The Royal Variety Performance 2016 (ITV, 7.30pm)

WHATEVER the reason he's now an Englishman in New York, Wallsend-born Sting is a welcome addition to this year's Royal Variety Performance.

Filmedon December 6, the show features a glittering selection of faces from the worlds of comedy, theatre, music, dance and cinema in action at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith – a venue which has hosted more than its fair share of memorable events over the years.

Presenting the whole event is David Walliams, a Royal Variety Performance veteran, who made a spectacular entrance in 2012 when he arrived James Bond-style with a jet pack strapped to his back. Later, he hovered over the audience dressed like a twinkling star to liven up the poshest night of the showbiz calendar.

"I'm very honoured and excited to be hosting the show," says the comedian. "I was lucky enough to host back in 2012 so will be looking forward to another fabulous evening with huge talent."

Among those taking part are comedians Joe Lycett, Alan Davies and Rob Beckett, singers Barry Gibb, Sting, Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams, the cast of such hit stage shows as An American In Paris and The Girls (co-created by Gary Barlow) plus Cirque Du Soleil will be staging its Beatles tribute, Love. Sadly, West End star Sheridan Smith was forced to drop out of the show following the death of her father.

Magician Lance Corporal Richard Jones is worth watching out for having won his spot on the show through this year's Britain's Got Talent. Fellow BGT alumnus Diversity will also be taking to the stage.

McFly's Tom Fletcher will also be adding something different with a taste of his new book The Christmasaurus.

While the stars bask in their moment of glory, the reasons why the Royal Variety Performance exists and the charity it raises money for rarely get a mention.

The first such show took place on July 1, 1912, before King George V and Queen Mary. Afterwards, the King said he would attend an annual variety show provided the profits went to the Variety Artistes Benevolent Fund. Now renamed the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund, it has enjoyed royal patronage ever since. Unfortunately, the event didn't take place for 16 years due to the World Wars and various periods of royal mourning, which makes this the 80th concert – and it should be a very special night indeed.

Each year the bash has taken place, a mass of famous faces have been lining up to take part – and 2016 is no different. Afterwards, they meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who were in attendance. Here's hoping those performing were on top form.

Amazing Spaces – WWII Special (Channel 4, 8pm)

When Jan Fursier looked at the diaries her father Reg kept during his time as a prisoner of the Japanese during the Second World War, she found something remarkable – a detailed, immaculately illustrated guide to building a 1930s caravan. Now, Jan is turning to George Clarke and Will Hardie to make her father's plans a reality. As George and Will work on the caravan, they discover more about Reg's story of survival, as well as a secret undercover POW university where officers delivered lectures on everything from the sciences to London's best restaurants.

The Yorkshire Vet: Winter on the Moors (C5, 8pm)

Vets Julian Norton and Peter Wright continue James Herriot's traditions, treating all creatures great and small in the bestselling author's original practice Skeldale. As winter takes its bitter grip on the Yorkshire countryside, revealing a stunning ever-changing backdrop, the pace of life slows in the rural communities around Thirsk. However, there is no rest for the busy team of vets, as the winter season comes with its own set of problems to add to their already packed schedules. Called out to remote farms to tend animals in labour and the sick and injured, the vets must contend with dark, cold nights, rain and snow as they battle to treat and save patients including owls and cattle.