Grab your 109th mince pie and find a suitable lounging position on the sofa for this year's festive viewing experience... Traditionally, rivalry between the channels steps up a gear at this time of year and 2005 is no exception to that rule. As always, the 'Beeb' and ITV1 are the main contenders, but it's going to be a close run thing as to who reigns supreme because both are pulling out the big guns.
The 'third channel' has a number of special Christmas editions of ordinary shows, most notably Bad Girls and Ant & Dec's Takeaway. This is a first for both programmes, but it seems unlikely it will be the last, as they have become firm favourites with viewers. But if drama at 'Her Majesty's pleasure' or pranks and skits aren't your thing, then maybe Agatha Christie is. If you're hoping for another celebrity laden Miss Marple then you could be disappointed, but the feeling will evaporate quickly when Joanna Lumley collates a list of essential elements in the author's stories, in Dissecting Agatha.
On BBC One, Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer are reprising their much-loved roles for an As Time Goes By special, while Shane Richie will be hamming it up for all he's worth as Fagin in a starstudded version of Oliver.
On Two there's a treat for ladies and gents alike. Girls will be pleased to hear there's a guide to all things chocolate, and the boys will be overjoyed to discover curvaceous Nigella Lawson is presenting it. Steady now!
And what about the big event - postfood- and-drink-telly on December 25th? Well, the nation will probably be quite united in its viewing preference. Sandwiched between two must-see episodes of EastEnders (when there's sure to be misery galore in Walford) is the hugely anticipated special edition of Doctor Who. New Time Lord David Tennant and Billie Piper as glamorous sidekick Rose (pictured above) star in The Christmas Invasion. Regardless of age or gender, this is the programme not to miss and will hopefully provide older members of the clan a respite from the deafening din of kids playing with their new toys.
On ITV1, there will of course be the essential visit to Weatherfield - and if rumours are to be believed, there's a big shock in store for the Barlow family.
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Here at Modern & Mature, we know that our readers are keen to make the most of their golden years, and we hope you enjoy the mix of entertainment and information we've put together for you. Don't forget to join the Mailing List to be informed when new articles are added.
- The Modern & Mature team
