Christmas TV
For many years now, families have gathered together on Christmas Day to enjoy Christmas lunch and Christmas telly.Below you can find listings of every programme broadcast on British television on December 25th during the twentieth century.
| | Thames | Channel 4 | BBC One | BBC Two | | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thames | ||||
| 00.40 | Closedown | |||
| 06.25 | TV-am: Good Morning Britain | |||
| with Nick Owen, Anne Diamond, Wincey Willis, Rustie Lee, Gyles Brandreth, Eve Pollard and Jeni Barnett. The Caring Christmas Campaign comes to a successful end and we meet the winner of the 'Design a Card for Santa' competition. Dr Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury, brings a Christmas message plus carols with the Good Morning Britain kids. Cartoon Special is at 6.25 and News with Gordon Honeycombe at 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. Roland Rat Superstar phones children in hospital to wish them a Merry Christmas. | ||||
| 09.25 | Dangermouse Double Bill | |||
| 09.45 | Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends | |||
| 09.55 | Emu at Christmas | |||
| 10.35 | The Christmas Morning Service | |||
| from St George's Chapel, Windsor. The Queen and members of the Royal Family are in attendance as Alistair Burnet introduces traditional morning worship, which includes many of the most loved Christmas carols and hymns from St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The sermon is preached by the Dean, the Rt Rev Michael Mann; the lessons are read by Canon DIT Eastman and Canon JD Treadgold and the service is conducted by the Rev Frank Baker. Thames Television Production | ||||
| 11.45 | Bugs Bunny's Looney Movie | |||
| 13.15 | Top Pop Videos of ‘84 | |||
| 14.00 | Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean Special | |||
| An hour of non-stop action from the greatest-ever ice dance pair. Torvill and Dean's searing interpretation of Bolero at the championships in Ottawa last March won them their fourth consecutive world title, but their early performances are just as memorable. Their rock 'n' roll 'exhibition' of 1981 helped inspire the Original Pattern rock 'n' roll routine in the 1983 world championships in Helsinki. You can see both performances in this programme, which also contains previously unscreened highlights from the last four years of their amateur career. Simon Reed introduces this special Christmas programme. Thames Television Production | ||||
| 15.00 | The Queen | |||
| 15.10 |  The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) | |||
| The James Bond Film | ||||
| 17.25 | ITN News | |||
| 17.30 | Give Us a Clue | |||
| [with] Michael Parkinson, Una Stubbs, Lionel Blair, Julia McKenzie, Spike Milligan, Nicola Pagett, Wayne Sleep, Julie Walters, Bernie Winters Michael Parkinson introduces a special Christmas edition of the celebrity charades game. Thames Television Production | ||||
| 18.00 | Bring Me Sunshine - A Tribute to Eric Morecambe, OBE | |||
| Introduced by Ernie Wise from the London Palladium in aid of the British Heart Foundation. In the presence of Prince Phillip, Patron of the Foundation and guest of honor Mrs Joan Morecambe, the stars pay tribute to a much-loved comedian who died earlier this year. The range and quality of artistes appearing make it an outstanding showbusiness event. They are: Michael Aspel, Kenny Ball, Alison Bell, Lionel Blair, Max Bygreaves, Cannon & Ball, James Casey, Roy Castle, Petula Clark, Leslie Crowther, Barry Cryer, Suzanne Danielle, Jim Davidson, Dickie Davies, Frank Finlay, Bruce Forsyth, Jill Gascoine, Cherry Gillespie, Hannah Gordon, The Half Wits, Susan Hampshire, Dickie Henderson, Benny Hill, Diane Keen, Bonnie Langford, Lulu, Francis Matthews, Fulton Mackay, Nanette Newman, Des O'Connor, Mick Oliver, Elaine Paige, Michael Parkinson, Bertice Reading, Angela Rippon, Wayne Sleep, Jimmy Tarbuck, John Thaw, The Tiller Girls (Choreographer Fred Peters), Arthur Tolcher, Bryn Williams, Ernie Wise, Eli Woods, Mike Yarwood, The Irving Davies Dancers, The Stephen Hill Singers. Thames Television Production | ||||
| 20.30 | Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) | |||
| First showing on British television | ||||
| 22.40 | ITN News | |||
| 22.45 | Des O'Connor Tonight | |||
| Music and chat from the entertainer and his guests who include Hank Marvin and Mireille Matthieu. | ||||
| 23.35 | Home for the Holidays (1972) | |||
| Channel 4 | ||||
| 11.10 | Il Poverello - The Story of St Francis of Assisi | |||
| 12.00 | The Custard Boys (1979) | |||
| 13.30 | The World of Children | |||
| full of images and ideas | ||||
| 13.50 | Jour de fête (1949) | |||
| 15.20 | The Young Visiters (1984) | |||
| 17.00 | The Queen | |||
| addresses the Commonwealth | ||||
| 17.10 | Giselle | |||
| Galina Mezentseva, whose performances have established her place among the great ballerinas of the Kirov, dances the title role. Giselle is a simple peasant girl driven from joy to madness and death through an unhappy love. She becomes a ghost ordered to help destroy the man who betrayed her. National Video Corporation | ||||
| 19.10 | Channel 4 News | |||
| 19.15 | Loriot | |||
| A showcase for the many talents of the German comic, living proof that the Germans do not lack a sense of humour. | ||||
| 20.00 | Brookside | |||
| (226/2915) | ||||
| Marie tries not to let George's absence spoil Christmas for the twins. The Grants are visited by three shepherds - and an ass. | ||||
| 20.30 | See How They Run | |||
| by Philip King. Adapted for television by Ray Cooney. Starring Michael Denison, Liza Goddard, Maureen Lipman, Derek Nimmo, Christopher Timothy, Peter Blake, Carol Hawkins, Royce Mills, Bill Pertwee Into a country vicarage in wartime England sneaks an escaped prisoner of war to disguise himself as a clergyman. Into the same vicarage strolls an old friend of the vicar's scatterbrained wife - and he, too, soon exchanges khaki for clerical garb in his pursuit of a good night out. Enter a real-life bishop, a totally bemused visiting preacher and the thoroughly sloshed village busybody... TVS/Theatre of Comedy Production | ||||
| 22.00 | Jean Sibelius | |||
| The Early Years/Maturity and Silence | ||||
| [with] Vladimir Ashkenazy, The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Elisabeth Soderstrom, Boris Belkin This prizewinning film by Christopher Nupen, David Findlay and Peter Heelas, is not a documentary account of events in this great composer's life. It is an attempt to film Sibelius's music and words to try and convey something of his extraordinary creative and poetic spirit to the television audience. Allegro Films Production | ||||
| 23.55 - 00.15 | Ian Breakwell's Christmas Diary | |||
| 1984 | ||||
| The poor man's thinker reviews the events of the year | ||||
| BBC One | ||||
| 00.45 | Weather and Close | |||
| 08.00 | Pages from Ceefax | |||
| 08.40 | Play School: It's Christmas Day | |||
| We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, And a happy New Year Presenter Carol Chell Guest Brian Jameson The Nativity Story (traditional) | ||||
| 09.00 | Busker's Christmas Story | |||
| The second of three episode 'We've come to see the bab Missus' A Christopher Lillicrap tells┊ how Bert, Sid and Arthur bring a birthday present, and King Herod hears he's got a bit of competition. Script editor NOEL VINCENT Producer ALAN RUSSELL Executive producer DAvm brown BBC Manchester (Final episode: tomorrow at 9.0 am) | ||||
| 09.15 | Born in Bethlehem | |||
| The BBC WELSH CHORUS sing popular carols. | ||||
| 10.05 | Christmas Morning Family Service | |||
| from Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast Theme: The Child in the Midst The Rev David Lapsley and the families of Fisherwick join together in a Christmas celebration of the sacrament of Baptism and a reflection on the Christmas story. Director of Music GARRY RODWAY Hymns: See! in yonder manger low (Humility); Away in a manger (Cradle Song); Child in the manger (Bunessan); O come, all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Sound JOHN LUNN Lighting GEORGE CAMPBELL TV presentation JAMES SKELLY BBC Northern Ireland | ||||
| 11.03 | Weather | |||
| Michael Fish | ||||
| 11.05 | The Noel Edmonds Live Live Christmas Breakfast Show | |||
| From the top of British Telecom Tower, Noel Edmonds presents a live outside broadcast, wishing the United Kingdom a happy Christmas from 625 feet above London. He is joined by a host of star guests for a morning of comedy, music, daredevil stunts and highlights of this year's television. Mike Smith is out and about with the roving outside broadcast unit and the BBCtv 'hollycopter' makes its way over London to drop in on viewers' homes and celebrations. Join in by calling [number removed]during the programme with your requests, dedications and Christmas messages. Producer MICHAEL HURLL | ||||
| 12.35 | Blue Murder at St Trinian's (1957) | |||
| starring Terry-Thomas, George Cole, Joyce Grenfell, Alastair Sim St Trinian's is under siege, its Headmistress is in prison. The army has been called in to protect the country from 'these fiends in human shape' - but it would be more appropriate if somebody protected the army.... Screenplay by FRANK LAUNDER VAL VALENTINE. SIDNEY GILUAT Produced by SIDNEY GILLIAT and FRANK LAUNDER. Directed by FRANK LAUNDER 0 FILMS: page 29 | ||||
| 14.00 | Top of the Pops Christmas Special | |||
| featuring The Hit Sounds of 84 with this year's top-selling records starring and introduced by Culture Club Jim Diamond, Duran Duran Frankie Goes to Hollywood Howard Jones, Nik Kershaw Thompson Twins Wham!, Paul Young who all appear live in the Top of the Pops studio. Production MICHAEL HURLL (Culture Club In Concert on Thursday at 4.40 pm and Top of the Pops Review of 1984 6.50 pm) | ||||
| 15.00 | The Queen | |||
| A Christmas Day programme in which HM The Queen speaks to the Commonwealth. Producer RICHARD CAWSTON (Also on BBC2 at 8.40 pm) *CEEFAX SUBTITLES | ||||
| 15.10 | Mary Poppins (1964) | |||
| Walt Disney's Oscar-winning musical fantasy starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns Julie Andrews stars in Walt Disney's most sumptuous live action production, a musical version of the famous children's tales by P. L. Travers. When Jane and Michael, ask for a nanny with a cheery disposition and rosy cheeks, they are in for a big surprise. First Showing On British Television. | ||||
| 17.25 | News | |||
| with Jan Leeming Weatherman | ||||
| 17.30 | Christmas Blankety Blank | |||
| starring Les Dawson the host of the comedy quiz game that everyone can play at home. Six Christmas celebrities try to match the contestants' blanks on this festive edition. Lorraine Chase Suzanne Danielle Ken Dodd Russell Harty Ruth Madoc Derek Nimmo Produced in association with MARK GOODSON and TALBOT TV LTD Questions by NEVILLE GURNHILL, MIKE RADFORD Sound LAURIE TAYLOR Lighting PETER WESSON Designer STEPHAN PACZAI Director DAVID TAYLOR Producer JOHN BISHOP â—FEATURE: page 12 *CEEFAX SUBTITLES | ||||
| 18.05 | Hi-de-Hi! | |||
| The last of the present series by JIMMY PERRY, DAVID CROFT featuring and Leader Clive Dempster, DFC Maplin's Holiday Camp, Spring 1960 Raffles Ted decides to raffle Clive's car and switch it for a look-alike banger before delivering it to the lucky winner. Designer BERNARD LLOYD-JONES Produced and directed by DAVID CROFT *CEEFAX SUBTITLES | ||||
| 18.35 | The Paul Daniels Magic Christmas Show | |||
| Join Paul Daniels for a special festive package of comedy and magic in which he provides amazing Christmas presents for his surprise celebrity guests; has a magical encounter with a snowman; stages the most expensive illusion in the history of entertainment; and introduces his remarkable guest stars. From Chicago, the legendary international clown George Carl ; from Las Vegas, the high-speed juggling sensation Kris Kremo and from Germany, The Olympiads with their statuesque balancing skills. Special guest appearance by Robert Maxwell Featuring DEBBIE MCGEE Musical director KEN JONES Programme associate ALI BONGO Technical consultant GIL LEANEY Sound MALCOLM JOHNSON Lighting BERT POSTLETHWAITE Designer TONY BURROUGH Director GEOFF MILES Produced by JOHN FISHER 0 FEATURE: page 8 | ||||
| 19.25 | Just Good Friends Special | |||
| by JOHN SULLIVAN starring Paul Nicholas (right) and Jan Francis (left) Penny, having decided that her future with Vince is pointless, reflects on the events that caused such a dramatic conclusion. Film cameraman CHRIS SEAGER Sound recordist DENNIS PANCHEN Designer DAVID HITCHCOCK Produced and directed by RAY BUTT *CEEFAX SUBTITLES | ||||
| 20.55 | The Two Ronnies | |||
| starring Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett in a special Christmas programme of sketches, jokes and songs with their special guest Elaine Paige also appearing Patrick Troughton John Owens, Gerrie Raymond and featuring The Ballad of Snivelling and Grudge 'Oh I'll sing you a song of Snivelling and Grudge Two medieval twisters Through merrie England they did trudge....' A film story with Peter Wyngarde as Sir Guy and Michael Cantwell Daryl Debeau, Ron Pember John Rutland, Derek Ware Script associate IAN DAVIDSON Written by GEOFF ATKINSON MIKE RADFORD, DAVID RENW1CK PETER ROBINSON, LAURIE ROWLEY PETER VINCENT. GERALD WILEY Musical director RONNIE HAZLEHURST Sound MICHAEL MCCARTHY Lighting RON BRISTOW Designers ANDREW HOWE-DAVIES and JAMES GRANT Produced and directed by MARCUS PLANTIN FEATURE: page 4 | ||||
| 21.55 | The Main News | |||
| with Jan Leeming Weatherman | ||||
| 22.05 | Wogan | |||
| Terry Wogan hosts a special Christmas edition with Freddie Starr Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Elton John and Victoria Principal Programme associate CHRIS GREENWOOD Lighting DICKIE mGHAM Designer DAVID BUCKINGHAM Director KEVIN BISHOP Producer GEOFF POSNER 0 FEATURE: pope 4 | ||||
| 22.55 | Some Like it Hot (1959) | |||
| All-Time Great Movies | ||||
| Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon It's Chicago 1929 - the pre-Depression flapper era dominated by prohibition, hot music and tough racketeers. When Joe and Jerry, two under-employed musicians, witness the St Valentine's Day massacre, they nearly become victims themselves. The only escape is a jazz band heading for Florida. With Curtis and Lemmon in drag, joining Marilyn - a tipsy ukulele-playing singer in an all-girl band - this spoof gangster movie is one of Hollywood's most inventive comedies. FILMS: page 29 CEEFAX SUBTITLES | ||||
| BBC Two | ||||
| 09.00 | Pages from Ceefax | |||
| 13.55 | A Dog's Life | |||
| starring Charlie Chaplin as the tramp in this classic two-reeler with scraps, a mongrel. Both are temporarily down on their luck - but a little charm and imagination wins the day... The music to the film is, once again, by Chaplin. Written and directed by CHARLES CHAPLIN FILMS: page 29 | ||||
| 14.35 | Polar Bear Alert | |||
| Polar bears are among the world's most dangerous animals. For most of the year they are out on the ice of Hudson Bay - until it melts, when they come ashore and Churchill, Manitoba, becomes reluctant host to them for two months. They saunter down Main Street, plunder the rubbish dump, and break into homes - posing problems for the Bear Patrol. Narrated by Barry Paine Produced for wQED/National Geographic Society by JAMES UPSCOMB, JAMES DECKARD BBC Bristol | ||||
| 15.25 | Limelight (1952) | |||
| starring Charlie Chaplin Calvero, once a star, is now only a theatrical memory. Returning home drunk one evening, he fortuitously saves a young ballet dancer from suicide. Their subsequent friendship alters the course of both their careers. Chaplin's moving portrait of a once-famous music-hall comedian was the last film he made in America and includes his famous joint appearance with Buster Keaton. Written, produced and directed by CHARLES CHAPLIN FILMS: page 29 | ||||
| 17.35 | Telly Quiz | |||
| with Jerry Stevens who asks Easy, Medium or Hard? Medium: Who or what have Big Fry and 007 got in common? The answer is not in today's quiz but Team Quaker, Salt Cellar and Mal's Lot still have a great deal to compete about. See if you can beat them. Music JOHN PURSER SOUND Director MIKE DERBY Producer BILL JONES BBC Pebble Mill (Round 3 tomorrow at 5.50 pm) | ||||
| 18.05 | The Nutcracker | |||
| From the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Scottish Ballet presents a sparkling production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. After a sumptuous Christmas party Clara helps the Nutcracker Prince defeat an army of giant mice and is transported to the Land of Snow. SCOTTISH BALLET ORCHESTRA led by GEOFFREY TRABICHOFF Conducted by Terence Kern Choreography PETER DARRELL (after LEV IVANOV) Designer PHILIP PROWSE Programme associate PETER DARRELL Producer KEITH ALEXANDER BBC Scotland (Romeo and Juliet, Saturday 5.55) | ||||
| 19.50 | The Master of Mouton | |||
| Russell Harty visits Baron Philippe de Rothschild at Chateau Mouton in the heart of the Medoc and gives a personal glimpse of the most colourful member of the Rothschild dynasty. Researcher PATI MARR Assistant producer MICHELE BURGESS Director JOHN ROONEY Executive producer KEN STEPHINSON BBCManchester | ||||
| 20.40 | The Queen | |||
| A Christmas Day programme in which HM The Queen speaks to the Commonwealth. With open subtitles and sign language interpretation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. | ||||
| 20.55 - 00.00 | Kaos (1984) | |||
| The Italian Film | ||||
| The acclaimed film by PAOLO AND VITTORIO TAVIANI Visually stunning film brings to life four of Luigi Pirandello's short stories. Tales of love, sorrow and laughter, shaded by superstition and gentle irony and dominated by the harsh landscapes of Sicily, lead to an imagined episode in the writer's own life. Pirandello was born in Sicily near the forest of Cavusu, the dialect corruption of the Greek word 'kaos'. 1: The Other Son 2: Moon Sickness 3: The Jar 4: Requiem 5: Conversing with Mother A successton of breathtaking visions and glorious landscapes (THE TIMES) A visual and verbal masterpiece without blemish (DAILY TELEGRAPH) Exhilarating (TIME OUT) Freely adapted from the short stories of LUIGI PIRANDELLO Written and directed by PAOLO TAVIANI ANDVITTORIO TAVIANI (An Italian film with English subtitles. First showing on British tv) FILMS: page 29 | ||||
| Back to the top | ||||
| FAQ | Contact | Services | Terms | Privacy | Credits |
[Page generated in 0.1519 seconds under 1.47% server load]
© 2012-2025 TVRDb.com. All rights reserved.