Whatever your viewing preferences, this year promises to offer some amazing viewing.  Programmes range from perfect period dramas to suspense-filled soaps and from riotous reality shows to superb sporting showcases.

Here we take a look at some of the top TV picks viewers won’t want to miss in 2012, covering both firm favourites and exciting new offerings.

2012 TV Drama

This year promises some exciting offerings for drama fans.  Some shows not to be missed include:

• Downton Abbey – ITV has confirmed that a third series of the popular period piece is in production and will hit our screens this autumn.  Following on from the success of the Christmas special, fans will be on tenterhooks awaiting the wedding and much more besides.

• Hit and Miss – From the creator of Shameless, this tense drama stars Chloe Sevigny as a pre-op transsexual whose complicated life is as an assassin thrown into chaos when she discovers she fathered a child in her former life.

2012 Reality TV

Reality TV is a favourite family format and 2012 looks set to offer a bumper package of true-life tales.  Ones to watch include

• The Voice – The tried and tested talent show format will return to ‘Auntie’ this spring with the first series of The Voice.  Billed as the channel’s answer to The X Factor, this new series will feature pop queen Jessie J as a judge, alongside the singing legend that is Sir Tom Jones.

• Big Brother – It’s the reality show they couldn’t kill.  Big Brother was famously axed from Channel 4 in 2010 following the win by Bristolian Josie Gibson, but made a triumphant return on rival channel Five, fronted by former winner Brian Dowling.  The series is set to kick off in May and will keep fans glued throughout the summer.

2012 Sports TV

Sports fans will be spoiled for choice in 2012, with all the annual events being aired alongside the excitement of the Olympics.  Sports must-sees include:

• The Olympics – Coming to the UK in 2012 and offering even more of an excuse to follow every event.  The BBC is planning to extend on-air hours for BBC 3 and to launch an extra channel to cover the 20 days of the event, with BBC 5 Live Olympics Extra being available via the digital TV network.

• Formula One – Coverage of the favourite motorsport event will be split between the BBC and Sky for the first time this year.  Petrolheads across the country will be tuning in to see who is on poll position.

2012 Soap TV

Soap fans can look forward to some surprised in 2012, with ongoing offerings and resurrected legends gracing our screens.  Soap selections for this year include:

• EastEnders – Follow the fortunes of Albert Square in the year 2012 PP (that’s Post-Pat).  Some old faces return and new characters are planned – watch this space.

• Dallas – Yes, 2012 is the year of the Ewings.  The ostentatious Texans are back bigger and brasher than ever, and utterly unmissable.  It features the original stars Larry Hagman and Linda Gray.

It’s that time of year again…and I’m not talking Christmas here, it’s time to return to the jungle for I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, which started last Sunday 9pm on ITV1 along with its support show, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here Now! following on ITV2 at 10.30pm.

This year’s ‘celebrity’ cast has the mix of sports personalities, soap stars, glamour models and trouble, in the form of Freddie Starr, who’s love of unusual gastronomy is well documented! He should have no problem tucking into genitalia and local wildlife….oh wait, he did!!! Poor Freddie was struck down by a severe allergic to the disgusting food he tucked into without so much as a raised eyebrow after being voted to do the Greasy Spoon Bushtucker Trial against Mark Wright, who hilariously retched, gagged, chocked and moaned his way through every mouthful!!  I’m not sure he should be given respect for carrying on eating the meal worms, mice tails, pigs anus etc despite it being obvious Freddie was going to be unbeatable or if he really is just a bit thick…in a very good looking way.

Unfortunately it’s now been decided that Freddie won’t be returning to the jungle, which is a shame because he was already starting to clash horns with ‘alpha male’ of the camp, Stephanie Powers.  It didn’t help when he appeared to have no idea how to retrieve the stars from a box of muck in the celebs first challenge, which meant his team got a dunking in fish guts while the other side sailed through with hardly a squeal!

The other contestants, American actress Stephanie Powers, champion jockey Willie Carson OBE, Emmerdale actress Lorraine Chase, TOWIE star Mark Wright, Jessica-Jane Clement (I’ve no idea either), Dougie Poynter from McFly, former world champion javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread OBE, Anthony Cotton off Corrie and Crissy Rock…that annoying one from Benidorm will be joined by DJ and TV presenter, Pat Sharp and 80’s singer Sinitta this week.  Hopefully Sinitta won’t be as irritating as she appears to be during her token appearances on the X Factor…but I won’t hold my breath! It looks like Jessie-Jane will now have some stiff competition in the trying-to-outshine-Mylene-Klass-in-a-bikini daily event. Although stick a couple of cheap implants on Lorraine Chase and I’m sure she would do just as well, she’s looking pretty amazing for 60!

Ant and Dec are, of course, hosting the ITV1 show, while over on ITV2 we’re getting the lowdown from Joe Swash and Russell Kane, who are joined this year by newcomer, MTV Europe presenter, Laura Whitmore.

So why do we love reality TV? What are the shows that really capture our imagination and why are they so compelling? Here we look at five top Reality TV shows and analyse their appeal.

The X-Factor

This modern take on the televised talent show has viewers across the UK hooked every weekend. From audition phases, to the boot camp cuts to judge’s houses and finally the live shows we just can’t get enough. We love it when they can’t sing, we adore it when they can sing, we empathise with their carefully crafted backstories and invest in their journey with our weekly votes. The show offers a range of different acts of all ages, meaning there is someone for everyone to identify with and, having just broken America, it is likely the format is here to stay.

One Born Every Minute

This reality documentary series is one that captured the hearts of the nation as it followed pregnant women and their families in the final moments before their babies arrived. Women across the country found it compelling viewing – we laughed at the husbands as they attempted to be involved and shed tears with the couples as their bundles of joy made an appearance.

Big Brother

Depending on your stance, Big Brother is either the pinnacle or the nadir of reality programming – but whichever camp you are in you will find it hard to deny that the format makes for compelling viewing. With a random selection of strangers locked into a camera filled house and pitted against each other for a big cash prize, Big Brother brings out the best and worst in contestants. The show ran for ten years in the UK on Channel Four an those who were not converts breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced that the 10th series would be the last. But it seems BB is too powerful and the show has made a Phoenix-like comeback on Channel Five and looks set to continue at least for the foreseeable.

Extreme Makeover

Another controversial choice is the Extreme Makeover format where participants with poor body image are whisked away, remodelled and rebuilt through a range of surgeries and procedures, to emerge swanlike at the end with a whole new face and physique. While some find the premise a little questionable, the format has successfully showcased the potential of plastic surgery with a number of viewers heading straight for sites like the Hospital Group to plan their own metamorphosis.

Highland Rescue

Following the work of the rescue teams of the Coastguard, Navy and RAF in the North of England, Highland Rescue is an adrenaline pumping insight into the action and adventure that is involved in saving lives in this inhospitable environment and makes great viewing for all the family.

Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore has proved to be a phenomenal success for MTV, outstripping all expectations.  It is one of the most talked about shows, making members of the cast household names both here and the US.

The show is currently MTV’s best performing programme and continues to go from strength to strength, improving its audiences by 76% with series 2 generating a massive 378,000 per episode.

Get crazy, get wild, let’s party, get loud with MTV’s Jersey Shore Boys Pauly D and Vinny!

The new series of MTV’s hit reality series Jersey Shore is back Tuesdays 10pm on MTV and to celebrate the new series we’re giving away 2 tickets to the official Jersey Shore launch party at Mahiki Night club in London on February 8th, plus 2 season 1 dvds. YOU could be there partying Jersey Shore Style!

To enter the competition simply answer the following question: What is the real name of Pauly D.

Before entering this competition please ensure that you are available to be in London on the evening of February 8th.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

Submit your entries to comps@buzzinmedia.co.uk with the subject line: ‘Jersey Shore Comp’ (other subject lines will not be entered) with your full name, address & contact number.

This Buzzin Media competition ends on Sunday 6th February 2011.

The editor will randomly pick a winner. The editors choice is final.

Jersy Shore Series 2b -Tuesdays 10pm on MTV

MTV is moving from music to entertainment. Crazy just got a new address. Sky channel 126

The Squad: Prison Police

You would be forgiven for believing that the job of the police is done once a criminal is sentenced and put behind bars, but that is not necessarily the case. A crack squad of police allocated to the prison service are responsible for keeping inmates in order, out of trouble and under control.

Of course this is real life and things seldom go to plan, when 10,000 prisoners are crammed into one of the worlds toughest prisons tempers are bound to flare and this series on Crime & Investigation Network follows the work of the Prison Police in enforcing law and order inside the prison blocks.

Chosen for their interrogation skills, forensic expertise and ability to keep cool in life-threatening situations, The Squad must investigate riots, assaults, escapes, organised crime, drugs and even murder in the notorious Tennessee State Prison.

With nothing to lose, inmates are desperate to gain whatever power they can, often resorting to violence to get their way. When someone crosses the line, it’s up to The Squad to bring justice and restore order.

With a new case each week, the prison police’s skills will be tested to the limit. With gangs and criminals getting in the way on both sides of every investigation and lockdowns raising the pressure, they can’t trust anyone and must rely on their wits and experience to discover the truth.

Learn how they keep control of the most violent men in America on The Squad: Prison Police. The series starts on January 29th at 10pm on CI.

Starting in January, Bio™ will follow the emotionally gripping stories of families desperate to convince troubled loved ones to seek the help they need.

Capturing the drama as it unfolds, the idea behind the series is to show that there are people who care and can help addicts overcome their vice.

Intervention starts with a conversation and ends with addicts getting the help they need. Eventually, many agree to try to get clean and go to rehab but it can be an uphill struggle for anyone trying to convince them that they have a problem.

Emotions run high as addicts struggle with their demons and reveal the sources of their suffering and insecurities. Often turning the spotlight on the very people trying to help, drastic changes can lead to incredible breakthroughs.

When families can’t cope, they turn to experts to help remind those suffering what there is to live for and how to kick their harmful habits. From January, Bio will reveal their personal battles in this powerfully candid series.

Intervention provides a means of recovery for those who no longer have an option.

Intervention starts tonight, 12th January at 10pm, exclusive to Bio.

school mum makeover

Melanie Sykes hosts this new and exclusive to Bio makeover show which aims to bring some glamour and glitz to the school gates by spending some time sprucing up Britain’s mums.

With two boys of her own, Mel is only too aware that it is not easy looking your best when chasing round after the kids and she will be on hand to take the glamour squad of beauty experts on a tour of the UK in an attempt to turn the playground into a catwalk.

Led by hairdressing legend Nicky Clarke, the experts will surprise ‘mums in need’ at the school gates before whisking them off for a day of pampering.

They will then transform the mums whole look in time for returning to collect the kids from school, while turning a few heads at the school gates. With no idea that they’ve been nominated, the mums are in for the treat of a lifetime!

Discover the beauty secrets of the stars

With a new challenge each week, the glamour squad will have to come up with a range of gorgeous styles, sharing the latest fashion, hair and makeup tips along the way. They’ll change the look and lives of six lucky mums and teach them how to manage their looks alongside their busy schedules. Join Bio throughout January and add a touch of sophistication to the school run.

School Mum Makeover with Melanie Sykes is exclusive to Bio on Tuesday nights at 8pm starting January 25th.

Ice Road Truckers

Facing perhaps the toughest season yet, the Ice Road Truckers are back on History this month to face what could be the ultimate challenge of their driving skills.

Veterans of the frozen North, drivers Rick Yemm, Alex Debogorski, Lisa Kelly and newcomer, Dave Redmon have traveled a long way from home and way out of their comfort zones to face the ultimate test.

In a change of scenery from the oil rich plains of North America and Canada, the truckers take to the treacherous mountain passes of India’s most dangerous roads in a bid to deliver their cargo.

Climbing the jagged peaks and speeding down the sheer slopes of the Himalayas, they’ll have more to worry about than on what side of the road they should be driving. Racing ahead in temperatures that can threaten to melt tires one moment and freeze the road beneath them the next, they’ll have to fight hard to stay calm and in control.

Starting on the narrow, rocky roads that wind away from Delhi before climbing to a construction site precariously perched between the mountains, Alex’s iron will is tested as he battles to hold his rig together in the harshest conditions he’s ever experienced. Meanwhile Rick, Lisa and Dave fight hard to speed on through the unfamiliar twists and turns, knowing any mistake could be fatal.

Its edge of the seat stuff again for the viewers and brown trouser stuff for the drivers, who attempt to make it through another season without really knowing what to expect in a new country where people’s lives are depending on their  vital cargo.

As well as facing some of the worst conditions known to man the truckers will also be up against a language barrier as they make their way across some of the deadliest roads in the country. Find out if their strength and determination pulls them through on HISTORY™ this December.

Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads
Starts on December 16th at 10pm
Only on HISTORY™

re-vamped

This looks like a make over programme with a difference, as it features eight women who have been betrayed, shattered and heart broken by their ex boyfriends and who will spend the next six weeks overcoming their battered self esteem by totally revamping themselves and rebuilding their lives.

Follow the girls on Re-Vamped as each day brings a new challenge and even with a team of experts at the helm there’ll be tears, tension and tantrums as they have six weeks to transform themselves into red hot vixens. Will they face humiliation or get the revenge they’re looking for?

At the Camp Re-Vamp retreat the women are plunged into a brutal routine of diet, fitness and dancing that will culminate at the series’ end in a burlesque revue performed for their exes, family and friends.

Their hopes and dreams have been smashed by their betraying ex-boyfriends and the women are desperate to go through a life-changing transformation showing them just what the men have lost. Super-sexy burlesque star, Kaitlyn Regehr is at their side to guide them every step of the way and they’ll be given the keys to success, sexuality and sensuality.

Re-Vamped promises to be an entertaining, empowering, sexy journey of transformation. Each episode sees the novice dancers face emotional challenges and physical tests. Progress is anything but smooth and as challenges start to take their toll, personalities clash and arguments erupt.  Bio follows the Re-Vamped sirens on their path to fixing their shattered confidence and broken dreams, ready to get back on track and leave their baggage behind forever.

Re-Vamped is broadcast on Bio, November 30th at 8pm

next and hopefully last big fat challenge

Unbelievably the family labelled as Britain’s laziest and fattest return to our screens for a second helping of Lorraine Kelly’s Next Big Fat Challenge at the end of August.

The Chawners came to prominence when daughter Emma appeared in the X Factor auditions and was so awful she was sent packing by Simon Cowell and the other judges, only to be confronted by the head of the family who considered that the experts had no idea when it came to spotting talent.

Luckily I managed to miss the first series as I will again for the new series, it is hard to imagine why anybody would be vaguely interested in seeing a TV company throw money at a family like the Chawners.

Lorraine Kelly has her work cut out in her second attempt at getting this family off their backsides and into work, if you are interested enough the new series premieres on August 24th at 8pm on the Bio Channel.

Lorraine Kelly’s Next Big Fat Challenge – August 24th on Bio at 8pm