'Must-see' Christmas film you can watch for free ahead of Netflix release

Telly enthusiasts are already buzzing about the top film to tune into this Christmas and the best thing is that it will be hitting screens at absolutely no cost.

Set to air on free TV on December 25, the movie offers viewers the chance to weave it into their Yuletide plans before it arrives on Netflix in early January.

Scoring top marks on Rotten Tomatoes, the much-anticipated film is Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.

Not only does this eagerly awaited gem signal the grand return of the cheese-loving inventor and his loyal pooch, but also marks the resurgence of an infamous antagonist from the franchise.

The production is once again brought to life by the distinguished Aardman studio, reports the Mirror.

The conniving Feathers McGraw, notorious from his role in the short film The Wrong Trousers, is back on the scene, and out for revenge.

Though the broadcast is still a month away, critics have already had their say, with the animation achieving a flawless 100% on review conglomerate site Rotten Tomatoes.

Digital Spy didn't hold back in their review, pronouncing that the "new Wallace and Gromit movie is a must-see this Christmas."

Empire magazine was charmed by the return of a claymation favourite, noting: "It's delightful to see these characters again, particularly the long-suffering Gromit, and if the jokes don't come quite as thick and fast as before, the beating heart beneath the clay remains intact."

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph gushed over the latest instalment: "The madcap chaos that unfolds hits all the gleeful highs that this franchise always has, with visual gags coming thick and fast, socked over with the immaculate craft we now take for granted."

IGN didn't hold back in their acclaim, heralding the new Wallace and Gromit film in their review with: "Vengeance Most Fowl picks up where the last Wallace and Gromit film left off with a hilarious, fresh, cozy tale."

Anticipation is building for Christmas day viewership of the newest chapter. One social media user eagerly expressed on X, previously known as Twitter: "This is what Christmas is going to be about for me," while another fan excitedly posted: "I am now looking forward to Christmas."

A joint production between Netflix and BBC, the release schedule for the film is confusing some fans.

Those in the UK will be available to watch the film on December 25 on BBC One, with the broadcaster to confirm a timeslot. It will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The festive broadcast line-up will also bring back audience favourites including Outnumbered and Doctor Who, as well as the much-loved Gavin and Stacey.

Viewers outside the UK, however, will have to mark their calendars for January 3, when it will make its grand entrance on Netflix.

For those who can't contain their excitement, fans can revisit all previous Wallace and Gromit escapades by streaming them on BBC iPlayer, including The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, A Grand Day Out, A Matter of Loaf and Death, and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl airs Christmas Day on BBC One and will be streaming on BBC iPlayer.