British Comedy Guide

Schedule Wednesday 22nd December 2010

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 8am (repeat)
Terry Pratchett's The Colour Of Magic. Image shows from L to R: Rincewind (David Jason), Trymon (Tim Curry), Twoflower (Sean Astin). Copyright: The Mob Film Co

Terry Pratchett's The Colour Of Magic

Episode 2 - The Light Fantastic

The Discworld is on a collison course with a nearby star. The only way to save the world is by reading the eight most powerful spells on the Disc. However, one of those spells is in Rincewind's head, and he's just fallen off the edge of the world.

CBBC logo. Credit: BBC 9:35am (repeat)
Horrible Histories. Image shows from L to R: Gemma Whelan, Ryan Sampson, Tom Stourton

Horrible Histories

Back-to-back episodes all day until 3:50pm.

Radio 4 11:30am
30 min
Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!. Count Arthur Strong (Steve Delaney). Copyright: Komedia Entertainment

Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!

Series 6, Episode 2 - Calendar Boys

When he hears that the Church Hall is in need of funds to remain open, Arthur decides to help raise money for the cause and, of course, to involve his good friends in the process.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 1:45pm (repeat)
Only Fools And Horses. Image shows from L to R: Del (David Jason), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). Copyright: BBC

Only Fools And Horses

1996 Christmas Trilogy, Christmas Special - Heroes And Villains

Only on the streets of Peckham will you find No VAT Man and Boy Plonker. Del is stuck with 125 Latvian radio alarm clocks that go off when they like, a box full of base ball caps "that even East 17 fans wouldn't wear" and the council have turned down his application for a home improvements grant.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 3:20pm (repeat)
Carry On Cleo. Cleopatra (Amanda Barrie). Copyright: Peter Rogers Productions

Carry On Cleo

The Carry On team take on ancient history and the big-budget film Cleopatra. Caesar's plan goes awry when Antony is captivated by Cleopatra.

ITV1 logo. Credit: ITV 5pm
60 min
The Unforgettable.... Copyright: North One Television / Watchmaker Productions

The Unforgettable...

Series 4, Episode 7 - Mike Reid

A celebration of the life and times of Mike Reid, the East End boy who started out on the wrong side of the law before bursting onto our screens as a stand-up comedian and ultimately becoming one of Britain's best-loved TV characters - Frank Butcher from EastEnders.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 5:15pm (repeat)
On The Buses. Inspector Blake (Stephen Lewis). Copyright: London Weekend Television

On The Buses

Series 5, Episode 12 - The New Telly

When the Christmas Club payout arrives, Stan and the family decide to buy a colour television. But they have a problem disposing of their old set - especially when Blake buys it!

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 6:10pm (repeat)
Last Of The Summer Wine. Image shows from L to R: Walter C. 'Foggy' Dewhurst (Brian Wilde), William 'Compo' Simmonite (Bill Owen), Norman Clegg (Peter Sallis). Copyright: BBC

Last Of The Summer Wine

2006 Christmas Special, A Tale of Two Sweaters: Howard calls on Alvin, who's invited Clegg and Truly round for Christmas dinner. The perennial adulterer is wearing Marina's pullover in case she should happen to stop by - but is forced to make a lightning change when wife Pearl turns up instead.

Radio 4 6:30pm
30 min
Shappi Talk. Shaparak Khorsandi. Copyright: Open Mike Productions

Shappi Talk

Series 2, Episode 1 - Single Mum

Shappi Khorsandi, using her own experience, investigates what it's like being a single mum with guests Jerry Hall and comedian Celia Pacquola.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 6:50pm (repeat)
Only Fools And Horses. Image shows from L to R: Del (David Jason), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). Copyright: BBC

Only Fools And Horses

Miami Twice, Christmas Special - The American Dream

Del persuades Rodney that he needs a holiday and books him a flight for two to Miami. Rodney thinks he's taking his wife, but Del has timed it so that she is taking her exams that week...

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 6:55pm (repeat)
George & Mildred. Image shows from L to R: Mildred Roper (Yootha Joyce), George Roper (Brian Murphy). Copyright: Thames Television

George & Mildred

Series 4, Christmas Special - On The Second Day Of Christmas

After a dull Christmas at the Ropers', and a packed period for the Fourmiles, George gets into a little trouble when playing with one of Tristram's new toys.

U&Dave channel logo 7pm (repeat)
Have I Got News For You. Image shows from L to R: Ian Hislop, Angus Deayton, Paul Merton. Copyright: BBC / Hat Trick Productions

Have I Got News For You

Series 22, Christmas Special

A special festive edition of the show. With Charles Kennedy on Ian's side and John Sergeant on Paul's.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 7:30pm (repeat)
Mr. Bean. Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson)

Mr. Bean

Episode 7 - Merry Christmas Mr Bean

Mr. Bean wreaks havoc at Harrods when he goes Christmas shopping, then has trouble stuffing a turkey on Christmas Day.

U&Dave channel logo 7:40pm (repeat)
QI Titles. Copyright: TalkbackThames

QI

Series C, Episode 10 - Cleve Crudgington

With Mark Steel, Clive Anderson and John Sessions.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 8pm (repeat)
Only Fools And Horses. Image shows from L to R: Del (David Jason), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). Copyright: BBC

Only Fools And Horses

Miami Twice, Christmas Special - Oh To Be In England

Del and Rodney arrive in Miami and things start to go wrong immediately. Nothing too dramatic, though, until Del is mistaken for a local mafia godfather and his henchmen want him as a decoy!

ITV1 logo. Credit: ITV 8pm
60 min
It's Paul Burling. Paul Burling. Copyright: ITV Studios

It's Paul Burling

One-off show in which Britain's Got Talent finalist Paul Burling gives his impressions of various comical showbiz characters.

BBC Two 8:05pm (repeat)
Victoria Wood With All The Trimmings

Victoria Wood With All The Trimmings

Victoria Wood serves up a large helping of Christmas comedy, with an impressive list of celebrities appearing in a series of pastiches. From Dec 2000.

U&Dave channel logo 8:20pm (repeat)
I'm Alan Partridge. Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan). Copyright: Talkback Productions

I'm Alan Partridge

Series 1, Episode 2 - Alan Attraction

Alan has failed to get a second TV series and is days away from bankruptcy. Might the charms of receptionist Jill provide some relief?

U&Dave channel logo 9pm (repeat)
HIGNFY Titles. Copyright: BBC / Hat Trick Productions

Have I Got News For You

Series 38, Episode 1

With guest host Martin Clunes and panellists Charlie Brooker and Arlene Phillips.

ITV1 logo. Credit: ITV 9pm
60 min
The Comedy Annual. Phillip Schofield. Copyright: ITV Studios

The Comedy Annual

Episode 1 - The Comedy Annual 2010

Some of the biggest names in British comedy - including Jason Manford, Jenny Eclair, Mark Watson and John Bishop - come together to take a look back at 2010 and deliver their verdict on the most brilliant, outrageous and infuriating moments of the year. From the volcanic ash cloud to vuvuzelas, no comedy stone will be left unturned.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 9pm
15 min
Little Crackers. Jo Brand

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 7 - Jo Brand's Little Cracker

It's all about teenage turmoil and a moggy mystery in an autobiographical short written by and starring Jo Brand.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 9:15pm
15 min
Little Crackers. Bill (Bill Bailey)

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 8 - Bill Bailey's Little Cracker

Christmas is about giving not gadgetry in an autobiographical short written, directed by and starring Bill Bailey.

U&Dave channel logo 9:40pm (repeat)
HIGNFY Titles. Copyright: BBC / Hat Trick Productions

Have I Got News For You

Series 38, Episode 2

With guest host David Mitchell and panellists Grayson Perry and Ed Byrne.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 10pm (repeat)
Christmas Lights. Image shows from L to R: Pauline (Maxine Peake), Howie (Mark Benton), Colin (Robson Green), Jackie (Nicola Stephenson). Copyright: Granada Television

Christmas Lights

Comedy drama starring Robson Green and Mark Benton which shows what can happen when families forget what the festive season is really about.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 10pm (repeat)
The Royle Family. Image shows from L to R: Denise Royle / Best (Caroline Aherne), Dave Best (Craig Cash), Jim Royle (Ricky Tomlinson), Antony Royle (Ralf Little)

The Royle Family

Christmas Special - The Golden Egg Cup

There's a new buzz in the Royle family household as it is a special time for Jim and Barbara and a celebration (including Twiglets and scotch eggs) is planned.

Radio 7 10pm (repeat)
Another Case Of Milton Jones. Milton (Milton Jones). Copyright: Pozzitive Productions

Another Case Of Milton Jones

Series 1, Episode 4 - Chess Grandmaster

This time, Milton is a world-famous chess grandmaster. We discover how Milton and Susan met Anton.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 10pm
50 min
Chris Moyles Quiz Night. Chris Moyles. Copyright: Magnum Media

Chris Moyles Quiz Night

Series 3, Christmas Special - Chris Moyles Christmas Quiz Night

Chris is joined by guests Pamela Anderson, Kelly Osbourne and Paddy McGuinness, who compete in a festive themed quiz night of fun.

U&Dave channel logo 10:20pm (repeat)
HIGNFY Titles. Copyright: BBC / Hat Trick Productions

Have I Got News For You

Series 38, Episode 3

With guest host Miranda Hart and panellists Mark Steel and Andrew Neil.

BBC Three 10:20pm (repeat)
Russell Howard's Good News. Russell Howard. Copyright: Avalon Television

Russell Howard's Good News

Series 3, Episode 3

Russell Howard gives his take on some of the key stories of the week as well as highlighting some of the more overlooked items that have caught his eye during his forensic trawl through newspapers, websites, TV and radio shows.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 10:30pm (repeat)
Little Crackers. Jo Brand

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 7 - Jo Brand's Little Cracker

It's all about teenage turmoil and a moggy mystery in an autobiographical short written by and starring Jo Brand.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 10:45pm (repeat)
The Catherine Tate Show. Catherine Tate

The Catherine Tate Show

Christmas Special - Nan's Christmas Carol

This festive special sees Nan's acid-tongued insults catch up with her when the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, along with a dead husband, pay an unexpected visit, in this comic re-telling of Charles Dickens's tale A Christmas Carol. Is it too late for Nan to swap her Scrooge-like misery for some seasonal goodwill?

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 10:45pm (repeat)
Little Crackers. Bill (Bill Bailey)

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 8 - Bill Bailey's Little Cracker

Christmas is about giving not gadgetry in an autobiographical short written, directed by and starring Bill Bailey.

BBC Two 10:50pm (repeat)
Ruth Jones. Ruth Jones. Copyright: Tidy Productions

Ruth Jones

Ruth Jones hosts a seasonal chat show packed full of celebrity interviews, musical performances, and other fun.

ITV4 logo. Credit: ITV 11pm
30 min
Image shows from L to R: Alistair McGowan, Dave Lamb

Sports Mash - Taking The Mic

Episode 13

Alistair McGowan, Dave Lamb and Lucy Montgomery trawl through the ITV World of Sport archive from the 1970s and 80s.

Radio 7 11pm (repeat)
Mastering The Universe. Image shows from L to R: Sally Grace, Dan Tetsell, Professor Joy Klamp (Dawn French), Lucy Montgomery, Christopher Douglas. Copyright: BBC

Mastering The Universe

Series 1, Episode 6 - Christmas

In the final episode of the series, Professor Joy Klamp explains how to overcome the difficult challenge of ruining the season of goodwill.

U&Dave channel logo 11pm (repeat)
HIGNFY Titles. Copyright: BBC / Hat Trick Productions

Have I Got News For You

Series 38, Episode 4

With guest host Kirsty Young and panellists Ross Noble and Kevin Maguire.

Radio 4 11pm
15 min
David Soul

iGod

Episode 2 - Ego

Ian causes the destruction of parallel earth 413 when his ego goes out of control by having demanding children of new genders. This causes problems, as there is a demand for 2,000 different public toilets.

E4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 11pm (repeat)
Alan Carr: Chatty Man. Alan Carr. Copyright: Open Mike Productions

Alan Carr: Chatty Man

Series 5, Episode 2 - Cheryl Cole, Stacey Solomon, Shaun Ryder, Michael McIntyre

A festive show in which Alan is joined by Cheryl Cole, I'm A Celeb winners Stacey Solomon and Shaun Ryder; plus Michael McIntyre.

Radio 4 11:15pm (repeat)
Comic Fringes. Copyright: BBC

Comic Fringes

Series 5, Episode 2 - The Hair Of The Dead

A moving short story about a compassionate undertaker's assistant. Sarah Millican reads her story about Kitty, who does the hair of the dead... Just the front.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 11:20pm (repeat)
Outnumbered. Image shows from L to R: Ben (Daniel Roche), Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey), Sue (Claire Skinner), Karen (Ramona Marquez), Pete (Hugh Dennis). Copyright: Hat Trick Productions

Outnumbered

Christmas Special

It's Boxing Day in the Brockman household and Santa has paid a visit, along with some burglars...

BBC Four 11:20pm (repeat)
Dirk Gently. Image shows from L to R: Dirk Gently (Stephen Mangan), Richard MacDuff (Darren Boyd). Copyright: The Welded Tandem Picture Company

Dirk Gently

Stephen Mangan stars as Douglas Adams's holistic detective who believes he can solve crimes due to the interconnectedness of all things.

BBC Two 11:30pm (repeat)
The Goodies. Image shows from L to R: Tim (Tim Brooke-Taylor), Bill (Bill Oddie), Graeme (Graeme Garden). Copyright: BBC

The Goodies

First broadcast of the sketch show in 25 years. Series 5, The OK Tea Rooms. The Goodies cause chaos in the West Country.

BBC Three 11:35pm (repeat)
Lee Nelson's Well Good Show. Lee Nelson (Simon Brodkin)

Lee Nelson's Well Good Show

Series 1, Episode 3

More cheeky banter, tales of mischief-making and daft games. Preening premiership footballer Jason Bent shrugs of allegations of assault at a court appearance, and Lee stitches up Omelette in a Peer Pressure Challenge.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC Midnight (repeat)
The Funny Side Of.... Clive Anderson. Copyright: BBC

The Funny Side Of...

Episode 6 - The Funny Side Of Christmas

Clive Anderson presents the best and the worst that TV has served up to us over the years at Christmas.

BBC Three 12:05am (repeat)
Mongrels. Credit: BBC

Mongrels

Series 1, Episode 4 - Nelson The Stroke Virgin

Destiny enjoys a taste of life in the limelight after being awarded Animal of Courage 2010, but it is Marion who is the real hero. Nelson tries to be stroked by a human and Kali develops a crush on a crow that turns out to be female.

BBC Three 1:20am (repeat)
Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. Image shows from L to R: Louise (Kathryn Drysdale), Donna Henshaw (Natalie Casey), Janet (Sheridan Smith), Gary 'Gaz' Wilkinson (Will Mellor). Copyright: BBC

Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps

Series 8, Episode 5 - D.I.V.O.R.C.E

Donna and Gaz have decided to get divorced, a decision that takes them down memory lane.

BBC Three 1:50am (repeat)
Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. Image shows from L to R: Louise (Kathryn Drysdale), Donna Henshaw (Natalie Casey), Janet (Sheridan Smith), Gary 'Gaz' Wilkinson (Will Mellor). Copyright: BBC

Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps

Series 8, Episode 6 - Val Doonican

Now that Gaz and Donna are divorced, Gaz decides it is time to propose to Janet.

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