Special Report: BBC promises Christmas magic with Festive season schedule

The BBC has unveiled its Festive offerings, with the corporation's director of TV promising the line-up will be "one of our best ever".

The BBC festive highlights have been unveiled       Image - BBC

Highlights are set to include the Doctor Who Christmas Special, a dramatisation of Roald Dahl's Esio Trot novel, an animated re-working of the nativity story based on a Michael Morpurgo book, a two part Top Gear Special, plus festive editions of favourites Mrs Browns Boys, Citizen Khan, Miranda, and Still Open All Hours. Sir Bruce Forsyth  and Tess Daly will also have a panto-themed Strictly Christmas Special, guaranteed to delight Strictly fans across the nation!

There will also be a variety show fronted by comic John Bishop, film premiers including The Muppets, more from Gareth Malone with a new Military Wives choir, and a family drama starring Harry Hill - The Incredible Adventures of Professor Brainstorm. David Walliam's book The Boy In The Dress will also be dramatised.

Firm favourites Pointless, Would I Lie To You and Mastermind will also make appearances over the festive season.



Here's a selection of the best...

Miranda: Two final episodes to say farewell to years of 'such fun'
The final two episodes of the hit comedy 'Miranda' will air over the festive season, with the Queen of comedy (and clumsiness) faced with a dilemma after receiving two proposals...one from Mike, and the other from Gary. I'm sure Miranda fans will shed a tear as we say a fond farewell to the show that brought us the catchphrases 'Such Fun!' and 'Bear with!'


Top Gear: A Double Helping of Jeremy, Richard & James
It's Christmas all wrapped up! It's been quite a controversial year for Top Gear, with several incidents throwing the show (and its presenters *cough* Jeremy Clarkson) into the headlights / spotlight. But fans still love the motor show, and I'm sure the two-part Top Gear Patagonia Special won't disappoint!

Doctor Who calls in Santa to help save the day...
...Which is very fitting with the Christmas theme! The Doctor and Clara face their Last Christmas when they are trapped on an Arctic Base and under attack from terrifying creatures. Who can the Doctor call upon? Santa, of course! Will he bring his entourage of reindeer to (will they all fit in the Tardis?!)                Image: BBC

Roald Dahl story to be brought to life for the festive season
The Roald Dahl story 'Esio Trot' - about a tortoise, his devout owner and a rather eccentric Mr Hoppy - is set to be brought to life for Christmas. Roald Dahl fans watch out!

Magical Animated Re-working of the Christmas story set to melt hearts
'On Angels Wings' promises to melt hearts this Christmas. The charming animated tale is based on a book by Michael Morpurgo, and tells the story of a little shepherd boy who meets the Angel Gabriel and travels with him to Bethlehem to meet Baby Jesus. An all-star voice cast is promised, including Michael Gambon and Juliet Stevenson.

Image - Morpurgo's book is to be reworked for TV. 

Mrs. Browns Boys set for more Christmas chaos
Fans of Brendan 'O' Carroll's hit comedy, Mrs. Browns Boys, are in for a treat this Christmas...there is a two part Christmas special! What will the foul-mouthed Agnes and her family get up to this festive season...I don't expect it will be a silent or holy night!

Bruce and Tess are back for some 'He's behind you' Strictly fun!
Sir Bruce rejoins Tess Daly for a festive edition of Strictly Come Dancing. The show will be pantomime themed...promising lots of fun for all the family! Past contestants including Russell Grant, Rachel Stevens and Chris Hollins will take part.      Image - BBC.


Harry Hill makes acting debut in crazy family drama
TV Burp and You've Been Framed star Harry Hill is set to make his acting debut with an appearance in The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestrawn, a family drama which tells the story of an absent minded inventor who causes chaos with his hare-brained creations...looks like one to watch with the kids!

There we have the festive picks from BBC One this year...of course all sitting alongside the traditional carol concerts and programming!