SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025

SAT 19:00 From Andy Pandy to Zebedee: The Golden Age of Children's Television (b06t3mhm)
Nigel Planer narrates the story of the struggle to make programmes for children in the days before everything went digital.


SAT 20:00 Remembers... (m002p1zj)
Derek Griffiths Remembers... Bod

Derek Griffiths, himself an icon of children's broadcasting, looks back on the 1970s animated series Bod, a cult classic narrated by John Le Mesurier of Dad’s Army fame.

Derek talks about why the series remains so special and his own key contribution to Bod’s success, writing and performing the theme tune, which remains lodged in the memories of an entire of generation of viewers.


SAT 20:15 Bod (m002p1zl)
It's Christmas time, and Bod has a present to deliver to Aunt Flo. When heavy snow threatens to prevent the delivery, a special person lends a hand. Narrated by John Le Mesurier.


SAT 20:30 John Le Mesurier: It's All Been Rather Lovely (b01gybpn)
Michael Palin, Clive Dunn and Ian Lavender are among those who contribute to this candid portrait of actor John Le Mesurier, from his turbulent marriage to Hattie Jacques to his life-changing role as Sergeant Wilson in Dad's Army.


SAT 21:30 Dad's Army (b0078zls)
The Love of Three Oranges

A special Christmas episode of the classic sitcom from 1976. The platoon decide to help the vicar with his bazaar to raise money for comforts for the troops. Three oranges are to be auctioned, and Captain Mainwaring is determined to get one for his wife.


SAT 22:05 Mike Yarwood at the BBC (m001tktz)
Rory Bremner looks back at the life and career of Mike Yarwood, master of the imitation game and one of the BBC's most successful stars of the 1970s and 80s.

Yarwood captured the British public's imagination with his huge range of impressions featuring the biggest names from the world of showbiz and politics, and in his 70s heyday, his affectionate takes on the likes of Harold Wilson, Edward Heath and Denis Healey were the bridge between the 60s satire of That Was the Week That Was and the far crueller caricatures of Spitting Image in the 1980s.

Rory assesses Yarwood's style, impact and legacy and shares his own favourite moments from his hero's career using archive clips and interviews that Yarwood gave over the years - often to the very people he was impersonating.


SAT 23:05 Parkinson (m002p1zn)
Parkinson at Christmas with Peter Cook, Tommy Cooper, Dame Edna and Catherine Bramwell-Booth

In a Christmas special, first broadcast on 25 December 1979, Michael Parkinson talks to Peter Cook, Tommy Cooper, Dame Edna Everage and Catherine Bramwell-Booth.


SAT 00:25 Mystery Road: Origin (p0dp7v11)
Series 1

Episode 5

The gang’s true motive is revealed, but Jay alienates his colleagues, and lawyer Anousha harbours a suspicion about the old killing.


SAT 01:20 Mystery Road: Origin (p0dp7vjv)
Series 1

Episode 6

Jay gets in harm’s way at a violent showdown, but Mary is even more at risk when she learns that the name of a witness has been withheld.


SAT 02:15 From Andy Pandy to Zebedee: The Golden Age of Children's Television (b06t3mhm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 today]

SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER 2025

SUN 19:00 What We Were Watching (m002p1zs)
Christmas 1985

Broadcaster, writer and critic Grace Dent travels back in time through the BBC’s television archives for a light-hearted look at What We Were Watching 40 years ago, over the Christmas period of 1985.

With tensions high between Russia and America, a holiday break in front of the telly was a welcome relief for most. Among the shows and moments keeping us amused were things not going to plan on Noel Edmonds’ Christmas Day Live, Live Breakfast Show, as well as the climax of his Telly Addicts quiz series - unexpectedly taken over by a family who kept on winning week after week.

The BBC Breakfast programme was going crazy for Christmas with an epic pantomime that ran longer than most regular drama episodes, and rating the festive films on the Breakfast sofa - years before becoming a Hollywood star himself - was 12-year-old schoolboy Jude Law.

Soaps fans were looking forward to Dynasty’s wedding of the year between Amanda Carrington and Prince Michael of Moldova, little realising that they were in for a bloodbath when the marriage turned into a massacre.

This was also a great time for quality BBC dramas, and Grace treats us to a 'double-Denching' of Dame Judi, who featured in two of the period’s top new dramas.

And covering comedy, we have rarely-seen festive moments from Rik Mayall, Kenny Everett, Peter Cook and David Jason, whose latest turn in Only Fools and Horses was the most-watched show of the season.


SUN 20:00 Larry Grayson's Generation Game (m002p1zv)
Christmas Day 1979

A special edition for Christmas Day 1979 with surprise guests and seasonal games for the contestants and families to play at home, starring Larry Grayson and Isla St Clair.


SUN 21:05 Bruce and Ronnie Christmas Special (m001tw21)
Bruce Forsyth and Ronnie Corbett come together for the first time in their own special show, combining their talents for comedy and music. With Fiona Fullerton as their special guest star and the Jeff Richer dancers.


SUN 21:50 The Paul Daniels Magic Christmas Show (m002p1zx)
Paul Daniels presents a festive edition of his magic show, first broadcast on 26 December 1987 and featuring guest appearances by John Craven, Richard Whitmore, Adam Raphael, Michael Buerk, David Broome and Felix Bowness.


SUN 22:40 Roy Hattersley on Philip Larkin (m002p1zz)
Roy Hattersley introduces us to Philip Larkin's poetry. With Judi Dench and Alan Bennett.


SUN 23:20 Monitor (b00drs8w)
Betjeman and Larkin: Down Cemetery Road

Philip Larkin talks to John Betjeman in 1964 about his life, his poetry and the city of Hull, where he lived and worked as university librarian.


SUN 23:45 A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story (m001gmwp)
Mark Gatiss stars as Jacob Marley in his own theatrical retelling of Dickens’s classic winter ghost story, with Nicholas Farrell as Scrooge. Directed for the stage by Adam Penford, this powerful tale of life, love, loss and redemption is as relevant today as when it was first published in 1843. Filled with Dickensian, spine-tingling special effects, prepare to be frightened and delighted in equal measure as you enter the supernatural Victorian world of A Christmas Carol.

It’s a cold Christmas Eve and mean-spirited miser Ebenezer Scrooge has an unexpected visit from the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Marley. Bound in chains as punishment for a lifetime of greed, the unearthly figure explains it isn’t too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways in order to escape the same fate, but first he’ll have to face three more eerie encounters…


SUN 01:30 Bruce and Ronnie Christmas Special (m001tw21)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:05 today]


SUN 02:15 The Paul Daniels Magic Christmas Show (m002p1zx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:50 today]


SUN 03:05 What We Were Watching (m002p1zs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 today]

MONDAY 22 DECEMBER 2025

MON 19:00 Top of the Pops (b008ptfg)
Christmas 1978

Noel Edmonds presents a special Top of the Pops from 1978, with Darts, Abba, Boney M, Brotherhood of Man, Father Abraham, Bee Gees, Brian and Michael, Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, Wings, Showaddywaddy, Rose Royce, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta and Legs & Co.


MON 20:00 Keeping Up Appearances (b007c65w)
The Father Christmas Suit

Hyacinth has decided that as it is Christmas, Richard should help distribute gifts to the old people at the church hall, dressed as Father Christmas. Richard shows off the costume at Elizabeth and Emmet's house, but he and Emmet proceed to get incredibly drunk.

Meanwhile, Rose has a new boyfriend called Mr Sudbury, and Onslow and Daisy watch in amazement as the pair dance down the road.


MON 20:30 Steptoe and Son (p031d23j)
Series 8

Seance in a Wet Rag and Bone Yard

Clairvoyant Madame Fontana is invited to hold a seance at the Steptoes' by Albert, who wants to get in touch with Harold’s mother - as well as Henry VIII and Laurel and Hardy.


MON 21:00 Yes Minister (b0074qsm)
Series 3

Party Games

Sitcom about a British government minister and the advisers who surround him. The seasonal festivities at the Department of Administrative Affairs are overshadowed by rumours of a cabinet reshuffle. But a leadership election and the Eurosausage affair could lead to great things for Jim Hacker.


MON 22:00 A Ghost Story for Christmas (m0026ds3)
Woman of Stone

In her final days, Edith Nesbit recounts the chilling tale of newlywed Victorians Jack and Laura. As they settle into a small cottage in a quiet village, they soon find their idyll overshadowed by the superstitious warnings of their housekeeper and the legend of two marble tomb effigies who are said to rise each year and walk.

Jack dismisses this is as mere folklore. But as the fateful night draws near, he makes a terrifying discovery. And back at the cottage, Laura is all alone...


MON 22:30 A Ghost Story for Christmas (m001tw46)
Lot No 249

It’s 1881, and Old College, Oxford plays host to three very different academics. Abercrombie Smith is a model of Victorian manhood, clean of limb and sound of mind. Monkhouse Lee is a delicate and unworldly student from Thailand. And occupying the rooms between them is the strange and exotic Edward Bellingham, whose unnatural researches into the secrets of ancient Egypt are the talk of the college. Can Bellingham’s experiments truly bring the breath of life to the horrifying bag of bones that is the mysterious Lot No 249?


MON 23:00 A Ghost Story for Christmas (m001gdp9)
Count Magnus

Sweden, 1863. A country not much visited by Englishmen. An exception is the inquisitive Mr Wraxhall, whose innocent rummaging through the archives of the noble de la Gardie family takes a sinister turn.

Wraxhall becomes fascinated by the long-dead founder of the dynasty, the fearsome Count Magnus, a tyrannical ruler who dabbled in alchemy and who once made a strange journey to the Holy Land on most unholy business. Despite the warnings of his hosts, Wraxhall is drawn ever deeper into the Count’s dark world and discovers that the dreaded aristocrat may not lie easy in his tomb...


MON 23:35 A Ghost Story for Christmas (m0012xmb)
The Mezzotint

1923. Edward Williams, gentleman and amateur golfer, lives an untroubled life as the curator of a small university museum. His speciality is the topography of the British Isles. So when an art dealer sends him details of an interesting engraving - a mezzotint - of an old country house, he’s intrigued.

When the picture arrives, however, it seems perfectly ordinary - until Williams notices a figure in the picture where there was none before. A cloaked figure, with a skull-like head and legs that are horribly thin. Soon, within the mezzotint, the figure seems to be on the move across the moonlit lawn towards the house with murderous intent.

Long-forgotten secrets rise to the surface as Williams and his friends summon all the rational forces at their command to confront the impossible.


MON 00:05 Omnibus (m0012ty5)
Whistle and I'll Come to You

An ancient whistle dating back to the times of the Knights Templar spells danger for the man who finds it. Classic MR James chiller adapted by Jonathan Miller.


MON 00:45 Top of the Pops (b008ptfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 today]


MON 01:45 Keeping Up Appearances (b007c65w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 today]


MON 02:15 Steptoe and Son (p031d23j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:30 today]


MON 02:45 Yes Minister (b0074qsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]

TUESDAY 23 DECEMBER 2025

TUE 19:00 Top of the Pops (m0017ftq)
1992 Christmas Special

The Top of the Pops Christmas Day special from 1992. Mark Franklin and Tony Dortie, together with their special guests, Sid Owen and Danniella Westbrook, review the year's chart hits, including performances by Wet Wet Wet, Right Said Fred, Shut Up and Dance ft Peter Bouncer, KWS, Jimmy Nail, Mariah Carey, Undercover and Tasmin Archer.


TUE 20:00 Doctor Who (1963–1996) (p00v2xt5)
Season 5

The Ice Warriors: Episode 1

The TARDIS arrives on Earth in the midst of a new ice age, where Brittanicus Base is fighting a battle to force back the glaciers. A huge Ice Warrior is found frozen in the ice.


TUE 20:25 Innes Lloyd: The Producer (m002p20w)
Innes Lloyd was one of the most prolific and respected producers of television drama in Britain. Between 1966 and 1991, he helped create well over 300 individual dramas for the BBC, including landmark programmes such as Talking Heads, Doctor Who and The Stone Tape.

Lloyd was the first to commission dramas from Alan Bennett and was responsible for introducing the concept of 'regeneration' into Doctor Who. After his death in 1991, he left behind a large personal archive of diaries and other paperwork, now used in the making of this documentary - charting Lloyd's career at the BBC and the development of UK television drama through the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Featuring interviews with Alan Bennett, Michael Palin and Frazer Hines, among others, the programme is narrated by Jane Asher.


TUE 22:00 Remembers... (m002p20y)
Michael Palin Remembers... East of Ipswich

Michael Palin recounts the story behind his much-loved drama East of Ipswich, the semi-autobiographical tale that captures how he and Helen, his wife of 57 years, first met whilst still teenagers on their summer holidays in the 1950s.

Describing it as one of the pieces that he’s most proud of, Palin shares how his memories of real incidents and characters, including his parents, fed into his screenplay, and how the drama has taken on a life of its own in the Suffolk town where it was filmed.


TUE 22:15 Screen Two (b0074p41)
East of Ipswich

Michael Palin's nostalgic comedy about a family holiday at a Suffolk seaside resort. Richard Burrill, a 17-year-old, is reluctantly dragged to Southwold with his parents, where he meets Edwin, another teenager who has very definite ideas about how to enjoy himself, and a young Dutch girl with an eye for the boys.


TUE 23:30 Pavarotti at the BBC (m002kwl4)
A celebration of some of Pavarotti's finest performances from the BBC archives, capturing how he became the biggest opera star of modern times. He brought the art form to mainstream audiences through appearances on shows like Parkinson and Wogan, his collaborations with some of the biggest names in pop music, and his enduring takes on classic arias like Nessun Dorma.


TUE 00:40 Jessye Norman at the BBC (m002jmm5)
A superb compilation celebrating the artistry of one of the great sopranos of the 20th century, Jessye Norman, tracing her remarkable journey from spirituals and traditional folk songs to her landmark debut at the London Proms.

Featuring interviews with the star across the decades, this programme showcases the extraordinary breadth of her repertoire, from American Songbook favourites to the grandeur of Mahler’s song cycles.


TUE 01:25 Top of the Pops (m0017ftq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 today]


TUE 02:25 Screen Two (b0074p41)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:15 today]


TUE 03:40 Doctor Who (1963–1996) (p00v2xt5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 today]

WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2025

WED 19:00 Top of the Pops (m0001r5k)
Christmas 1986

Peter Powell presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on Christmas Day 1986. Featuring Billy Ocean, The Communards, a-ha, Europe, Doctor and the Medics, Cliff Richard & The Young Ones, Spitting Image, Boris Gardiner, Diana Ross, Berlin, Simply Red, Nick Berry, Falco, George Michael and Pet Shop Boys.


WED 20:00 Remembers... (m002p20m)
Peter Egan and Penelope Wilton Remember... Ever Decreasing Circles

Actors Peter Egan and Penelope Wilton look back on their roles as Ann and Paul in the BBC’s 1980s sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles.

Created by The Good Life writers John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, the show found Penelope and Peter’s characters watching on in bemusement and frustration as Richard Briers’ maddening central character, Martin, went through a series self-inflicted meltdowns that were agony for him, but comedy gold for viewers of the day.

Together, Penelope and Peter recall their experiences of working with Richard Briers and share their thoughts on the show’s legacy, writing and the iconic couple that were Howard and Hilda.


WED 20:20 Ever Decreasing Circles (p00c1krf)
Series 4

Episode 8

Martin's life is turned upside down when his company announces plans to move to Oswestry. Ann falls pregnant, but Martin is too preoccupied with the thought of having to move to share her joy.


WED 21:40 The Good Life (b0077x05)
Silly, but It's Fun

Seasonal special of the suburban sitcom. The Goods and the Leadbetters plan their respective Christmases, but neither go according to plan. Classic comedy from 1977.


WED 22:10 Terry and June (p032khl2)
Festive Doldrums

Terry’s friend Malcolm receives a Christmas card from another woman, which causes a bust up between him and his wife, Beattie.


WED 22:40 The Two Ronnies (b00gfq54)
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Mystery

Festive fun with Ronnies Corbett and Barker from Christmas 1973. The magnificent two - well, one and a half. What are they doing on Christmas Eve 1874?


WED 23:40 Porridge (b007b8zw)
Comedy. Detained at Her Majesty's pleasure, cellmates Fletcher and Godber become unwilling accomplices to an escape attempt in this cinema version of the popular BBC comedy.


WED 01:10 Top of the Pops (m0001r5k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 today]


WED 02:10 Ever Decreasing Circles (p00c1krf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:20 today]

THURSDAY 25 DECEMBER 2025

THU 19:00 The Read (m002p202)
Series 4

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Steffan Rhodri (Gavin and Stacey, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) gives an enchanting reading performance of CS Lewis’s timeless classic, as we step into the magical world of Narnia, filled with adventure, courage and Turkish Delight.

When young Second World War evacuee Lucy Pevensie hides in an old wardrobe during a game of hide-and-seek, she finds herself transported to a magical land which has been frozen in an eternal winter by the evil White Witch.

Lucy’s brothers and sister dismiss stories of this strange new world and talking animals, but the four siblings are soon all in Narnia, fighting alongside the noble lion Aslan to defeat the witch and her mighty army. The children learn of an ancient prophecy and must navigate betrayal, sacrifice and their own courage to help free Narnia from the Witch's tyrannical grip.

Their journey transforms them from ordinary children into heroes as they face epic battles and profound choices, leading to a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of Narnia and fulfil the prophecy.


THU 20:00 Inside Classical (m002p204)
Series 4

A Classical Christmas

The BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Singers take centre stage in a special evening full of Christmas cheer.

This festive feast is presented by Petroc Trelawny from the uniquely charming Snape Maltings Concert Hall in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

Packed full of yule time offerings, it includes Leontovych’s emotive The Carol of the Bells, Leroy Anderson’s joyous Sleigh Ride, Prokofiev’s Troika, Adam Saunders’ Journey to Lapland and many more songs that will get anyone into the Christmas spirit.

Joining the orchestra, singer Tony Momrelle lends his soulful vocals to some seasonal classics, from Irving Berlin’s White Christmas to Mel Tormé’s Christmas Song.


THU 21:25 Top of the Pops (m000l424)
Christmas 1989

Jakki Brambles, Bruno Brookes and Gary Davies present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 25 December 1989 and featuring Bros, The Beautiful South and Jason Donovan.


THU 22:25 Top of the Pops (b01pl8lq)
Christmas 1977

Noel Edmonds and David 'Kid' Jensen present the festive pop charts from 1977 with performances from Showaddywaddy, Deniece Williams, Hot Chocolate, Baccara, Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, Leo Sayer, Manhattan Transfer, David Soul, ABBA, Space, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers and Wings.


THU 23:15 Swingin' Christmas (b00wyltw)
Michael Parkinson presents the sensational John Wilson Orchestra in a celebration of festive musical treats from the golden age of swing, with soloists Seth MacFarlane, Anna-Jane Casey and special guest Curtis Stigers. The Christmas classics include Winter Wonderland, Baby It's Cold Outside, Let It Snow and White Christmas.


THU 00:25 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (m001mwmc)
When their car breaks down, a newly engaged couple seeks help at an isolated castle. They soon find that they have stumbled into the annual convention of creatures of the night from the distant planet Transylvania, hosted by the weird and wonderful Frank N Furter, who is about to change their humdrum lives forever.


THU 02:00 The Read (m002p202)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 today]

FRIDAY 26 DECEMBER 2025

FRI 19:00 BBC Classical: Best of 2025 (m002p21p)
From Nessun Dorma to Holst’s Planets, relive highlights from a year of classical music on the BBC with treats from the BBC Proms, Cardiff Singer of the World celebration concert, the New Year's Day extravaganza from Vienna plus selected archive performances.

Danielle de Niese gives a spine-tingling rendition of Habanera from Bizet's Carmen, while the BBC Concert Orchestra plunges the Proms audience into a tidal wave of emotion with the theme from Jaws. Plus all the excitement from the ever-stirring Last Night of the Proms. Join us as we open a selection box full of classical music delights.


FRI 20:00 Lesley Garrett at the BBC (m002p21r)
A tribute to the remarkable voice and career of the great soprano Lesley Garrett, who shares memories of some of her finest performances on the BBC.

From the soaring melodies of operatic classics to the heartfelt charm of favourite musical theatre numbers, this collection includes beloved songs such as Somewhere and Tonight, and showcases the versatility, artistry and warmth that have made Lesley Garrett one of Britain’s most cherished performers.


FRI 21:30 The Best of Lesley Garrett Tonight (m002p21t)
Highlights from the popular soprano's series Lesley Garrett Tonight, with guests including Bryn Terfel, Darcey Bussell, Andrea Bocelli, Gary Barlow, Michael Ball and Lily Savage.


FRI 22:20 Top of the Pops (b0b9b1xw)
Christmas 1985

Gary Davies, Janice Long, Dixie Peach, John Peel and Steve Wright present the most popular hits of 1985, with stars in the studio and on video, first broadcast on 25 December 1985.


FRI 23:15 40 Hits of 1985 at the BBC (m002dsny)
Featuring the best of the BBC’s archives for this selection of 40 songs from 1985, including the likes of Elton John, Duran Duran, Foreigner, Billy Ocean, Marillion, Go West, Strawberry Switchblade and Kirsty MacColl.

It was a great year for collaborations, with Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson leading the way, closely followed by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, Gary Moore and Phil Lynott, and Chrissie Hynde and UB40. Plus hits from such musical royalty as Queen, King, Prince and Princess.


FRI 01:35 ABBA at the BBC (b03lyzpr)
If you fancy an hour's worth of irresistible guilty pleasures from Anni-Frid, Benny, Bjorn and Agnetha, this is the programme for you. ABBA stormed the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their winning entry Waterloo, and this programme charts the meteoric rise of the band with some of their greatest performances at the BBC.

It begins in 1974 with their first Top of the Pops appearance, and we even get to see the band entertaining holidaymakers in Torbay in a 1975 Seaside Special. There are many classic ABBA tunes from the 1979 BBC special ABBA in Switzerland, plus their final BBC appearance on the Late Late Breakfast show in 1982.

This compilation is a must for all fans and includes great archive interviews, promos and performances of some of ABBA's classics, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Does Your Mother Know, Thank You for the Music, SOS, Fernando, Chiquitita and many more.


FRI 02:35 Top of the Pops (b0b9b1xw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:20 today]