New Year's Day television delivers a spectacular line-up, headlined by the long-awaited return of one of the BBC's most gripping espionage thrillers. A decade after his first mission, Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as the enigmatic Jonathan Pine in The Night Manager, promising an evening of high-stakes drama.
The Night Manager's Explosive Comeback
Nearly ten years since he helped take down arms dealer Richard Roper, Pine is back in a new BBC One drama. Now living under the alias "Alex Goodwin" and running a low-key surveillance unit in London, his quiet life is shattered when he spots a man connected to his past. The murder of a friend propels him into a dangerous new mission, confronting a violent Colombian businessman named Teddy Dos Santos, played by Diego Calva. With the original cast including Olivia Colman returning, the series kicks off at 9.05pm with what promises to be ultimate new year fireworks.
Wildlife, Baking and Treachery
Earlier in the evening, broadcasting legend David Attenborough presents Wild London at 6.30pm on BBC One. The documentary sees the celebrated naturalist finding joy in the capital's urban wildlife, from foxes in Tottenham allotments to pigeons at Hammersmith station.
Over on Channel 4 at 6.40pm, The Great New Year Bake Off offers a festive twist. Fan-favourite bakers from past series team up in pairs, with duos like Val and Selasi and Giuseppe and Rahul creating a biscuit showstopper based on their favourite Christmas film.
The phenomenon that is The Traitors returns for its fourth series at 8pm on BBC One. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the treacherous competition show introduces a fresh batch of contestants, ensuring it remains the talk of January.
Evening Thrills and Comedy
ITV1 serves up thriller Red Eye at 9pm, which sees DS Hana Li (Jing Lusi) tackling a crisis at the US embassy in London and an aviation terror threat, while clashing with security chief Martin Compston.
Rounding off the night on BBC One at 10.35pm is new comedy Shedites. Featuring cast members from Mrs Brown's Boys, including Brendan O'Carroll, the show follows a group of men in an Irish village shed who attempt to win a charity race on a bike built from spare parts.
For film fans, Sky Cinema Premiere offers a major premiere with 28 Years Later at 6.30am and 8pm. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, this visceral sequel stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes in a story set on the fortified island of Lindisfarne in a Britain quarantined after a raging infection.
