Today's top TV highlights include a new documentary about renowned Irish historical figure Daniel O'Connell, a MasterChef festive extravaganza and a The Celebrity Apprentice special featuring a much-loved Irish broadcaster.
Daniel O'Connell: The Emancipator, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 6.30pm
The year 2025 marked the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O'Connell, and as the year draws to a close, this new documentary offers a fresh exploration of the life and enduring impact of one of Ireland's greatest figures.
Narrated by actor Domhnall Gleeson, this hour-long special charts his life and works, as he campaigned and shaped Catholic Emancipation and non-violent political mobilisation and inspired democratic movements around the world.
Patrick Geoghegan, Niamh Gallagher, Declan Kiberd and former President Mary McAleese are among the contributors.
Cúl Stáitse - Oireachtas 2025, 7.15pm
Since it first began over 125 years ago, the Oireachtas festival has hosted some of the most prestigious competitions in Ireland's traditional arts.
This year's instalment of the festival was held in Belfast, as more than 1,000 competitiors took to the stage in song, music, dancing and storytelling competitions as a way to celebrate the Irish language.
This one-off special follows a mix of competitors, some taking to the stage for the first time, others are returning veterans, while others strive for perfection and a place in the history books.
MasterChef Festive Extravaganza, Champion of Champions, BBC One, 8pm
Four previous winners of the culinary competition get to step back into the kitchen to see which of them can beat the best of the best.
Returning for this one-off special are: Thomas Frake, Chariya Khattiyot, Brin Pirathapa and Natalie Coleman.
Despite winning the coveted prize, they will each have to pull something special out of the bag to come out on top. Judges Grace Dent and John Torode are joined by restaurant critic Tom Parker Bowles to assess who will triumph this champions of champions cook-off.
Cuas in Lorient, TG4, 8.45pm
Traditional group Cuas, from Cora Dhuibhne, have been making waves since they formed in 2023. Their acclaimed self-titled debut album was released in 2024 and the band were nominated for Best Emerging Artist and Best Folk Group at the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards.
Comprising Niamh Varian Barry, Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich, Nicole Ní Dhubhshláine and Kyle Macaulay, the band have performed to great reception at home in Kerry and abroad.
This one-off special captures the group as they perform on stage at the Interceltic Festival in Lorient in August 2025.
The Celebrity Apprentice, BBC One, 9pm
Alan Sugar welcomes a new batch of stars to take part in this two-part special of the long-running competition.
They are tasked with creating and marketing their own take on classic gingerbread biscuits, as they compete to win a major jackpot for Children in Need.
Competitors include Irish broadcaster Angela Scanlon, Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, barrister Rob Rinder, actor Sarah Hadland and businessman Tom Skinner.
