British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Schedule Friday 24th December 2010

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 8am (repeat)
Terry Pratchett's Hogfather. Copyright: The Mob Film Co

Terry Pratchett's Hogfather

Episode 1

It is the night before Hogswatch - the Discworld version of Christmas - and the Hogfather, an anthropomorphic personification who gives presents to good children, has gone missing. It is up to Death to take his place in order to keep the children believing in him.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 9am (repeat)
Horrible Histories. Image shows from L to R: Alice Lowe, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond. Copyright: Lion Television / Citrus Television

Horrible Histories

Christmas Special - Horrible Christmas

Farting jesters, Christmas cards full of bacon, and having the festive meal confiscated by Oliver Cromwell... welcome to Christmas, Horrible Histories style.

Film4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 11am (repeat)
Please Sir!. Image shows from L to R: Bernard Hedges (John Alderton), Maureen Bullock (Liz Gebhardt), Sharon Eversleigh (Carol Hawkins), Dennis Dunstable (Peter Denyer), Eric Duffy (Peter Cleall). Copyright: Rank Organisation / ITV Studios

Please Sir!

Movie spin-off from the popular TV sitcom, in which teacher Bernard Hedges takes troublesome class 5C to a holiday camp.

Radio 4 11:30am
30 min
John Sessions

Electric Ink

Series 2, Episode 4

The paper gets a hot tip about a Lib-Dem MP. Could they be about to unseat the coalition?

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 1:35pm (repeat)
Only Fools And Horses. Image shows from L to R: Del (David Jason), Auctioneer (Seymour Matthews), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst)

Only Fools And Horses

1996 Christmas Trilogy, Christmas Special - Time On Our Hands

This third 1996 special was at the time thought to be last that would be made. Rodney's doing a stock take in the garage and has found an artificial leg, some Showaddywaddy LPs and an old watch. They get the watch valued and get just a little shock when it sells at Sotherby's for £6.2 million pounds. After all these years their finally millionaires!

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 2:45pm (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.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 4pm (repeat)
Terry Pratchett's Hogfather. Copyright: The Mob Film Co

Terry Pratchett's Hogfather

Episode 2

There is not much time for Death and Albert to save the Hogfather. As they continue giving out presents, Death pops in the offices of the Unseen University to see if the wizards might have an answer. Susan meanwhile makes her way to the Toothfairy's castle with the help of the newly created god of hangovers.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 4:40pm (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 4:50pm (repeat)
A Grand Day Out With Wallace And Gromit. Credit: BBC, Channel 4 Television Corporation, Aardman Animations

A Grand Day Out With Wallace And Gromit

Oscar-nominated claymation in which a Yorkshireman and his canine companion venture to the Moon.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 5:25pm (repeat)
The Wrong Trousers. Credit: Aardman Animations

The Wrong Trousers

Oscar-winning claymation from Nick Park. It is Gromit's birthday, and Wallace gives him a pair of mechanical techno trousers that cause a stir.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 6:05pm (repeat)
A Close Shave. Credit: BBC, Aardman Animations

A Close Shave

Wallace's whirlwind romance with the proprietor of the local wool shop puts his head in a spin; but not all is well for Gromit.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 6:15pm (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.

BBC Two 6:15pm (repeat)
Dad's Army. Image shows from L to R: Private Godfrey (Arnold Ridley), Lance Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn), Private Walker (James Beck), Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), Private Frazer (John Laurie), Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier), Private Pike (Ian Lavender)

Dad's Army

Series 7, Episode 6 - Turkey Dinner

During a drunken evening, Jones and his men accidentally shoot a turkey. Having failed to establish the bird's rightful owner, they decide the best thing to do is to offer the older residents of Walmington a turkey dinner.

Radio 4 6:15pm
15 min
15 Minute Musical. Copyright: BBC

15 Minute Musical

Series 6, Episode 1 - Dr Bruce

Bruce Forsyth is the subject of the first fabricated story set to music and it sees him in the role of Dr Who as Master Of The Teatime Lord, featuring music by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

Radio 4 6:30pm
30 min
The Now Show. Image shows from L to R: Hugh Dennis, Steve Punt. Copyright: BBC

The Now Show

Series 32, Christmas Special - The Now Show Panto

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present a Christmassy, panto-themed mix of stand-up, sketches and songs, with Marcus Brigstocke, Jon Holmes, Laura Shavin, Mitch Benn and special guests.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 6:40pm (repeat)
Only Fools And Horses. Image shows from L to R: Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield), Del (David Jason), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). Copyright: BBC

Only Fools And Horses

Christmas Special - Mother Nature's Son

Rodney's talk of environmental pollution brings him a strange ally when Del becomes a friend of the Earth. Of course, he's got a scam going and it involves a joint venture with the Water Board - but they are a silent partner!

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 23, Episode 2

With Ben Miller on Ian's side and Charlotte Church on Paul's.

Radio 2 logo 7pm
60 min
Kenny Everett

Wireless Kenny Everett

Paul Gambaccini presents a documentary about Kenny Everett's influential radio work.

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

QI

Series C, Episode 12 - Combustion

With Dara O'Briain, Phill Jupitus and Bill Bailey.

Radio 4 8pm
60 min
Radio 4

Marley Was Dead

A Christmas Carol turns into a screwball comedy in this star-studded adaptation by John Nicholson and Richard Katz.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 8:10pm (repeat)
Only Fools And Horses. Image shows from L to R: Raquel (Tessa Peake-Jones), Del (David Jason), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst), Cassandra (Gwyneth Strong). Copyright: BBC

Only Fools And Horses

Christmas Special - Fatal Extraction

Del has tired of being the dutiful father and his relationship with Raquel is showing the strain. He ventures to see whether he can still pull the birds when he chances to meet a divorced woman at the dentists and soon wishes he'd kept his mouth firmly shut.

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

I'm Alan Partridge

Series 2, Episode 1 - The Talented Mr. Alan

Following a nervous breakdown, Alan's working his way slowly back up the ladder: he's got a girlfriend, a house (under renovation), one of the most popular slots on Radio Norwich, and a book: Bouncing Back.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 8:30pm
60 min
My Family. Image shows from L to R: Ben Harper (Robert Lindsay), Susan Harper (Zoë Wanamaker), Kenzo Harper (Tayler Marshall), Janey Harper (Daniela Denby-Ashe), Michael Harper (Gabriel Thomson). Copyright: DLT Entertainment Ltd. / Rude Boy Productions

My Family

Series 10, Christmas Special - Mary Christmas

One young girl seems set to have a particularly un-merry Christmas, while Ben looks upon the new year as a chance to renew an old battle with his next-door neighbour.

U&Dave channel logo 9pm (repeat)
Mock The Week. Image shows from L to R: Andy Parsons, Hugh Dennis, Dara O Briain, Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle. Copyright: Angst Productions

Mock The Week

Series 6, Christmas Special

Dara O Briain and his little helpers, Frankie Boyle, Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons, present a festive cracker of a show comprising unseen festive material and out-takes.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 9pm
60 min
Peep Show & Tell. Image shows from L to R: David Mitchell, Robert Webb. Copyright: Objective Productions

Peep Show & Tell

A documentary looking at the success of Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show. With behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and clips.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 9pm
15 min
Little Crackers. HM The Queen Mother (Dawn French)

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 11 - Dawn French's Little Cracker

Make way for the Queen Mother who comes to visit in an autobiographical short inspired by and starring Dawn French.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 9:30pm
30 min
QI Logo. Copyright: TalkbackThames

QI

Series H, Christmas Special - Hocus Pocus

A special and magical Christmas edition with Graham Norton, Lee Mack and Daniel Radcliffe.

U&Dave channel logo 9:40pm (repeat)
Mock The Week. Image shows from L to R: Andy Parsons, Hugh Dennis, Dara O Briain, Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle. Copyright: Angst Productions

Mock The Week

Series 7, Christmas Special

Special festive edition of the topical show with Dara O Briain and his little helpers - Frankie Boyle, Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons.

BBC Two 9:55pm
60 min
Alison Steadman. Copyright: Alan Peebles / BBC

The Many Faces Of...

Series 1, Episode 2 - The Many Faces Of Alison Steadman

Alison Steadman talks about her impressive career, featuring archive footage and testimony from friends and colleagues.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 10pm (repeat)
Blackadder. Image shows left to right: Ebenezer Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson), Baldrick (Tony Robinson). Credit: BBC

Blackadder

1988 Specials, Christmas Special - Blackadder's Christmas Carol

Ebenezer Blackadder is the kindest man in England, until a visit from the Spirit of Christmas helps him to see the error of his ways.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 10pm
30 min
Have I Got News For You. Image shows left to right: Ian Hislop, Paul Merton. Credit: Matt Crockett

Have I Got News For You

Series 40, Highlights Special

In this special edition we have a look back at 2010, a year which saw the fall of Gordon Brown, a Con-Dem Coalition, the raise of the Tea Party Movement, and Hislop and Merton satirising it all.

ITV2 logo. Credit: ITV 10pm (repeat)
Celebrity Juice. Image shows from L to R: Holly Willoughby, Rufus Hound, Leigh Francis, Fearne Cotton

Celebrity Juice

Series 4, Special - JLS Special

Regulars Keith, Holly, Fearne and Rufus are joined by JLS band members Marvin, Oritse, JB and Aston for some hilarious fun and games. Plus Hollywood star Verne Troyer features in a special round.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 10pm
30 min
Peep Show. Image shows from L to R: Mark Corrigan (David Mitchell), Jeremy Usbourne (Robert Webb). Copyright: Objective Productions

Peep Show

Series 7, Episode 5 - Seasonal Beatings

It's Christmas Day and Mark has invited his parents over for lunch. He has planned everything in detail, but Jeremy has become over excited, and Dobby and Super Hans are unexpected guests.

U&Dave channel logo 10:20pm (repeat)
Mock The Week. Image shows from L to R: Andy Parsons, Hugh Dennis, Dara O Briain, Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle. Copyright: Angst Productions

Mock The Week

Series 6, Christmas Special

Dara O Briain and his little helpers, Frankie Boyle, Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons, present a festive cracker of a show comprising unseen festive material and out-takes.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 10:30pm
45 min
The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton. Credit: So Television, Christopher Baines

The Graham Norton Show

Series 8, Christmas Special - Kara Tointon, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Matt Smith

The award-winning host gets into the festive spirit with a Christmas edition of his anarchic talk show. Graham's guests include funnymen Matt Lucas and David Walliams, Strictly Come Dancing winner Kara Tointon and The Doctor himself - Matt Smith. Plus, there's a performance by Ellie Goulding.

BBC Three 10:30pm (repeat)
Russell Howard's Good News. Russell Howard. Copyright: Avalon Television

Russell Howard's Good News

Series 3, Episode 5

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. HM The Queen Mother (Dawn French)

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 11 - Dawn French's Little Cracker

Make way for the Queen Mother who comes to visit in an autobiographical short inspired by and starring Dawn French.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 10:40pm (repeat)
Peep Show. Image shows from L to R: Jeff Heaney (Neil Fitzmaurice), Alan Johnson (Paterson Joseph). Copyright: Objective Productions

Peep Show

Series 4, Episode 6 - Wedding

Mark and Sophie's big day arrives, but as the groom makes his way to the church with best man Jeremy and a very hungover Super Hans, he continues to wrestle with crippling doubts which threaten to throw the event into disarray.

ITV2 logo. Credit: ITV 10:45pm (repeat)
Celebrity Juice. Image shows from L to R: Holly Willoughby, Rufus Hound, Leigh Francis, Fearne Cotton

Celebrity Juice

Series 4, Episode 6 - McFly Special

The regulars are joined by all the members of top band McFly - Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter - for some games which see the band having to rank themselves in order of talent and looks.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 10:45pm (repeat)
Little Crackers. Josephine (Catherine Tate)

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 3 - Catherine Tate's Little Cracker

A novel twist on the Nativity in an autobiographical short written, directed by and starring Catherine Tate.

BBC Two 10:55pm (repeat)
Gavin & Stacey. Image shows from L to R: Bryn (Rob Brydon), Gwen (Melanie Walters), Nessa (Ruth Jones), Stacey (Joanna Page), Gavin (Mathew Horne), Mick (Larry Lamb), Pam (Alison Steadman), Smithy (James Corden). Copyright: Baby Cow Productions

Gavin & Stacey

Series 2, Christmas Special - Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special

It's Christmas Eve and the Wests join the Shipmans for one of Mick's famous turkey dinners.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 11pm (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 New Sofa

Inspired by Nigella, Denise tries to cook Christmas dinner for the family. To Jim's dismay, Dave's Mum and Dad are invited.

Radio 7 11pm (repeat)
Old Harry's Game. Image shows from L to R: Satan (Andy Hamilton), Gary (Steven O'Donnell). Copyright: BBC

Old Harry's Game

Series 6, Episode 6 - Ginger

Edith discovers that angels impregnated human women, and that their descendents can be spotted easily because they have red hair. Satan then goes to prove that Rosemary was Edith's murderer.

U&Dave channel logo 11pm (repeat)
Mock The Week. Image shows from L to R: Russell Howard, Dara O Briain, Hugh Dennis, Andy Parsons. Copyright: Angst Productions

Mock The Week

Series 8, Episode 2

Dara O'Briain, Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons unleash mock and awe on another week with the help of guests Sarah Millican, John Bishop and Chris Addison.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 11pm (repeat)
A League Of Their Own. Image shows from L to R: Andrew Flintoff, John Bishop, Georgie Ainslie, James Corden, Jamie Redknapp. Copyright: CPL Productions

A League Of Their Own

Series 2, Christmas Special

Fill your boots with a festive fix of the sports panel show. Referee James Corden welcomes his Gavin & Stacey co-star Ruth Jones, as well as boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 11:05pm (repeat)
Freddie Starr

An Audience With...

Episode 16 - Freddie Starr

An evening with the outrageous and unpredictable Freddie Starr as he performs in front of a celebrity audience. Those in the front few rows will no doubt be on their guard.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 11:15pm (repeat)
Peep Show. Image shows from L to R: Sophie Chapman (Olivia Colman), Jeremy Usbourne (Robert Webb), Mark Corrigan (David Mitchell). Copyright: Objective Productions

Peep Show

Series 3, Episode 3 - Shrooming

Jeremy plans to throw a secret magic mushroom party in the flat, where he hopes to seduce his ex, Big Suze. But when Mark suddenly arrives home from work with gastric flu, Jeremy's plans go to pieces.

Sky Arts 2 11:30pm
30 min
Chekhov: Comedy Shorts. Nyukhin (Steve Coogan). Copyright: Baby Cow Productions

Chekhov: Comedy Shorts

Documentary - Doing Chekhov

An exclusive look behind the scenes at the making of Sky Arts' Chekhov Comedy Shorts, which saw the likes of Steve Coogan, Julia Davis and Johnny Vegas bring the playwright's work to life.

Radio 7 11:30pm (repeat)
Quando, Quando, Quando. Copyright: BBC

Quando, Quando, Quando

Christmas Special - The Christmas Rush

When the Christmas snipping gets out of hand and the clients get too crazy, Carlo decides that he has had enough.

ITV2 logo. Credit: ITV 11:30pm (repeat)
Celebrity Juice. Image shows from L to R: Holly Willoughby, Rufus Hound, Leigh Francis, Fearne Cotton

Celebrity Juice

Series 4, Episode 7 - N-Dubz Special

Top band N-Dubz join the regulars as they battle it out to prove who knows the most about this week's celebrity gossip. How will Dappy, Fazer and Tulisa get on?

BBC Three 11:45pm (repeat)
Lee Nelson's Well Good Show. Lee Nelson (Simon Brodkin)

Lee Nelson's Well Good Show

Series 1, Episode 5

Who will be victorious in the game of national stereotypes - 20 Second Foreign Challenge? Meanwhile Jason Bent meets Five Live's Chappers.

BBC Two 11:55pm (repeat)
The Worst Week Of My Life. Image shows from L to R: Howard (Ben Miller), Mel (Sarah Alexander). Copyright: Hat Trick Productions

The Worst Week Of My Life

The Worst Christmas Of My Life. It's Christmas Eve and as the preparations build, so do Howard's troubles. Perhaps taking Baby Emily to visit Santa will provide some much needed festive fun? Ben Miller and Sarah Alexander star.

More4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation Midnight (repeat)
Father Ted. Image shows from L to R: Father Dougal McGuire (Ardal O'Hanlon), Father Ted Crilly (Dermot Morgan), Mrs Doyle (Pauline McLynn), Father Jack Hackett (Frank Kelly). Copyright: Hat Trick Productions

Father Ted

Series 2, Christmas Special - A Christmassy Ted

When Ted's quick thinking saves a group of Priests - and the Catholic church - from a major embarrassment (involving lingerie) at Christmas, he is given the prestigious Golden Cleric award. But on Craggy Island, nothing is as simple as it seems... Apart from Dougal.

E4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation Midnight (repeat)
Misfits. Image shows from L to R: Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), Alisha (Antonia Thomas), Nathan (Robert Sheehan), Kelly (Lauren Socha), Simon (Iwan Rheon). Copyright: Clerkenwell Films

Misfits

Series 2, Christmas Special

'Tis the week before Christmas and all through the estate, not much of anything is happening, until one of the gang sees some graffiti that offers 'Money for Powers'.

ITV3 logo. Credit: ITV 12:05am (repeat)
Freddie Starr

An Audience With...

Episode 21 - Another Audience With Freddie Starr

Comedian Freddie Starr entertains a celebrity audience.

BBC Three 12:15am (repeat)
Mongrels. Credit: BBC

Mongrels

Series 1, Episode 6 - Destiny The Infection Risk

Nelson falls in love with Sandra, a mangy, flea-ridden fox whom he meets at the rubbish tip while rescuing Marion. Gary angers Kali after he erects anti-pigeon spikes on the pub walls, but Destiny is overjoyed when he enters her into a competition.

ITV2 logo. Credit: ITV 12:15am (repeat)
Celebrity Juice. Image shows from L to R: Holly Willoughby, Rufus Hound, Leigh Francis, Fearne Cotton

Celebrity Juice

Series 4, Christmas Special

Keith, Fearne, Holly and Rufus are joined by Westlife band members Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, plus award-winning comedian Russell Kane for a festive special of the panel show.

BBC Two 12:25am (repeat)
The Goodies. Image shows from L to R: Tim (Tim Brooke-Taylor), Bill (Bill Oddie), Graeme (Graeme Garden). Copyright: BBC

The Goodies

1973 Christmas Special, The Goodies and the Beanstalk: The Goodies' money worries leave them forced to sell their most prized possession - Buttercup, the three-seater bike - in exchange for a tin of baked beans. In desperation, Graeme plants one of the beans - with unexpected results.

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