the fact for the rest of his life. Robert Downey Jr as his nemesis, admiral turned politician Lewis Strauss, provides the wider context for his world-shattering actions. Simon Wardell
Live sport
Equestrian: The London International Horse Show , 2.15pm, BBC Two The long-faced fun continues.
Premier League Football: Aston Villa v Man United, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event From Villa Park.
African Cup of Nations Football: Morocco v Comoros, 6.30pm, E4 The hosts play the opening match in Rabat, led by PSG’s star defender Achraf Hakimi.
English (US)