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.

<< Christmas Day 1996 >>

The Spice Girls were at the top of their game in the late nineties. Not only were they hosting the Christmas Day Top of the Pops this year but they would also help launch Channel Five in a few months time. In addition to this, they spent 1997 recording their second album and filming their own musical comedy, "Spice World".


\| CARLTON \| CHANNEL 4 \| BBC ONE \| BBC TWO \|

	CARLTON
	00.45	Pavarotti in Modena 1996
			Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow and Liza Minnelli join the tenor in his home town
	01.45	Bite the Bullet (1975)
			Western, staring Gene Hackman and James Coburn.
	04.10	Bushell on the Box
	04.40	A Christmas Carol (TVM 1984)
	05.55	ITN Morning News
	06.00	GMTV
	09.25	Cartoon Time
	09.30	Away in a Manger
			Paul Heiney introduces a special celebration of the Nativity story
	10.30	Christmas with the Royal Navy
			(1/5) In the first of five programmes shown throughout the day, Anthea Turned is aboard HMS Belfast in London, linking naval families from around the world.
	10.50	Percy the Park Keeper
			Animation voiced by Jim Broadbent as a kindly park keeper.
	11.20	Alice in Wonderland (1951)
			Animation.
	12.40	ITN News
	12.50	Christmas with the Royal Navy
			(2/5)
	13.10	The Man Upstairs (1992)
			Comedy-drama, starring Katherine Hepburn and Ryan O'Neal.
	14.45	Christmas with the Royal Navy
			(3/5)
	15.00	Her Majesty The Queen
	15.10	The Treasure Seekers
			Family drama based on the novel by E. Nesbit
	17.00	ITN News
	17.10	Christmas with the Royal Navy
			(4/5)
	17.25	Dennis (1993)
			Comedy, starring Walter Matthau and Christopher Lloyd.
	19.00	Coronation Street
			Vera is reunited with Jack after his spell in hospital.
	19.30	Christmas Night with the Stars
			Des O'Connor introduces a Christmas night mix of music and comedy with guests Diana Ross, Julio Iglesias, Lily Savage, Spike Milligan and Vanessa Mae.
	20.45	Christmas with the Royal Navy
			(5/5)
	20.55	ITN News
	21.00	Heartbeat
			Nick and Jo have to cope with a moorland crisis.
	22.00	The Remains of the Day (1993)
			Drama, starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.

	CHANNEL 4
	01.45	The Innocents (1961)
			Thriller, starring Deborah Kerr and Martin Stephens.
	03.35	Rouge (1987)
			Romance, starring Anita Mui and Lesila Cheung.
	05.15	4-Tel on View
	06.45	Take 5
	07.15	The Greatest Tune on Earth
	07.40	Babysitter's Club
	08.10	Little Shop
	08.35	Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?
	09.00	The Big Breakfast
	10.00	The Crystal Maze
	11.00	The Adventures of Mole
	12.00	The Pink Panther
	12.25	God in the House
	12.55	The Snowman (TVM 1982)
	13.25	Home to Roost
	14.25	The Happy Prince
	15.00	The Alternative Christmas Message
			Rory Bremner drags up as Princess Diana.
	15.15	Faust
			Gounod's opera performed by the Welsh National Opera in English. The conductor is Sir Charles Mackerras.
	18.40	The Queen's Christmas Message
	18.50	The Battle of the Sexes (1960)
			Comedy starring Peter Sellers and Robert Morley.
	20.30	Brookside
			Ron has an unexpected guest. Jackie has second thoughts about leaving Jimmy and the Simpsons try to survive a family Christmas.
	21.00	Dial M for Murder (1954)
			Mystery thriller, starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly.
	23.00	Roswell (TVM 1994)
			Drama, starring Kyle MacLachlan and Martin Sheen.

	BBC ONE
	00.50	The Birds (1963)
			Classic Alfred Hitchcock chiller starring Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor A chance meeting in a San Francisco pet shop impels wealthy playgirl Melanie Daniels to track down lawyer Mitch Brenner at his mother's home in Bodega Bay, 70 miles away. As a gift, she takes a pair of lovebirds with her. This seemingly innocuous act unleashes the forces of nature in an unexpected and terrifying way as Bodega Bay becomes preytothe "Birds". (1963.15) Subtitled ..... See Films: pages 50-72 ****
	02.45	Weather and Close
	06.00	Children's BBC
			6.00 Joe 90 Puppetseries. Repeat 6.25 Christinas Time Animation. Repeat 7392699 6.50 Playdays Why, Poppy and Peggy contact relatives around the world. Repeat stereo 2043187 7.10 Fireman Sam Animation. Sarah and James are trapped. Repeat 7143748 7.35 Christmas Time Cartoon. 1858125 8.00 The Littlest Pet Shop Animation. 7649458 8.20 Eek the Cat Cartoon. Repeat Stereo 7658106 8.45 Sweet Valley High Teenage drama. 9.05TheMask Animation. Stereo 4468 748 9.30 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Samuel Claus is haunted by voices.
	10.20	On Christmas Day in the Morning
			Diane-Louise Jordan is joined by singer Doris Troy and actor Christopher Timothy for a selection of carols at the Wintershall estate in Surrey, Britain's biggest nativity scene. The renditions include a Gaelic version of Silent Night byEnya. Producer Michael Wakelin Stereo Subtitled .
	11.20	The Wizard of Oz (1939)
			Classic fantasy musical, starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger Bert Lahr, Jack Haley When a tornado hits Dorothy's home, she is whisked into a strange world. There she must escape the Wicked Witch of the West and find her way to the Emerald City. Directors Victor Fleming and King Vidor (1939, U) Colour and black and white See Films: pages 50-72
	13.00	News and Weather
	13.05	Top of the Pops
			The chart-topping Spice Girls introduce the stars and the top-selling songs of the year, plus the Christmas number one. Director Anne Gilchrist; Producer Ric Blaxill Repeated on Sat 28 December, 12.35am Stereo Subtitled.
	14.10	Keeping Up Appearances
			A special Christmas edition from 1994. Hyacinth is plagued by problems while she is busy planning a new kitchen. Hyacinth Bucket PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE. Richard CLIVE SWIFT, Elizabeth JOSEPHINETEWSON, Daisy JUDY CORNWELL. Onslow GEOFFREY HUGHES. Rose MARY MILLAR, Emmet DAVIDGRIFFIN Written by Roy Clarke Repeat Stereo Subtitled.
	15.00	The Queen
			Her Majesty addresses the Commonwealth. Shown at 5.30pm on BBC2, 6.40pm on Channel 4
	15.10	Noel's Christmas Presents
			Noel Edmonds enlists the help of Prime Minister John Major and US President Bill Clinton toturn a younggirl's poem for world peace into a spectacular event at Walt DisneyWorld in Florida. Other guests fulfilling people's dreams are singers Chris de Burgh and Anthony Newley, star of the musical Scrooge. Plus a party in Minsk, Belarus, for some Liverpool youngsters. Director Stuart McDonald ; Producer Richard Woolfe See This Week: page 12
	16.15	Brambly Hedge -Winter Story
			Animation based on the picture book. The mice of Brambly Hedge are planning a special party. Narrated by Robert Lindsay, with the voices of Jim Broad bent, Charlotte Coleman, Rosemary Leach, Neil Morrissey, Anton Rogers, June Whitfield and Michael Williams.
	16.40	News; Weather
	16.50	Animal Hospital Goes West
			Rolf Harris meets human and animal film stars in the USA. From Hollywood to Oregon, he meets vets who come in contact with all manner of creature complaints. With actress Bo Derek and Kei ko the orc of Free Willy, showi morrow at 6pm. Producer Sally Dixon ; Executive producer - Heggessey Stereo Subtitled ....
	17.40	Auntie's All-New Christmas Bloomers
			Terry Wogan with clips that the stars hoped would never be shown. Including out-takes from EastEnders, Absolutely Fabulous, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Ballykissangel and Birds of a Feather. Director Richard Valentine ; Producer Tom Webb
	18.30	Jurassic Park (1993)
			Steven Spielberg's blockbuster adventure, starring Sam Neill Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum Richard Attenborough Billionaire John Hammond is aboutto open the world's s first amusement park exhibiting genetically engineered dinosaurs. After a worker's death, he asks experts to test the park's safety. They find it is full of design faults, with the dinosaurs intent on destruction. John Hammond. (1993.PG) Stereo See Films: pages 50-72 *****
	20.30	EastEnders
			Sparks fly at the Mitchell family dinner. The Jacksons are faced with tragedy. Cast on Monday 23 December Stereo
	21.00	Only Fools and Horses
			First of three new episodes in the comedy series starring David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst Buster Merryfield Heroes and Villains. Del's application for a home-improvement grant is rejected by the council. See today's choices. Next episode and cast on Friday 27 December at 8pm Written by John Sullivan : Director Tony Dow: Producer Gareth Gwenlan Stereo Subtitled .....
	22.00	The Vicar of Dibley Christmas Special
			A seasonal edition of the comedy starring Dawn French To avoid hurting anyone, vicar Geraldine agrees to attend three Christmas lunches. See today's choices. Geraldine Granger DAWN FRENCH David Horton GARYWALDHORN Hugo Horton. ......................................JAMES FLEET Alice Tinker EMMACHAMBERS Frank Pickle JOHNBLUTHAL JimTrott TREVOR PEACOCK OwenNewitt ROGER LLOYD PACK Tristram Campbell PETERCAPALDI Mrs Tinker CAROLMACREADY Mary Tinker MELGIEDROYC Aoife ORLA BRADY Written by Paul Mayhew Archer and Richard Curtis Director Gareth Carrivick : Producers Jon Plowman andSueVertue Stereo
	22.45	News
			With Martyn Lewis. Weather Helen Young Subtitled....
	22.55	The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show
			A seasonal edition of the comedy programme first shown in 1970. Eric and Ernie exchange Christmas gifts, thwart Peter Cushing in his attempt to collect an appearance fee and perform a dance routine with Eric Porter, villain of The Forsyte Saga. Ernie writes his own version of The Three Musketeers and Edward Woodward offers to sing. With William Franklyn, Nina and Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen. The Adventures of Morecambe and Wise can be seen on New Year's Eve at 10.25pm. Producer JohnAmmonds Repeat Subtitled .....

	BBC TWO
	01.15	The Producers (1968)
			Comedy starring Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder Once the" King of Broadway". struggling producer Max Bialystock is now reduced to making a living by conning old ladies out of their savings. Then his accountant Leo Bloom mentions a sure-fire way of making some quick cash - putting on a guaranteed Broadway flop. Max Bialystock ZERO MOSTEL. Leo Bloom GENE WILDER . Franz Liebkind KENNETH MARS. "Hold me. touch me" old lady ESTELLEWINWOOD, Eva Braun RENEE TAYLOR Roger De Bris.CHRISTOPHER HEWETT Director Mel Brooks (1968. PG) Subtitled
	02.55	Weatherview
	03.00	Closedown
	06.45	The Barkleys of Broadway (1949)
			The first in a double bill of musicals produced by Arthur Freed and starring Fred Astaire Also starri ng Ginger Rogers Josh and Dinah Barkley, married Broadway stars, split when Dinah is offered the lead in a new play. Will they find success apart? Director Charles Walters (1949. U) Black and white ..... See Films: pages 50-72 ***
	08.30	The Band Wagon (1953)
			Concluding the double bill of musicals produced by Arthur Freed and starring Fred Astaire Also starring Cyd Charisse Star Tony Hunter has not made a movie for three years. But with a little persuasion, he takes the lead in a new Broadway show. Director Vincente Minneiii (1953.U) The Arthur Freed season continues with Singin' in the Rain on Friday 27 December at 5.20pm * See Films: pages 50-72
	10.20	The Simpsons Christmas Special
			Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire. Homer needs to earn some extra cash. Shown on Saturday 21 December at 5.35pm
	10.45	The Sunday Show
			To end the series. Donna McPhail presents a compilation of show highlights, with Dennis Pennis's celebrity interrogations, Jenny Ross on a pop pilgrimage to trace Icelandic star Bjork's roots, and a festive hangover cure from Bez.
	11.15	Affairs to Remember
			People recall their magic movie moments. Casablanca, the next film in the Affairs to Remember season, is at 3.10pm
	11.20	Ballet
			Documentary-maker Frederick Wiseman turns his cameras on the American Ballet Theatre as they prepare fortheir European tour. Wiseman captures the daily routine of a leading dance company, includingthe late Michael Somes in rehearsal and choreographer Agnes de Mille as she tries to construct a new ballet. Stereo....
	14.10	The Year in Flight
			Julian Tutt reviews an eventful year in aviation, with action from the Farnborough Air Show, news of major projects in the Far East. the final passenger flight made by the Viscount, and a flypast for Heathrow Airport's 50th birthday, stereo .......
	15.00	Gogs
			Continuing the animated saga of the Gogs. The family tries to ward off disease. Gogs ends tomorrow 11.15pm Stereo
	15.10	Casablanca (1942)
			The Affairs to Remember season continues with a classic screen romance, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman Rick's Cafe in wartime Casablanca is a haven for criminals, resistance fighters and Nazis. Its owner, expatriate American Richard "Rick" Blaine, takes risks for no one- until the arrival of lisa and her husband, who are desperate to get to America. Director Michael Curtiz (1942, U) Black and white AnAffairto Remember continues the season, Friday 2.50pm * See Films: pages 50-72
	16.50	Choir of the Year
			First of a four-part search for Britain's top amateur choir in Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition. Today's programme joins the semi-final stage, now the 10,000-strong field has been whittled down. Hosts Howard Goodall and Wasfi Kani report from Buxton Opera House. The youth semi-final is tomorrow at 3.45pm. Director Anna Gravelle; Producer Christina Macaulay
	17.30	The Queen
			Her Majesty makes her address to the Commonwealth. With signing, subtitles. Shown at 3pm on BBC1 and ITVand 6.40pm on Channel 4
	17.40	Today's the Day Christmas Special
			Two celebrity teams made up of members of classic television comedy shows do battle in this festive edition of the nostalgia quiz using clips and facts from Christmases past. The famous faces taking part include Bill Oddie and Tim Brooke-Taylor of The Goodies and Jean Boht, who played Nellie Boswell in Bread. Presented by Martyn Lewis. Series producer Henry Eagles: Executive producer Mark Rowland
	18.10	An Audience with Charles Dickens
			A Christmas Carol (part 2). Simon Callow re-enacts Christmas dinner with the Cratchit family in the second scene selected from Charles Dickens's best-loved seasonal story.
	18.40	Ariodante
			From the London Coliseum, David Alden directs the English National Opera in an acclaimed production of Handel's three-act work, conducted by Ivor Bolton. Starring Lesley Garrett Joan Rodgers, Ann Murray Handel's tale explores the powerful themes of sexual intrigue, betrayal, manipulation and the release of repressed passion in the story of the battle to succeed to the Scottish throne. Director Kriss Rusmanis : Producer Jan Younghusband Stereo ............... FURTHER INFORMATION: see Ceefax page
	21.40	Saint-Ex
			This one-off seasonal special edition of Bookmark is a drama-documentary telling the story of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of classic children's fable The Little Prince and fearless aviator, who mysteriously disappeared during the Second World War. Starring Bruno Ganz, Miranda Richardson The film traces the tempestuous relationship de Saint-Exupery had with his wife Consuelo and how the death in childhood of Saint-Exupery's younger brother influenced the writing of The Little Prince. The dramatisation is interspersed with interviews featuring relatives and friends, who remember him fondly half a century after his death. Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce; Series editor Roland Keating; Director Anand Tucker
	23.00	Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
			Dramatic adaptation of David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, starring AlPacino Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin The recession is biting hard and new sales prospects are scarce at a small Chicago real-estate office. Competition between the agents is fierce but tempered by their camaraderie. The office sponsors a contest, with the agent completing most sales winning a car. As the rest face an uncertain future, failure is unthinkable. Showingin widescreen format. American Buffalo, also adapted by Mamet from his own Broadway play, is currently on release. Director James Foley (1992, 15) See Films: pages 50-72 *****
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<< Christmas Day 1996 >>