AS last year has proved, the small screen is now well and truly the place to be — so what does 2017 have in store?

We flick through the shows and series set to entertain, inform and captivate in the coming 12 months.

BABS, BBC1

Dame Barbara Windsor has spent much of her life in the spotlight — from her early roles as the original Carry On dolly bird, to her iconic stint as landlady Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders.

But what about the woman behind the coiffed blonde hair and filthy cackle?

BBC1 drama Babs, written by Tony Jordan, promises to tell the whole story, with a cast — Jaime Winstone and Samantha Spiro included — that will portray the actress at different stages of her life up to the early 90s.

There’s even a cameo from the star herself.

BROADCHURCH, ITV

David Tennant and Olivia Colman reprise their roles as detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller for the third and final series of Broadchurch,

This time around, we’ll see them called upon to investigate a serious sexual assault.

Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchanan are also returning for the eight-part run, with new faces including Sarah Parish, Georgina Campbell, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Sir Lenny Henry.

Guess what's back this February? #Broadchurch #Drama #Teaser pic.twitter.com/1vPFpwRelA

— STV (@WeAreSTV) January 4, 2017

“This is the final chapter,” says creator and writer Chris Chibnall.

“I hope it’s a compelling farewell to a world and show that means so much to me.”

CATASTROPHE, CHANNEL 4

Her hit series Divorce, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, has just been renewed, but Sharon Horgan’s still managing to find time to reunite with her co-writer and co-star Rob Delaney, for two new runs of their perfectly-pitched comedy Catastrophe.

They play Sharon and Rob, who discovered that they were expecting a baby together after a “one-week stand” in series one, and then welcomed their second child in series two.

They’re currently filming series three, which means the plot can’t be revealed, but expect more laughs as life in a long-term relationship is explored in all its awkward, poignant glory.

JAMESTOWN, SKY1

The producers of Downton Abbey are keeping busy with an ambitious new eight-part drama called Jamestown, which takes a close look at the lives of early American settlers.

Written by Lark Rise To Candleford’s Bill Gallagher, the action’s set in the early 17th century and follows British settlers, played by the likes of Max Beesley, Jason Flemyng and Shaun Dooley, as they embark on a new life in the New World.

Battling inhospitable conditions and suspicious indigenous people, it proves to be a tough time for them.

KING CHARLES III, BBC2

The papers have already been going wild for photos of actress Charlotte Riley as Kate Middleton on the set of King Charles III, so you can expect much hype when this one-off drama airs.

Adapted by award-winning playwright and TV screenwriter Mike Bartlett from his Olivier Award-winning play, and described as “an inventive future history”, it imagines Prince Charles (Tim Pigott-Smith) on his accession to the throne, and the implications for himself, his family and the nation when he refuses to sign a controversial bill.

THE GOOD KARMA HOSPITAL, ITV

Amanda Redman, Neil Morrissey and Amrita Acharia will all star in this new medical drama, set in a coastal town in tropical South India.

The series, which was filmed in Sri Lanka this summer, will follow the exploits of British-Asian junior doctor Ruby Walker (Game Of Thrones’ Acharia), who arrives at the dilapidated Good Karma Hospital to join a dedicated team of over-stretched and under-funded medics, as they strive to make a difference in the local community.

LET IT SHINE, BBC1

Gary Barlow is joined by Martin Kemp and Dannii Minogue in a search for talented individuals to join the cast of a brand-new stage show featuring the music of Take That.

“Back in 1989, we were just a group of normal guys from Manchester who came together to become Take That,” notes Barlow.

“The secret to our success was that each of us brought something different to the group, and that the five of us had real chemistry.

“Now we’re looking for people who can recreate that magic.”

Set to launch in the New Year, the competition will run in different stages as hopefuls battle to make it through.

Glee star Amber Riley and Lulu join as guest judges, and Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc are on hosting duties.

PRIME SUSPECT — 1973, ITV

She’s an acclaimed Oscar winner and Hollywood royalty now, but many people still remember Dame Helen Mirren for her incredible portrayal of DCI Jane Tennison in 90s crime drama Prime Suspect.

Now a prequel, based on Lynda La Plante’s bestselling novel, is set to air in 2017, with Stefanie Martini playing the young Jane as she starts out on her career.

Sam Reid and Blake Harrison play her superiors in the six-part series, which is set to explore how DCI Tennison became such a formidable force.

THE NIGHTLY SHOW, ITV

A new entertainment series will see eight famous faces taking turns to present over an eight-week period.

Filmed each weekday at 6pm, before being shown at 10pm, The Nightly Show’s set to include topical monologues, studio games and celebrity guests.

David Walliams has been announced as the first person to play host and is said to be “thrilled” with the gig.