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 1998 >>

This year's Christmas Message was the first to be produced by ITN, instead of the BBC, although it could also be seen on BBC1, BBC2 and Channel 4 at varying times throughout the day. ONDigital - the first digital terrestrial network - launched in November 1998, offered even more free channels from ITV and BBC for us to switch between on Christmas Day.


\| Carlton \| LWT \| Channel 4 \| Channel 5 \| BBC One \| BBC Two \|

	Carlton
	00.30	Brief Encounter (1945)
	02.05	Christmas on Division Street (1991)
	03.50	Spooks Run Wild (1941)
	05.05	Hurricanes
			Space Ace
	05.30	Mumfie's White Christmas
	05.55	ITN News
	06.00	GMTV
			6.00am Bananas In Pyjamas 6.25am Big Garage 6.50am Our House 7.10am Fun Song Factory 7.35am Barney And Friends
	08.00	GMTV Christmas Special
	09.25	Christmas Day in the Morning
	10.20	The Sooty and Co. Christmas Special
	11.00	Percy the Park Keeper
			One Snowy Night
	11.35	The Forgotten Toys
	12.05	The Willows in Winter
			A continuation of the classic children's story (see Dec 23), combining live action and animation.
	13.30	News and weather
	13.45	The Spice Girls Live at Wembley
			The final leg of the Fab Four's sell-out tour, which saw the girls take Wembley Stadium by storm with all their greatest hits from Wannabe to Viva Forever.
	15.00	The Queen
			The traditional Christmas Day message
	15.10	Christmas Disney Time
			Hosted by Suggs, from Disney's Florida Animal Kingdom
	16.10	Jack and the Beanstalk
			Simon Nye gives the traditional panto a new slant. Narrated by Paul Merton with Adrian Edmondson, Neil Morrisey, Griff Rhys Jones, Denise Van Outen. Julie Walters, Julian Clary and Morwenna Banks.

	LWT
	17.45	News and weather
	18.00	Emmerdale
			The Dingles get a Christmas miracle, while the Windsors must endure tragedy.
	19.00	Coronation Street
			The Street's residents rally round as Jack and Vera stage a sit-in; and Judy gives birth to twins.
	20.00	You've Been Framed at Christmas
			Lisa Riley heads to the Arctic Circle for a festive edition of outtakes from home videos
	20.30	Who Wants to Be a Christmas Millionaire?
			Chris Tarrant presents a festive edition of the quiz show which gives contestants a chance to win one million pounds.
	21.30	Christmasses from Hell
			A look at what happens when Christmas goes wrong. Featuring chaos at the school nativity play and revels turning into riots.
	22.30	News and weather
	22.40	The Godfather: Part II (1974)
			Starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Flashbacks to the early life of Vito Corleone alternate with son Michael's swift and bloody rise as a Mafia don.

	Channel 4
	00.10	Black Christmas (1974)
	02.00	Theater of Blood (1973)
			Theatre of Blood
	03.50	House of Wax (1953)
	05.25	Gagarin
			Animation. An inquisitive caterpillar crawls into a shuttlecock — with disastrous results. Directed by Alexei Kharitidi.
	05.35	Two Stupid Dogs
			The dogs' search for a coin turns out to be very expensive. Later, their longing for cheesecake causes problems.
	05.55	Sesame Street
			Fun and learning for pre-school children.
	07.00	For Better, For Worse
			The whole family is busy getting ready for Christmas and no one has any time to do anything but snap at Elizabeth - the kid in the middle. However when she disappears having fallen down the mountainside, the family have to take stock and realise the really Important things about Christmas.
	07.30	Max Bear's Christmas
			Another chance to see the programme shown on Sunday.
	08.00	The Big Breakfast
			Morning madness with JOHNNY and DENISE.
	09.55	Swallows and Amazons (1974)
	11.40	Bill's New Frock
			One morning Bill Simpson wakes up to find his worst nightmare has come true. He has turned into a girl. No one else in the family seems to react and his mother sends him to school wearing a pink dress. Every one treats him differently, local bully Mean Malcolm and his henchmen Sean Scab wolf whistle at him. This is where the trouble really begins. Based on ANNE FINES novel, Bill's New Frock is especially adapted for television by ANDREW DAVIES. Bill's New Frock strong cast includes JOSIE LAWRENCE, as Bill's mother and PAM FERRIS playing Bill's teacher. First shown in Channel 4 Schools.
	12.15	Famous Fred
			Joanna Quinn's brilliant Channel 4/S4C Oscar-nominated film. Famous Fred is Posy Simmonds' enchanting story of Fred, a family moggy by day and an amazing superstar by night, featuring the voices of LENNY HENRY as the feline singing sensation and TOM COURTENAY as Kenneth, his guinea pig manager and mentor. Although Fred's owners believe him to be the laziest cat in the world, it is only after he has passed away that they stumble upon the nuth about his secret life when the children overhear Kenneth and next- door's cat Ginger (voiced by DAVID ROBB) reminiscing about their late lamented friend. A fighter, friend, lover and international rock'n'roll star, Fred's meteoric rise shot him into the lap of Las Vegas luxury where he hobnobbed with the stars and feasted on cream and caviar until the high-rolling lifestyle took its inevitable toll. But, blessed with nine lives, is this really the end of the road for the touring superstar or just another shaggy dog tale in Fred's colourful life?
	12.45	Father Christmas
			Classic animation based on Raymond Briggs' book. What does Father Christmas do with himself for the other 364 days of the year? Here we find out, thanks to the voice of MEL SMITH.
	13.15	Tom Thumb (1958)
	15.00	Alternative Christmas Message
			This year's alternative message is from NEVILLE and DOREEN LAWRENCE, parents of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence.
	15.10	The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery (1966)
	16.50	Countdown
			Grand Final
			Conundrums and puzzles as two contestants do battle in the final.
	17.35	Gilbert & Sullivan
			The Very Models
			Behind the 'Three Little Maids' were three big men with three bigger egos — this is the colourful, animated story of Gilbert, Sullivan and D'Oyly Carte. As D'Oyly Carte reflects on his career with Gilbert and Sullivan, memories of the strained relationship seem too real. In his disturbed sleep, the Victorian impresario also recalls his stormy relationship with the duo, remembering their tentative meeting, their successes, their fame and fortune, their wives and lovers, their volatile rows, but above all, their great and lasting musical achievements.
	17.55	Her Majesty The Queen
			The Queen's annual Christmas address to the nation. With signing for the deaf.
	18.05	Hansel and Gretel
			The Welsh National Opera's new colourful production of the opera by Engelbert Humperdinck, based on the dark and terrifying fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. Hansel and Gretel's mother comes home, exhausted and empty-handed, to find her children insatiably ravenous. She snaps and drives them out into the forest. Poor Hansel and Gretel suffer throughout. They are punished by the forest; punished for not finding food; punished for taking food from within the forest; and terrorised by the wicked Witch who threatens to cook them. But at least she gets her just desserts... Directed for the stage by Richard Jones, known for his controversial production of The Ring for the Royal Opera House and Titanic on Broadway. Conducted by WLADIMIR JUROWSKI, the opera is sung In English. Cast: Hansel (IMELDA DRUMM), Gretel (LINDA KITCHEN), The Witch (NIGEL ROBSON), The Mother (MARY LLOYD-DAVIES), Peter (ROBERT POULTON).
	20.00	Bernstein
			(1/2)
			A new two-part biographical film, Bernstein, is the definitive look at the outstanding life and career of the world-renowned composer, conductor, pianist and educator. Largely chronological in structure, the film interweaves Leonard Bernstein's life, his music and the events of his time to provide a textured portrait of the artist, the public figure and the man, from his debut conducting performance for the New York Philharmonic in 1943 to his Broadway career and his historic and electrifying performance at the fall of the Berlin Wall. Filled with archive footage including concert films, home movies and clips from his Broadway hits West Side Story and On The Town, the film showcases the many talents of Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein was made with the full and exclusive co-operation of the Bernstein family and estate and features interviews with Bernstein's brother and three children, as well as some of his closest collaborators including JEROME ROBBINS, STEPHEN SONDHEIM and ISAAC STERN and fellow conductors MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS, JOHN MAUCERI and SEIJI OZAWA. Part one examines Bernstein's intensely creative early years, his influences and innovations, while part two focuses on his later conflicts with age, sexuality and the balance between 'serious' and popular music. Part two will be broadcast tomorrow at 8.00 pm.
	21.00	Remember Me? (1996)
			Film Four
			Ian and Lorna and their two children are having a family row. The doorbell rings and eventually Jessica, hoping that it is her boyfriend Chas, answers it. But it isn't Chas. It's Jamie. 'Remember me?' he asks Lorna. 'Yes,' she replies. But by the time night falls she is beginning to wish she had said 'No.' Starring ROBERT LINDSAY, RIK MAYALL, IMELDA STAUNTON and BRENDA BLETHYN. Written by Michael Frayn. Dir: Nick Hurran.
	22.35	The Omen (1976)

	Channel 5
	00.30	Russ Meyer's Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1966)
	02.00	The High Price of Passion (1985)
	03.50	Night Stand
	04.30	The Road
	04.40	Prisoner: Cell Block H
			(431/692)
	05.30	100 Per Cent
	06.00	The Wind in the Willows
	06.25	Roobarb
	06.30	Dappledown Farm
	07.00	Wimzie's House
	07.30	Milkshake!
	07.35	Havakazoo
	08.00	George of the Jungle
	08.30	What-a-Mess
	09.00	Loggerheads
	09.30	USA High
	09.50	Alpha Zone
			Christmas Special
	10.20	The Revelation Game
			New series A biblical quiz.
	10.50	Scrooge (1951)
	12.30	Family Affairs
			Episode 455
			(r)
	13.00	Michael Flatley
			talks to Sir David Frost
	14.05	Major Barbara (1940)
			With Wendy Hiller and Rex Harrison.
	16.05	Calamity Jane (1953)
			Musical western about a gun-toting tomboy. Starring Doris Day and Howard Keel.
	18.00	5 News
	18.05	Performance: Bryn Terfel
			Profile of Welsh opera star Bryn Terfel n concert at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
	18.35	Family Affairs
			Episode 456
	19.05	Night Fever
	20.00	Fort Boyard
			Adventure gameshow with Melinda Messenger. Followed by 5 News Update
	21.00	Noises Off (1992)
			A troupe of actors realise their sex comedy is in trouble, and are not helped by offstage problems. Stars Michael Caine.
	22.55	Melinda's Big Night In
			With Liz Dawn, Jamie Theakston, Shane Ritchie, the Wombles.
	23.35	Russ Meyer's Vixen (1969)
			Adult adventure.

	BBC One
	00.40	Carry On Again Doctor (1969)
			Comedy starring Kenneth Williams, Jim Dale, Sid James Dr Nookey's unethical behaviour gets him posted to a remote South Sea island where he senses an opportunity to make a fortune. Director Gerald Thomas (1969. PG) See Films: pages 43-79 Followed by Weather
	02.10	BBC News 24
	06.00	Teletubbies
			Shown yesterday at 9.55am
	06.25	Noddy in Toyland
			A Christmas special mixing live-action and animation.
	07.20	PJ's Unfunnybunny Christmas
			A rabbit's quest for the true spirit of Christmas. Repeat
	07.45	Scrooge Koala's Christmas
			Alost reindeer brings the festive spirit to the outback.
	08.10	Alvin and the Chipmunks
			Animation. Repeat
	08.35	To Me...to You
			Festive challenges with the Chuckle Brothers.
	09.00	Rotten Ralph
			Animated adventures.
	09.30	Teletubbies
			Nativity Play. The Teletubbies make a Snowtubby. Repeated Monday 28 at 6.50am
	10.00	Celebrate Christmas
			Deborah McAndrew presents carols and festive music for Christmas morning from Lesley Garrett, Charlotte Church, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and others, including The First Noel, Gaudete, When a Child is Born, In the Bleak Midwinter and Sleigh Ride. Producer Diane Reid; Editor Hugh Faupel.
	11.00	Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
			Christmas fantasy starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins Going against the wishes of her divorced mother, a sceptical younggirl asks a mysterious department store Santa Claus forthe family she has always wanted. Director Les Mayfield (1994. U) Digital widescreen See Films: pages 43-79 ****
	12.50	Top of the Pops
			Episode 1814
			The stars and the top-selling songs of 1998, plus this year's Christmas number one. Producer/Director Chris Cowey
	13.50	News and Weather
	13.55	The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show
			Eric and Ernie are joined byAndr6 Previn and Hannah Gordon for classic comedy from 1973. Repeat Subtitled .......
	15.00	The Queen
			Her Majesty addresses the Commonwealth. Subtitled ..........
	15.10	Noel's Christmas Presents
			Noel Edmonds once againjourneys around Britain and the world to spring surprises and give some very unusual presents to some very special people. This year gifts include a trip on the Orient Express, and visits to the Grand Canyon and Tanzania's Sere ngeti Plains. Director Andrew Nicholson ; Producer Graham Owens Digital widescreen
	16.10	Animal Hospital
			Rolf Harris introduces a special edition for Christmas Day. Rhodri Williamsjoins RSPCA inspector Becky Wadey on a visit to a Nativity scene featuring live animals, and at Blackpool Zoo Shauna Lowry catches up with the rattlesnake found in a canal who has now become a mother. Digital widescreen Subtitled ..............
	16.45	The First Snow of Winter
			Animation about a young duck who must face the harsh Irish winter after missing the annual migration. Featuring the voices of SorchaCusack, Miriam Margolyes and the late Dermot Morgan. ............... See Family: page 11
	17.15	News; Weather
	17.25	EastEnders
			The first of tonight's two offerings from Albert Square. Grant finally opens up to his brother, and Bianca is taken by surprise. See today's choices. For cast see Tuesday 22 and 29
	17.55	Auntie's Spanking New Christmas Bloomers
			Terry Wogan reveals more moments to bring a festive blush to the stars of the BBC's most popular programmes, including EastEnders, Changing Rooms. Jonathan Creek, Can't Cook Won't 't Cook and Dalziel and Pascoe. Director Ben Kellett ; Producer Tom Webber
	18.30	Changing Rooms at Christmas
			A special yuletide edition of the interior-design challenge show. Carol Smillie is on the isle of Arran, where two neighbours try to give each other's living rooms a special festive feel, with the help of design experts Linda Barker and Laurence Llewelyn -Bowen, DIY expert Andy Kane, and a budget of
	19.00	Babe (1995)
			The Oscar-winning family comedy adventure starring James Cromwell Babe, an orphaned pig, is raised on a farm by a sheepdog. Although he is destined for the dinner table, Babe astonishes Farmer Hoggett and his fellow farmyard animals when he shows talent as a "sheep-pig". Director Chris Noonan (1995, U) Digital widescreen Subtitled ...... See Films: pp 43-79
	20.30	EastEnders
			Bianca and Grant are forced to put aside their differences.
	21.00	Before They Were Famous III
			Angus Deayton takes another dip into the archives to find clips of the stars that they would rather forget. See today's choices. Executive producer Caroline Wright; Producer Samantha Peters
	21.40	News
			With Huw Edwards. Weather Michael Fish Subtitled ......
	21.50	Men Behaving Badly
			First ofthree new episodes in the comedy series, starring Martin Clunes, Neil Morrissey Caroline Quentin, Leslie Ash Performance. Sex is beautiful and natural -until Dorothy and Gary decide they want to make a baby. For cast and continuation see Boxing Day at 9.35pm. See today's choices. Digital widescreen See Comedy: page 5
	22.35	They Think It's All Over
			Nick Hancock hosts the irreverent sports quiz. David Gower, Gary Lineker and Rory McGrath are joined by Jonathan Ross, Phil Cornwell and Colin Montgomerie. Digital widescreen
	23.10	A Many Splintered Thing
			An adult romantic comedy starring Alan Davies The last thing you need as a married man is to wake up naked and hungover next to another woman. But when Russel meets Elly, somehow good intentions go out the window. A full series is planned for next year. Written by Geoff Deane ; Director Paul Harrison ; Producer Kenton Allen Digitalwidescreen Subtitled ....
	23.40	The People's Nativity
			A unique reading of the Christmas story from a star-studded cast including Tom Jones, Barbara Windsor, Alan Titchmarsh and Des Lynam.
	23.45	Robbie Williams: For One Night Only
			At the end of a successfu year that has established him as one of the country's leading solo artists, Robbie Williams entertains family and friends in a special television concert. Director Chris Cowey; Producer Lee Lodge Digital widescreen Subtitled ....

	BBC Two
	00.40 - 02.35	The Haunting (1963)
			Horror starring Julie Harris, Claire Bloom New England's infamous Hill House attracts investigators determined to uncover the terrifying truth about the place. But as soon as they arrive. strange things start to happen - something from beyond the grave prowls the panelled corridors and climbs the creaking walls. Widescreen. Director Robert Wise (1963, 12) Black and white See Films: pages 43-79 **** Followed by Weatherview
	06.15	The Great Lie
			Romantic melodrama starring Bette Davis, Mary Astor Afterthe annulment of his hasty marriage, an aviator and explorertums to the woman he really loves. But then his ex-wife reveals she is having his baby. Director Edmund Goulding (1941) Black and white + See Films: pages 43-79
	08.00	The Treasure of theSierra Madre (1948)
			Western, continuing the John Huston season and the first of two films today starring Humphrey Bogart Three itinerant Americans get caught up in the Mexican gold rush and soon strike it rich. But success is marred by mistrust. (1948. PG) Black and white Humphrey Bogart stars in Casablanca at3.10pm See Films: pages 43-79
	10.00	Oi! Get off Our Train
			Animation about a boy and his pyjamacase dog who embark upon a magical journey by toy train. Subtitled ...........
	10.30	The World of Peter Rabbitand Friends
			The Tale of Mr Tod. The animated story of Beatrix Potter's good-natured but rebellious fox.
	10.55	Here's Looking at You
			75 Years of Wamer Brothers A celebration of the golden age of the Warner Brothers studio, responsible for some of Hollywood's best-loved movies. Colour/Black and white
	11.45	Dodge City
			Western starring Errol Flynn Olivia de Havilland Tough Wade Hatton tries to bring law and orderto Dodge City. Alongthe way he contends with rustlers, a stampede and the hostility of a bereaved woman. Director Michael Curtiz (1939, PG) Gunfightat the OK Corral is tomorrow at 6.05pm See Films: pages 43-79
	13.25	Gogs ... Gogwana
			Stone Age animated comedy. The Gogs family go house-hunting with enthusiasm but no common sense.
	13.55	Big Hug: the Story ofTeletubbies
			A look atthe phenomenal success of TinkyWinky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po, the children's characters who have achieved international fame.
	14.35	Rex the Runt
			Adventures on Telly (part 3). Lost in space, the friends are sucked into a black hole. Repeated on Tuesday 29 at 2.35pm Digital widescreen Subtitled .............
	14.45	The Simpsons
			Lady Bouvier's Lover. Bart helps Grampa in his romantic exploits. Subtitled.
	15.10	Casablanca (1942)
			Classic romantic drama, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman Rick's Cafe is a watering hole for criminals, refugees, resistance fighters and Nazis. Its cynical ownertakes risks for no one-until the arrival of lisa. Director Michael Curtiz (1942, U) Blackandwhite Subtitled ................ The Maltese Falcon is tomorrow at 11.45pm See Films: pages 43-79
	16.50	Choir of the Year
			Eight choirs compete in the youth semi-final, introduced by Howard Goodall. Digital widescreen
	17.30	NutcrackerSweeties
			David Bintley's colourful and entertaining tribute to fifties Americana, choreographed to the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn jazz variation on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. The dance is performed with great style and virtuosity by the ballerinas of Birmingham Royal Ballet, appearing as the characters Sugar Rum Cherry, Volga Vouty, Candy Kane, Peanut Brittle and Arabesque Cookie, among others. Director Peter Mumford : Producer Fiona Morris Digital widescreen
	18.05	Twetfth Night (1996)
			Trevor Nunn's film version of William Shakespeare's mature comedy. Starring Helena Bonham Carter Imogen Stubbs, Nigel Hawthorne Richard E Grant Twins Viola and Sebastian are shipwrecked on different parts of the same coast, with each believing the other has died. Cases of mistaken identity and romantic confusion follow. (1996.U) Subtitled ............ See Films: pages 43-79
	20.15	Close Up
			Ted Hughes : Force of Nature With the death of Ted Hughes in October, the world lost one of its most distinctive poetic voices. Hughes's life combined public honour, as poet laureate, and private tragedy, with the suicide of his poet wife Sylvia Plath. This film explores Hughes's life and celebrates his literary achievement with archive interviews and readings from Hughes himself. Friends, critics and fellow poets, including Seamus Heaney, Diana Rigg Tom Paulin and John Carey, recall the man and his work, and specially-shot sequences mirror the landscapes that shaped Hughes's powerful work. Producer David Kerr : Editor Michael Poole Digital widescreen Subtitled ....
	21.05	Arena
			The Brian Epstein Story The first of a two-part documentary telling the story of Brian Epstein. Gay when homosexuality was illegal, agambler, shopkeeper and failed actor, he was also the pop kingwiththe Midas touch who, in the sixties, was as well known as the band he managed - the Beatles. Ends tomorrow at 9pm. See today's choices. Producers Debbie Geller, Diana Mansfield Director Anthony Wall Digital widescreen # See Factual: page 9
	22.20	The Queen
			Her Majesty's message to the Commonwealth. With signing and subtitles
	22.30	Dance Lexie Dance
			Oscar-nominated drama, starring BJ Hogg, Kimberley McConkey Lexie's awkward attempts to help his daughterto become a professional dancer bring them closer together. Written by Dave Duggan; Producer Pearse Moore; Director Tim Loane First shown on BBC Northern Ireland Subtitled.
	22.45	Immortal Beloved (1994)
			Historical biography, beginning tonight's double bill starring Gary Oldman Also starring Jeroen Krabbe German composer Ludwig van Beethoven dies, leavingthe estate to his "immortal beloved". No one knows the identity of this woman, so the composer's faithful secretary begins to investigate. Widescreen. Director Bernard Rose (1994,15) See Films: pages 43-79 ****
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<< Christmas Day 1998 >>