BBC unveils Christmas line-up

The BBC has unveiled its Christmas schedule, which is full of seasonal specials and “entertainment for all the family”.

Top of the Pops will be back on BBC One for two one-off specials on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, despite Simon Cowell’s attempts to get ITV to buy the rights to the programme (see Cowell Keen To Take TOTP To ITV).

Blackadder will also return to the broadcaster’s line-up for a one-off documentary, Blackadder Rides Again, while a number of popular programmes will film Christmas specials, including Gavin And Stacey, The Royle Family and Strictly Come Dancing.

Viewers can expect a special edition of Doctor Who and a festive Eastenders‘ episode, which promises to be an “explosive Christmas cracker for the Mitchells”.

Wallace And Gromit will return to the small screen with a new adventure for BBC One – A Matter of Load and Death, while BBC Two hosts the New Year’s Day Concert, live from Vienna.

The line-up is also set to feature a selection of films, including Finding Nemo, Shark Tale, The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and Madagascar.

Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, said: “We’ve really pulled out all the stops this year to ensure a truly wonderful holiday schedule featuring the very best of British talent in a great line-up of exciting seasonal specials.”

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