Vicious (ITV, 9pm)

'THIS really is the end, but don't worry, all the characters are alive," says Ian McKellen of this hour-long which says farewell to his put-upon Freddie Thornhill and the and highly-strung actor Stuart Bixby (Sir Derek Jacobi). Jacobi adds: "It's no too final."

The pair have been friends since the 1950s, so it was always a good choice casting them as a caustic and snobby gay couple, who having spent half a century together have a mixture of love and hate for each other.

They pace around their sitting room exchanging insults and stares, while a host of friends such as Violet (Frances de la Tour) and Ash (Game of Thrones actor Iwan Rheon) drop by.

Although it sounds good idea on paper and an excellent vehicle for two of the bright knights of British theatre, critics have been less than kind about the series' two runs.

The collaboration from award-winning playwright Mark Ravenhill and Will & Grace executive producer Gary Janetti, mostly finds its range in this long goodbye which takes us through the seasons from spring to winter at an acceptable pace.

ITV controller Peter Fincham admitted the show got "mixed reviews". He says: "Not everyone liked Vicious, but many people did and that critical tide turned considerably during the run."

McKellen and Jacobi reprised their bickering characters in May for a comedy insert at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. However, even the viewing public's love for Freddie and Stuart has not been enough to save the show.

An ITV spokesman says: "It's been an absolute delight to see Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Frances de la Tour bring alive these wonderful characters on screen for ITV viewers. We're over the moon all the cast are returning for one final special."

Tonight's extended instalment, filmed in front of a studio audience, charts events as Freddie and Stuart move on from their wedding. In spring, the stingy duo attempt to hide their recently gained inheritance. And they have good reason – Violet has financial troubles after her recent divorce and Ash is struggling to pay his rent. Then in summer, an unexpected card arrives in advance of Freddie's birthday party. Stuart prepares a very special present.

In autumn, Ash arrives at the pair's flat with some big news, and then in winter all the gang gathers round at Christmas to experience Freddie's latest acting job and to bid a final farewell.

CBeebies The Nutcracker (CBeebies, 5pm)

SHEFFIELD'S Crucible Theatre provides the atmosphere for this magical tale. It focuses on two children who embark on a Christmas Eve adventure as they travel to the Land of Sweets and witness their toys coming to life. Among the stars are Cat Sandion, Ben Faulks, Chris Jarvis, Pui Fan Lee, Andy Day and Steven Kynman. Justin Fletcher is the storyteller.

Walliams & Friend (BBC1, 9.30pm)

COMEDY actress Meera Syal becomes David Walliams' latest 'friend', joining forces to introduce viewers to the sadly disappointing 'pleasure robots' of tomorrow. The pair also play a squabbling husband and wife, desperately trying to explain their problematic marriage to their young daughter using her Peppa Pig dolls. Plus, a struggling actress auditions for the role of background extra in the evening news and a robber meets his match in the BBC's newest police drama - Good Cop, Indian Mum Cop. A host of celebrities including Vernon Kay, the Chuckle Brothers. Christopher Biggins and Eamonn Holmes make fleeting appearances.

The Graham Norton Show (BBC1, regions vary)

OSCAR-winning actress Nicole Kidman and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel star Dev Patel discuss new movie Lion, in which they both star. Oscar-nominee Felicity Jones talks about her new release, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, while comedian and author Dawn French promotes her new TV drama series Delicious. Plus, former chat show king Michael Parkinson weighs up Graham's credentials as his successor while discussing his book Muhammad Ali: A Memoir. Music is provided by Bruno Mars, who performs 24K Magic.

Viv Hardwick