BBC Television has unveiled some of its Christmas comedy highlights, mixing old favourites which new projects across the channels.
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, says: "We've pulled out all the stops this Christmas to bring the nation together with a sparkling line-up of family favourites, brand new treats and festive specials on BBC Television. We are showcasing an unrivalled range of top quality programmes across our channels that promise to deliver something for everyone."
Mrs Brown’s Boys will be back with two Christmas episodes. And more fantastic comedy is in store as the Brockman family return, all grown up, with a festive edition of Outnumbered.
Hugh Bonneville swaps Downton Abbey for Walliams & Friend as he joins David Walliams in his new sketch show. Walliams also fronts David Walliams Celebrates Dame Shirley Bassey, with the iconic singer performing in a night of glamour and entertainment. And Granville is back with the first in a new series of Still Open All Hours, starring Sir David Jason.
Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes come to life in six animations voiced by Dominic West, Rob Brydon, Tamsin Greig and many more, plus there’s more original animation with Ethel And Ernest, voiced by Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent.
Among a raft of comedy and entertainment specials, Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show gets a makeover full of Christmas cheer, as celebrity guests - along with comedians Catherine Tate and Harry Enfield - join in the fun at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Whereas theatre of an altogether different kind is in store, as Peter Pan Goes Wrong delights audiences with Mischief Theatre’s comedy of errors, narrated by David Suchet.
Alan Davies is back in Jonathan Creek and Citizen Khan experiences his own festive It’s a Khanderful Life. On BBC Two Professor Brian Cox tries to explain The Entire Universe amid an elaborate amateur dramatics musical theatre production from Eric Idle’s Rutland Weekend Television. And the house robots deck the halls in two Robot Wars Christmas specials, alongside some celebrity guests.
Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton return with a brand new Inside No.9, telling the tale of the demonic Krampus, whilst Philomena Cunk brings viewers her own unique investigation into the real meaning of yuletide’s traditions, in Cunk On Christmas. Charlie Brooker attempts to cram his views on the events of the past 12 months into 2016 Wipe.
BBC Three will be concentrating on classic box-sets. Go online to catch up on Pheobe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, Tom Davis’ Murder In Successville, Being Human and Bad Education.
