2006 Christmas Specials - Preview
Here's a run-down of the new sitcom specials being broadcast over the 2006 festive period...
Christmas Day
The Green Green Grass (BBC1 3:10pm - 3:55pm)From Here to Paternity: A festive special of John Sullivan's sitcom sees Jed, Elgin and Bryan convinced a mythical creature is stalking Winterdown Farm and Llewellyn accusing the Boyces' dog of seducing his pedigree collie. Meanwhile, Beth is set for a Christmas surprise and Tyler spreads a rumour that Mrs Cakeworthy is pregnant - a revelation that comes as quite a shock to her husband as they've not been intimate for some time.
My Family (BBC1 5:20pm - 6:10pm)
The Heart of Christmas: The Harpers are looking forward to another Christmas - except for Scrooge-like dad Ben, who this year comes up with a cunning plan, feigning a mystery illness to escape the festivities. Susan isn't convinced, but nonetheless drags him to the doctor, who admits the grumpy dentist to hospital. With him out of the way, son Michael and lodger Alfie organise a last-minute party, while Janey is too busy trying to get the must-have toy for Kenzo, whether he wants it or not. But the party atmosphere is dampened somewhat by news from the hospital - Ben's test results are back and he needs surgery!
The Vicar of Dibley (BBC1 9:30pm - 10:30pm)
The Handsome Stranger: Dawn French makes a welcome return for a two-part Christmas special, although the bad news is it's said to be the last time she'll be donning the vicar's cassock and collar. Geraldine decides to bring a bit of culture to the parish by forming a book club - the only downside being, it means the likes of foul-mouthed farmer Owen actually reading a book. Remarkably though, dippy Alice manages to decipher the clues in The Da Vinci Code, and concludes that she's the last living relative of Christ. However, Geraldine soon has more pressing matters on her mind - namely the number of fashionable 'townies' buying weekend cottages in the village. But her thoughts turn from revolt to romance when her head is turned by a particularly charming newcomer - played by Robin Hood hunk Richard Armitage - and it soon becomes clear he feels the same.
Boxing Day
Jam and Jerusalem (BBC1 9:45pm - 10:15pm)Clatterford Ladies Guild prepare to receive a visit from a dignitary, who has the power to shut them down, and must convince her they have been organising lots of worthwhile events. Eileen calls a meeting to make sure they are up to scratch, but despite this the ladies end up letting things go to pot, and risk being merged with nearby Hole. Note: The last episode of Jam and Jerusalem is on BBC1 on Saturday 30th December at 9:45pm
New Year's Day
The Vicar of Dibley (BBC1 9:30pm - 10:30pm)The Vicar in White: At last the Vicar will attend a wedding in a dress, not a dog collar. Or will she? Unfortunately the vicar Geraldine has chosen for the service seems a bit too fond of her. And the villagers have waited till now to suggest their worst two ideas ever - a sky-diving wedding and something far, far worse!
Tuesday 2nd January
The Thick of It (BBC4 10:30pm - 11:30pm)Hugh Abbott, the Minister for Social Affairs and Citizenship, is away in Australia. With the coast clear, shadow minister Peter Mannion and his team over at Opposition HQ are free to float a few new policies.
Thursday 4th January
Green Wing Special (C4 10:00pm - 11:50pm)One-off special of the surreal hospital comedy. Caroline is now engaged to Guy, while Mac hasn't got long to live. Beset by desperation and paranoia, dwarf-killing duo Statham and Joanna go on the run. Meanwhile, with no-one left in charge, the admin girls let their hair down, and Karen is transformed after falling out of the window.
For a more complete guide to the comedy that's on over Christmas see the Christmas TV thread on our forums. It lists repeats and non-sitcom comedy in addition to the above.
The whole team at the British Sitcom Guide we wish you a very happy Christmas and a great New Year! Stay tuned as we'll be bringing you news on all the new 2007 sitcoms very soon.