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 2000

The last ever Xmas TV schedule of the twentieth century offered hundreds of features films to watch on Christmas Day, with around 100 cable and satellite channels and several dedicated film channels.


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

	LWT
	00.50	Bethlehem Year Zero
	01.10	Fearless (1993)
			Drama starring Jeff Bridges, Isabella Rossellini and Rosie Perez.
	03.15	The Sugarland Express (1974)
	05.10	Extreme Dinosaurs
	05.55	ITV Morning News

	Carlton
	06.00	The Big Bug Show
	06.20	Macdonald's Farm
	06.40	Rock-a-bye Bubble
	06.55	Cubeez
	07.15	Barney
	07.45	Jellikins
	08.00	GMTV
			A special Christmas morning edition, presented by the Rev Steve Chalke.
	09.25	Sabrina the Teenage Witch
			Christmas Amnesia
	09.55	The Last Polar Bears
	10.30	Cartoon
	10.45	Michael Barrymore: My Favourite Hymns at Christmas
	11.35	ITV News
			and Weather
	11.45	Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
			Sequel starring Macauley Culkin.
	14.00	The Pride of Britain Awards
	15.00	The Queen
			Her Majesty addresses the nation and the commonwealth.
	15.10	Octopussy (1983)
			007 season opens with this action adventure starring Roger Moore as James Bond.
	17.35	ITV News
			and Weather
	17.45	Emmerdale
			In the first of two episodes tonight, Bernice has doubts during her hen night at the Woolpack. Continues at 7.45pm.
	18.15	Aladdin
			Pantomime written by Simon Nye and recorded at the Wimbledon Theatre, London, with Ed Byrne, Lisa Riley, Martin Clunes, Griff Rhys Jones and Patsy Kensit.
	19.45	Emmerdale
			Bernice and Ashley marry. Andy is plagued with guilt as the Sugdens face the festive season without Jack.
	20.15	You've Been Framed at Christmas 1
			Lisa Riley introduces seasonal home-video howlers. You've Been Framed at Christmas 2 is tomorrow at 8.15pm
	20.50	Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
			Chris Tarrant hosts the first of tonight's two editions of the nailbiting quiz. More at 10.20pm.
	21.20	Coronation Street
			In this hour-long special, Natalie is stunned by Kevin's revelation. Martin tries to get close to Rebecca.
	22.20	Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
			A second helping of the quiz. The first of three editions featuring couples is on New Year's Day at 8pm, while a special on the show's first millionaire winner, Judith Keppel, is on New Year's Eve at 8pm.
	22.50	News
			with Shiulie Ghosh. Weather with Sian Lloyd.
	23.00	Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
			Romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. After Sam Baldwin's wife dies, his young son Jonah rings a radio phone-in with a Christmas wish to find a new wife for his dad.

	Channel 4
	00.05	TFI Friday
			Sir Elton John
			Check out the spectacular finale of TFI Friday hosted by showbusiness legend SIR ELTON JOHN. Watch how one of the most ground breaking programmes in British television says goodbye to the nation. Expect an emotionally charged atmosphere as TFI Friday explodes onto our screens for the very last time. Guests for the show are being kept a closely guarded secret as Sir Elton makes his TV presenting debut, but whatever happens expect festive fireworks - TFI style.
	01.10	Mixed Nuts
			Wacky black comedy centred on the offices of the Lifesavers, a crisis hotline staffed by its fair share of dysfunctional volunteers, on Christmas Eve. Stars STEVE MARTIN, RITA WILSON and JULLETTE LEWIS.
	02.45	Orlando
			SALLY POTTER's much acclaimed free adaptation of the classic 1928 novel by Virginia WooIf starring TILDA SWINTON as a character who lives through 400 years from the first Elizabethan age to the present day, first as a man and then as a woman. With BILLY ZANE, LOTHAIRE BLUTEAU, JOHN WOOD, CHARLOTIE VALANDREY, HEATHCOTE WILLLAMS, QUENTIN CRISP (as Elizabeth I), PETER EYRE, THOM HOFFMAN, DUDLEY SUTION, JIMMY SOMERVILLE and NED SHERRIN.
	04.25	Postmodern Pastimes
			Postmodern youngsters take up deeply unfashionable hobbies. A double bill of Postmodern Pastimes, with the second programme at 4.40 am
	05.50	Alfie Atkins
	06.00	Sesame Street
			Bert and Ernie show and tell baby booties.
	07.00	Investigators
			This week our team of young investigators make a trick dice, dress up as rabbits and try out Sumo wrestling.
	07.25	Party Animals
			How to have a party covered in slime.
	07.30	Bug Alert
			It is Christmas once again and Grub Bug is playing Santa. Doodle Bug puts on a Christmas play and they all pull crackers. Plug Bug puts a star on the top of the tree but gets caught up in the branches so has to watch wistfully on as a the others tuck into Christmas dinner. After the traditional giving and receiving of presents they all troop out of the cafe for a snowball fight in the yard.
	08.00	The Big Breakfast
			Early morning entertainment presented by JOHNNY VAUGHAN and DENISE VAN OUTEN.
	10.05	Paws
			Lassie's been upgraded to the computer age in this lively children's adventure comedy from Australia. Using a canine friendly voice recognition programme (with voice-over by Billy Connolly), teenager lac (NATHAN CAVALLERI) teams up with a Yorkshire terrier to search for the $1 million stashed away by the mutt's former owner. But can they find it before villainous Anja (SANDY GORE) catches up with them? Director: Karl lwicky.
	11.35	Scrapheap Challenge Special
			Another chance too see ROBERT LLEWELLYN and CATHY ROGERS host a special Christmas'World Final' of Scrapheap Challenge. In a transatlantic challenge, the pride of British bodging take on the America's finest, to see who can build the best car-crushing machine to squash a family car flat. Representing the UK are the winners of this years Scrapheap Challenge Grand Final, NOSH ER, KEVAnd DARREN, the Megalomaniacs. From the USA come the Long Brothers - GREG, BRIAN and TERRY - fresh from victory in the US version of Scrapheap - Junkyard Wars.
	13.10	Merlin
			Concluding the tale of the magical hero and his battles against the forces of evil. Starring SAM NEILL, MIRANDA RICHARDSON, HELENA BONHAM CARTER, ISABELLA ROSSELLINI, RUTGER HAUER, JOHN GIELGUD and JAMES EARL JONES
	15.00	Alternative Christmas message
			Message from Helen Jeffries, whose 14-year-old daughter Zoe died of vCJD, resulting from BSE.
	15.05	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. I
	15.35	The Bear
			Another chance to see the magical tale that will win the hearts of children and adults everywhere. It tells the tale of a large, furry bear which arrives from the zoo to take up temporary residence with a little girl, bear-mad Tilly, and her parents, before disappearing. In the way that The Snowman was a springboard for Aled Jones, so The Bear has provided a platform for the extraordinary voice of 12-year-old chart sensation CHARLOTTE CHURCH whose Singing accompanies the programme.
	16.05	Fifteen to One
			Final
			Another chance to view the fifteen surviving contestants of the 1.035 who began series 29 of Fifteen to One meet in today's Grand Final.
	16.45	Countdown
			FINAL RICHARD and CAROL in festive form. BARRY CRYER in Dictionary Corner and 45 minutes of word and number wizardry that will determine the champion of Series 43. What a cracker!
	16.55	Tool Stories
			Tool Stories drops in on DIY king HARRY HATCHER as he turns his Essex garden into a Turkish ruin of colossal proportions, while NICOLE and PETER WILKINSON begin renovations on a derelict room in their 17TH century Cumbrian farm house. Fiancees HAYLEY SMITH and STEPHEN HEWITT rely on George's expertise while laying a quarry tiled floor in preparation for their imminent wedding.
	17.30	The Real Joan of Arc
			Story of Joan of Arc's life, examining why her popularity has endured. Much biographical material comes from her trial for heresy.
	18.33	Channel 4 News
			Including sport and weather.
	18.35	The Queen's Speech
			An opportunity to see the annual Christmas message, as delivered by HM The Queen.
	18.50	Glyndebourne: La Boheme
			The Puccini opera conducted by Louis Langree and performed with young singers and without make-up and grand costumes and sets.
	21.00	Hilary and Jackie (1998)
			Film Four
			Controversial and emotive, this Filmfour production follows the Du Pre sisters Hilary (RACHEL GRIFFITHS) and Jackie (EMIL Y WATSON) and their ensuing sibling rivalry. Jackie's precocious talent as a cellist sees her reputation grow faster than her sister's but, although she is married to concert pianist Daniel Barenboim (JAMES FRAIN), Jackie looks for love with Hilary's husband Kiffer (DAVID MORRISEY). A growing lethargy - diagnosed as multiple sclerosis - threatens to stop her career at its peak, and throws the Du Pres together for a final chance at reconciliation. Director: Anand Tucker. Network PremierelWidescreen
	23.15	Top Ten
			Christmas
			Channel 4's Top Ten series pays a timely visit to Santa's greatest all-time Christmas records. Presented by NODDY HOLDER from Slade, Christmas Top Ten gorges on a selection box crammed to bursting with the season's most festive songs, classic archive and exclusive interviews. The joyful and triumphant line-up includes SLADE, WIZZARD and THE POGUES plus world exclusives with JOHNNY MATHIS and YOKO ONO.

	Channel 5
	00.45	Experiment in Terror (1962)
			Suspense drama by Blake Edwards with Glenn Ford and Lee Remick
	03.00	George Michael Unplugged
			A live acoustic set from the singer, including covers of Bonnie Rait's I Can't Make You Love Me and Wham!'s Everything She Wants
	04.00	Two Much Trouble (1995)
	05.30	Wideworld
			The Victorians
	06.00	Dappledown Farm
	06.25	Mr. Men
	06.35	Miracles of Faith
			Miracle at Knock
	07.00	Milkshake!
	07.05	The Beginner's Bible
	07.30	Havakazoo
	08.00	Bear in the Big Blue House
	08.30	Mr. Men Christmas Special
	09.00	We Wish You a Merry Christmas
	09.30	Tiger, Tiger
	10.00	Alpha Zone
			Christian music show. Jennifer Hughes meets all-girl group Fierce with music from U2, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong and Angie Stone.
	10.30	The Best of Pepsi
			Abbie Eastwood hosts a special episode looking at the whole year, viewer’s favourites and the Christmas number one.
	12.00	5 News at Noon
	12.15	Family Affairs
	12.45	The Oprah Winfrey Show
			Dr Phil dispels marriage myths
	13.35	The Iron Mistress (1952)
			Drama with Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake about Jim Bowie
	15.35	Russell Grant's Postcards
			Muren ski museum in Switzerland.
	15.40	The Preacher's Wife (1996)
			Christmas fantasy with Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington
	18.00	5 News
			With Martin Popplewell.
	18.15	Family Affairs
			Andrew comes home to find Luke in bed with Nikki. Repeated tomorrow at 12.15pm
	18.40	Fort Boyard
			Celebrity Special
			Game show with Melinda Messenger, Leslie Grantham and Geoffrey Bayldon. Guests include Frank Bruno, Sharron Davies and Gabby Yorath. Another Fort Boyard special is on Friday 5 January at 7.55pm
	20.00	Nick's Quest
			Penguins
			Nick Baker visits the Falkland Islands in spring, as five resident species of penguin are starting to breed.
	21.00	National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
			Comedy starring Chevy Chase. The accident-prone Griswold family decides on a traditional Christmas at home.
	22.50	Urban Gothic
			(1/12) Vampirology
			First of 12 horror tales. A vampire seeks a companion. (R)
	23.20	The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
			Horror starring Vincent Price and Barbara Steele. In 16th-century Spain, a young English aristocrat seeks the truth behind his sister's suspicious death.

	BBC One
	00.35	Carry on Again Doctor (1969)
			Comedy starring Kenneth Williams, Jim Dale and Sidney James. Dr Nookey's behaviour gets him posted to a South Sea island where he senses a money-making opportunity. Director Gerald Thomas (1969, PG) (S) Films: pp 49-79 ****
	02.00	BBC News 24
			Ends 5.45am.
	05.30	Children's BBC in Lapland
			Ends 10.00.Potsworth and Co Animated tales with four friends and a dog. (R) (S)5.50 The Toy Symphony Animation with music by Leopold Mozart (R) (S)6.15 Taz-mania Animation. (R) (S)6.40 Teletubbies Advent Calendar The Christmas countdown ends. (R) (S)Then Teletubbies Christmas in South Africa. (R) (S)7.05 Tweenies Fizz meets her favourite toy. (R) (S) (W)7.25 Casper Animation. (R) (S)7.45 Scrooge Koala's Christmas Animation. One of Santa's reindeer is lost in Australia. (R) (S)8.10 Round the Twist Pete's dreams cause him problems with Santa Claws. (R) (S)8.35 50/50 Christmas Special Game-show with Sally Gray. (S) (W)9.05 Badjelly the Witch A fairy story written and read by Spike Milligan. Tim and Rose hunt for their missing cow. See Choice. (S) (W) Children: page 199.35 Santa's Special Delivery Animation. Santa Claus seeks help when people stop believing in him. Voiced by Rik Mayall. (S) Children: page 19Children: Badjelly the Witch 9.05am BBC1 Spike Milligan's imaginative tale, written for his daughter in 1973, is as weird and wonderful as you'd expect. The characters, drawn with childishly simple lines, interact with Milligan as he tells and draws the story. There's more animation at 9.35am in Santa's Special Delivery. (JR)
	10.00	Christmas in Wonderland - a Service for Christmas Day
			Live from All Saints parish church in Daresbury, Cheshire, birthplace of Alice creator Lewis Carroll. (S) (W)
	12.35	News; Weather
	12.40	Hooves of Fire
			Comedy animation narrated by Robbie Williams. Robbie the Reindeer joins Santa's team. (R) (S) (W) Children: page 19
	13.10	Top of the Pops
			This year's top-sellers and the Christmas number one, with Jamie Theakston, Sara Cox and Richard Blackwood. (S)
	14.10	Homeward Bound for Christmas
			Prince Charles introduces this programme for the British Forces' Foundation, hosted on HMS Invincible by Jim Davidson and Suzi Perry. (S) (W)
	15.00	The Queen
			Her Majesty addresses the nation and the Commonwealth. (S) (W)
	15.10	The Borrowers (1997)
			Fantasy. The Borrowers, tiny people living secretly in a house, help thwart a greedy lawyer. (1997, U) (S) (W) Films: pp 49-79 ***
	17.05	BBC News and Weather
			(S) (W)
	17.15	EastEnders
			Mel makes a decision that will change her life. See Choice. (EastEnders continues tonight at 8.50pm) (S) (W)
	17.45	Titanic
			Premiere. James Cameron's Oscar-winning blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. During the Titanic's maiden voyage in 1912, penniless artist Jack Dawson falls for socialite Rose DeWitt Bukater. Years later, Rose relives the affair and the tragic events that followed. (1997, 12) (S) (W) Films: pp 49-79 ***** A French and Saunders spoof of Titanic can be seen at 11.30pm Barry Norman's Christmas plums and turkeys: page 46; The youngest Titanic survivor Millvina Dean's kind of day: page
	20.50	EastEnders
			An uninvited guest causes mayhem at the Fowlers'. Phil's actions have a devastating effect. See Choice. (For cast see New Year's Eve and Tuesday 2 January) (S) (W) Drama: page 11; Alison Graham's Soap and Flannel: page 36
	21.20	Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings
			Dozens of celebrities from the worlds of film, television, and pop music join Victoria Wood in a series of comic pastiches, including a Dickens saga and a documentary set on board a cruise liner. See Choice. (S) (W) Entertainment: page 7: Victoria Wood's questionnaire: page 31
	22.10	The Royle Family at Christmas
			Bloated with turkey, the family gather round the TV to enjoy the Christmas edition of Animal Hospital
	22.40	BBC News
			With George Alagiah.Followed by Weather, Sarah Wilmshurst. (S) (W)
	22.50	Before They Were Famous
			Angus Deayton haunts famous personalities with clips they would rather forget. Victims embarrassed tonight include Michelle Pfeiffer , Robbie Williams , Russell Crowe , Jamie Theakston , Kirsty Young and All Saints. Producer Samantha Peters : Executive producer Caroline Wright (S)
	23.30	French and Saunders Present the Making of the Making of Titanic
			Joanna Lumley introduces this spoof taken from Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders's 1998 Christmas show. (R) (S) (W)
	23.45	It's a Girl
			A short Nativity play with a difference, featuring John Thomson of Cold Feet and The Fast Show. (S) (W)
	23.50	The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
			Comedy starring Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley. George Bush is in the White House, Frank Drebin is in Police Squad, and pollution threatens the planet. (1991, 15) (S) Films: pp 49-79 **** (Naked Gun 33 1/3: the Final Insult is on Thursday 4 January at 10.35pm) Followed by Weatherview

	BBC Two
	00.50	The Fury (1978)
			Psychological horror, continuing the Kirk Douglas season. Also starring John Cassavetes. When psychic researcher Peter Sandza mysteriously disappears while on holiday in the I Mediterranean, his son Robin believes he has been killed. Director Brian De Palma (1978. 18) (S) The Kirk Douglas season continues with The War Wagon tomorrow at 1.15pm Films: pp 49-79 ****
	02.40	Frankenstein (1931)
			Universal Horror, a season celebrating horror movies made by Universal Studios, begins with this classic starring Colin Clive and Boris Karloff. Mad scientist Dr Frankenstein's dreams of creating a living being from dead human bodies become a nightmare. Ends 3.50am. Director James Whale (1931. PG) (BW) (S) The season continues with The Mummy on Boxing Day at 1.55am Films: pp 49-79 *****
	06.00	Breakfast
			Presented by Darren Jordon. News 6.00, 6.30, 7.00, 7.30, 8.00; at 6.26, 6.56, 7.26, 7.56, 8.45 weather; 7.08,8.08 regional news . (W)
	08.30	Busy Bodies
			Laurel and Hardy
			The duo get jobs in a sawmill in this newly restored comedy short. (BW) (R) (S)
	08.50	Way Out West (1937)
			Classic comedy, continuing the Laurel and Hardy season. Stan and Ollie must deliver the deeds of a goldmine to an heiress. (1937, U) Films: pp 49-79 *****
	09.55	The Simpsons
			Marge Be Not Proud
			Bart is caught shoplifting. (R) (S)
	10.20	The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
			The Way We Were
			Will and his cousins reminisce. (R) (S)
	10.45	Classic Challenge
			Series in which musicians create a work in seven days.Dominic Muldowney, teacher of composition at the Royal Academy of Music, writes music around words by poet Roger McGough for regulars at a London bingo hall. (S) (W) (Concludes Thursday 28 December 11.55am)
	11.15	Are You Superhuman?
			The first of three daily science programmes hosted by Gary Lineker. Today, experts assess human physical performance and ways of improving it. (S) (W) Children: page 18
	11.55	High Noon (1952)
			Classic western, starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. Marshal Will Kane's wedding celebrations are interrupted by the news that his arch enemy is arriving on the noon train. Director Fred Zinnemann (1952 U) (BW) (S) Films: pp 49-79 ***** I
	13.15	The War Wagon (1967)
			Western, continuing the Kirk Douglas season. Also starring John Wayne. Rivals Jackson and Lomax bury the hatchet and plan a robbery when Jackson is released from jail on parole. Widescreen. Director Burt Kennedy (1967, U) (S)(W) Build My Gallows High tonight at 1.45am Films: pp 49-79 ***
	14.55	The Simpsons
			Mountain of Madness
			Homer and Mr Burns are buried by an avalanche. (S)
	15.20	Casablanca (1942)
			The classic romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.The cynical owner of Rick's Cafe in wartime Casablanca sticks his neck out for no one - until the arrival of the beautiful Ilsa and her husband, desperate to escape to America. (1942, U) (BW) (S) Films: pp 49-79 *****
	17.00	Turning Points
			Oarsman Matthew Pinsent on the 1992 Olympics. (S)
	17.05	Choir of the Year
			The daily heats continue as eight choirs contest the first children's semi-final. (S) (W)
	17.45	The Woman in White
			Dramatisation based on the novel by Wilkie Collins, starring Tara Fitzgerald, James Wilby, Simon Callow and Ian Richardson.When Marian Fairlie and her half-sister Laura hear the tale of a mysterious encounter with a ghostly woman, they set out to discover all they can about her. Adapted by David Pirie (R) (S) (W)
	19.50	Big Day
			A one-off drama written by and starring Jim Broadbent. The paths of two Portuguese wideboys and a pompous Englishman are about to cross on the streets of Lisbon. (R) (S) (W)
	20.00	The Queen
			Her Majesty's message to the nation. With sign language and in-vision subtitles. (W)
	20.10	Alfred Brendel: Man and Mask
			Classical musician Alfred Brendel is an artist whose main work, interpreting scores written for the piano, is illuminated by other aspects of his life, including his love of painting, literature, theatre and philosophy. For the past two years a film crew has been allowed to follow him and the result is combined with archive footage in this portrait of the pianist as he approaches his 70th birthday. Above all the film focuses on the creative process as Brendel works with conductor Simon Rattle, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and on Schubert's Winterreise with singer Matthias Goeme. (S) (W) (Brendel in Performance is on Friday 29 December at 12.05pm)
	21.20	Arena
			Clint Eastwood: American Film-maker
			Concluding the two-part profile of the life and work of Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood.The story continues with Eastwood's directorial debut, as he completed Play Misty for Me in five weeks before going on to huge success in Dirty Harry. Featuring actors Gene Hackman and Meryl Streep, director Martin Scorsese, plus Eastwood's mother Ruth, and wife Dina. Play Misty for Me follows. (S) (W)
	22.30	Play Misty for Me (1971)
			Thriller, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood as a California DJ who gains a fan who repeatedly calls him up, asking to hear the song Misty. After they spend the night together, she begins to behave more and more strangely. Widescreen. (1971, 18) (S) (W) Films: pp 49-79 ****
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