New Year’s TV: Meet the new backstabbers and liars from The Traitors | television and radio

The traitors

8pm, BBC One

“I think that any self-respecting crime thriller has to have a priest in it…” It’s time to meet the paranoid participants of the third season of Claudia Winkleman’s hit reality game. A former British diplomat, an interior designer with thoughts on the castle (and people’s fashion choices), a bird watcher, and an ex-soldier nicknamed Barbie are some of the other people who become traitors or loyalists. While they may feel like they’re smarter about how the game works, the opening show quickly teaches them not to have expectations. Winkleman may be wearing mittens, but the gloves are off from the moment they board the steam train to Highland Castle. Holly Richardson

SAS Rogue Heroes

9pm, BBC One

Steven Knight’s compelling historical special forces drama is back with another gripping series. But it’s now 1943, which means David Stirling (Connor Swindells) is a prisoner of war in Italy – and it’s time for Jack O’Connell’s hell-raiser Paddy Mayne to step up as leader and “bring his unruly mob into shape.” They are stationed in the port of Suez and are planning their next mission with an eye on mainland Europe, but there are also doubts about the future of the regiment. Holly Richardson

Gladiators: Celebrity Special

6pm, BBC One

Ready? Seeing Rob Beckett, Louise Minchin, Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor take on the resurgent Gladiators could inspire viewers to embark on a similarly demanding fitness regime in January. At least co-host Bradley Walsh knows what they’re going through: he was a participant in the ITV incarnation in 1997. Graeme Virtue

Gavin & Stacey: A loving farewell

7pm, BBC One
If you weren’t ready to say goodbye after the long overdue Christmas special, here’s a documentary that tells the full story of Gavin & Stacey. Creators Ruth Jones and James Corden help tell it, along with behind-the-scenes footage and a word or two from celebrity superfans. Human Resources

Vera

8pm, ITV1

It’s the final two-parter of Vera (it ends Thursday), as Brenda Blethyn has given up the crime drama to go into semi-retirement – but her stubborn DCI must face her own life-changing dilemma. Meanwhile, she is investigating two murder cases when the body of an ex-convict is found. Human Resources

Alongside more melancholic offerings paying respect to those we lost in 2024, this is a less reverent look at the people who have been virtually forgotten. Expect an expert analysis of why primetime staples from MasterChef to The Repair Shop might look a little different in 2025. Phil Harrison

Live sports

Tennis: Great Britain v Australia, 6am, Sky Sports Main Event
The United Cup Group F match at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.

Championship football: Hull City v Middlesbrough, 5.15pm, Sky Sports Main Event
At the MKM Stadium.