TV tonight: unseen footage of comedy great Ken Dodd at his peak

Ken Dodd: The Lost Tapes

9pm, Channel 5
“It’s funny how the taxman always writes to you in brown paper, isn’t it? I think they must know what you’re going to do with it afterwards.” For the first time, these recently discovered recordings of Ken Dodd in action are shared with the world – including the great comedian’s wife, Anne, who reflects on their life together and time spent touring around Britain. Hollie Richardson

DIY SOS: Gladiators Special

8pm, BBC One
This week’s renovation is a particularly emotional one – not least for Nick Knowles, who notes some parallels with his own childhood. East Yorkshire’s Cherry Tree Community Centre supports vulnerable teens, but, since the pandemic, lacks a permanent base. Cue a gaggle of Gladiators, who pitch in to build them a shiny new HQ. Hannah J Davies

Geoff Capes: Britain’s Greatest Strongman

8pm, Channel 5
The late champion shot putter, budgie fancier and VW Polo flipper Geoff Capes was a sporting and cultural behemoth in the 1970s and 80s. This affectionate film traces his evolution from “raw ruffian” to World’s Strongest Man (twice), with fellow Olympians Fatima Whitbread and Daley Thompson among those paying tribute. Graeme Virtue

Rob & Romesh vs Shakespeare

9pm, Sky Max

Bard boys … Romesh Ranganathan (left) and Rob Beckett. Photograph: Photographer: Ray Burmiston/Ray Burmiston

Beckett and Ranganathan’s new challenge is a cracker: they must perform the death of Mercutio to a packed house at the Globe. Their lineup of trainers is impressive (Michelle Terry, Jessie Buckley, Martin Freeman), but Beckett is a disaster in rehearsals. The final performance is genuinely exhilarating. Jack Seale

Live at the Apollo

10pm, BBC Two
Exciting talent coming through: Funny Woman award winner Laura Smyth and England para footballer/standup Josh Pugh are cracking the jokes live on stage this week. Mo Gilligan, who needs no introduction, is host for the night at the Hammersmith Apollo. HR

The Cockfields Christmas Special

10.45pm, BBC Two
After his stint on The Celebrity Traitors and wooing Keira Knightley in this year’s best Christmas ad, who doesn’t love Joe Wilkinson? Here he is in a special episode of his dysfunctional family sitcom with Susannah Fielding. Simon and Esther go home to the Isle of Wight for the holidays, where Simon’s overbearing mum is hosting. HR

Film choice

Friendship (Andrew DeYoung, 2024), 9.30am, 10.30pm, Sky Cinema Premiere/Paramount+

Darkly hilarious … Tim Robinson (left) and Paul Rudd in Friendship. Photograph: Paramount Pictures

Left-field comic performer Tim Robinson continues to pick away at the absurdities and quirks of human behaviour in his first film leading role. He plays a very Robinsonian character – the nerdy, socially awkward/inappropriate Craig, who works in a nebulous office job and has a surprisingly normal wife and son. Paul Rudd plays his new neighbour, weather presenter Austin, who befriends Craig but then drops him after a faux pas. A bewildered, humiliated Craig’s life then disintegrates to disturbing, comic effect. Simon Wardell

Live sport

Premier League football: Chelsea v Bournemouth, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event Cole Palmer continues to work his way back to fitness in this home fixture. Arsenal v Aston Villa is on Sky Sports Premier League; all of tonight’s games are on other Sky channels.