The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures are back for 2024!

This Christmas on BBC Four and iPlayer will see leading science presenter and NHS Doctor Chris van Tulleken dive into what happens inside our bodies when we eat.

The first ever science show on UK national television, (and has been broadcast every year since 1966) is back for this year!

In this year’s trio of Christmas Lectures, Chris van Tulleken will explore three fascinating aspects of food science:

How our diet has played a crucial role in shaping human evolution
The significance of our microbiome, an unexpected ‘organ’ within us
Strategies for improving our eating habits to benefit both personal and planetary health.

Throughout his Lectures, Chris is set to bring science to life, from our tastebuds to the toilet and will have special guests make appearances too.

Plus, Chris will also take us through, a very personal journey to the centre of his gut as he swallows a camera pill to unpack the digestion process at every saliva-soaked step.

Chris says: “I am honoured beyond words to be asked to be the Ri’s 2024 Christmas Lecturer. The food we eat, how it’s produced, and the process through which we derive energy from it is not only deeply fascinating scientifically, it’s also fundamental to human and planetary health.

Dates and times have yet to be confirmed however if previous years are to go by the series may air on Boxing Day, once we have confirmation we’ll update you on this page.

We can’t wait to curl up on the sofa next to our Christmas tree and watch some great TV!