| MUMBAI:
The BBC is looking to offer a sleigh-load of Christmas sparkle with its line-up,
plus more content in high definition.
Highlights
of this year's offering include David Tennant's final farewell in a two-part special
of Doctor Who called The End Of Time. The Doctor's oldest enemy
– the Master (John Simm) – returns alongside former companion Donna
(Catherine Tate) and old favourite Wilf (Bernard Cribbins), as the entire human
race faces its last ever Christmas – unless the Doctor can save the day. There's
laughter in store with a raft of comedies on BBC One, including a special episode
of The Catherine Tate Show, as Nan experiences Christmases past, present
and future, Gavin And Stacey. In The Royle Family – The Golden
Egg Cup sees all the Royles celebrating a special day for Jim and Barbara,
and Victoria Wood's Mid-Life Christmas, plus seasonal sequins in the Strictly
Come Dancing final and Christmas special. Aled
Jones brings carols with a Songs Of Praise from Jerusalem and the Big
Sing Christmas Special from the Royal Albert Hall. To celebrate Advent, Fern
Britton presents a new series of in-depth interviews with high-profile figures
exploring how their faith and beliefs have shaped their lives, called Fern
Britton Meets... The
big day itself, 25 December, will be welcomed by Midnight Mass from Westminster
Cathedral followed later by The Glory Of Christmas: Christmas Morning Live Service
from Chester Cathedral. BBC
Two features the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet, starring
David Tennant. CBeebies fans can enjoy The CBeebies Christmas Pantomime.
Other festive oferings this year include BBC One's animation of children's book
The Gruffalo, voiced by an all-star cast – including Robbie Coltrane
as the Gruffalo, and family film premieres including The Incredibles, Pirates
Of The Caribbean: At World's End and The Santa Clause 3. BBC
television and multiplatform director Jana Bennett says, "There really is
something for everyone on the BBC this Christmas, with a cracking list of specials
from Britain's best comedy talent. "Viewers
will bid an emotional farewell to David Tennant in one of the most dramatic and
spellbinding exits in Doctor Who history, and the much-loved children's book,
The Gruffalo, comes to life on screen for the very first time. "
There's also a whole host of drama, comedy, the celebration of food and a wide
range of feel-good festive TV treats, all of which we hope will add an extra sparkle
to Christmas and the holiday season. "The
arts also take centre stage with an acclaimed production of Hamlet, a unique
interpretation of The Rite Of Spring and a look at The Mystic Nativity
by Botticelli in The Private Life Of A Christmas Masterpiece. "Many
of the BBC's favourite faces will also feature this year – from David Tennant
and Catherine Tate to Victoria Wood and Aled Jones. More shows will be available
in high definition than ever before and there's no reason to miss anything thanks
to the award-winning BBC iPlayer." This
Christmas also sees a number of festive one-offs, including Outnumbered,
My Family, and Top Of The Pops, with Christmas karaoke on BBC Red
Button, and Celebrity Mastermind on BBC One. Meanwhile,
Top Gear celebrates Christmas with a special episode from Bolivia and James
May's Toy Stories completes its run. There's
drama on BBC One, with an adaptation of Henry James's classic ghost story, The
Turn Of The Screw, starring Sue Johnston and Michelle Dockery, while Dame
Judi Dench reprises her role in two Christmas helpings of Cranford. It's
a year since the small Cheshire market town celebrated the marriage of Sophy Hutton
to Dr. Harrison and Miss Matty lost her beloved sister. Fans can switch over to
BBC Four after the show for a peek behind the scenes in Corsets, Carriages
And Christmas At Cranford. In
a classic Christmas EastEnders, Archie's mission of hurt and destruction
is brought to an abrupt halt when he is brutally murdered – but who committed
the crime? Ricky and Bianca are full of festive cheer, while Max's lies and deceit
catch up with him, forcing Tanya to make a heart-wrenching decision. | 
