Mayall, Miranda and Hill amongst BBC festive highlights

Tuesday 25th November 2014, 12:20pm

The BBC has announced its festive television highlights for 2014.

Amongst the offerings is a new documentary about Rik Mayall, the final episodes of hit sitcom Miranda, and new specials starring the likes of Harry Hill, David Walliams and Michael McIntyre.

Below is a summary of the main comedy Christmas specials.


Professor Branestawm. Image shows from L to R: Colonel Dedshott (Simon Day), Professor Branestawm (Harry Hill), Mrs. Flittersnoop (Vicki Pepperdine). Copyright: BBC

Professor Branestawm

Harry Hill, Vicki Pepperdine, Simon Day, Ben Miller and David Mitchell are amongst the cast for this new adaptation based on Norman Hunter's classic children's character. Guide


The Boy In The Dress. Dennis (Billy Kennedy). Copyright: BBC / King Bert Productions

The Boy In The Dress

The third adaptation of a book by David Walliams, following on from Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny. This hour-long Christmas special tells the story of a boy who enjoys cross-dressing, and the reactions of his family and friends. Guide


Mapp & Lucia. Image shows from L to R: Elizabeth Mapp (Miranda Richardson), Georgie Pillson (Steve Pemberton), Lucia Lucas (Anna Chancellor). Copyright: BBC

Mapp And Lucia

The new version of EF Benson's classic characters, overseen by Steve Pemberton. It is mid-summer in Tilling and Miss Elizabeth Mapp (Miranda Richardson) is anticipating a visit from Mrs Emmeline Lucas (Anna Chancellor). Guide


John Bishop's Christmas Show. John Bishop. Copyright: Lola Entertainment

John Bishop's Christmas Show

John Bishop hosts another all-singing, all-dancing festive spectacular. Joining John on stage at the Dominion Theatre will be comedians including Jack Whitehall and Jason Byrne. Guide


Michael McIntyre's Very Christmassy Christmas Show. Michael McIntyre. Copyright: Hungry Bear Media

Michael McIntyre's Very Christmassy Christmas Show

Michael McIntyre presents this "one-off luxuriously festive hour of fabulous entertainment". The show will feature audience interaction, studio games, comedy sketches and hidden camera stunts alongside stand-up guests. Guide


Not Going Out. Lee (Lee Mack). Copyright: Avalon Television / Arlo Productions

Not Going Out

A Christmas special of Lee Mack's hit sitcom, an instalment which could well be the last episode of the show. The synopsis hints at a momentous event in Lee's life. Guide


Mrs. Brown's Boys. Agnes Brown (Brendan O'Carroll). Copyright: BBC / BocPix

Mrs. Brown's Boys

Two new festive editions of the hit studio audience sitcom. The storylines include a mystery box, and Buster installing a burglar alarm for Agnes following a crime spree. Guide


Miranda. Image shows from L to R: Miranda (Miranda Hart), Stevie (Sarah Hadland). Copyright: BBC

Miranda

Two final episodes of Miranda Hart's sitcom, which will conclude the show. We find Miranda where we left her, with two proposals: one from Gary and one from Mike. Who will she choose? And if she does choose, could she cope with the pressures of being a wife? Guide


Still Open All Hours. Image shows from L to R: Leroy (James Baxter), Granville (David Jason). Copyright: BBC

Still Open All Hours

Following the success of the last year's special, David Jason returns as Granville for a full six-part series of the shop-set comedy. Granville continues to serve the local community with a keen eye on a profit from some familiar and new faces. Guide


The Wrong Mans. Image shows from L to R: Sam (Mathew Baynton), Phil (James Corden). Copyright: BBC / Hulu

The Wrong Mans

James Corden and Mathew Baynton return for a second series of their comedy thriller. The action-packed series sees our two hapless heroes Sam and Phil in deeper, darker danger than ever before, as they embark on a dangerous international quest to prove once again they are The Wrong Mans. Guide


House Of Fools. Image shows from L to R: Vic (Vic Reeves), Bob (Bob Mortimer), Beef (Matt Berry). Copyright: BBC / Pett Productions

House Of Fools

A Christmas special from Vic & Bob, ahead of the second series coming early next year. The characters go on an underground boat journey to none other than pop icon Phil Collins's mansion. A final surprise awaits them when Santa appears on the scene to save the day. Guide


Rik Mayall. Copyright: BBC

Rik Mayall: Lord Of Misrule

Narrated by Simon Callow, this new documentary will look at the work of Rik Mayall using rare and unseen archive footage, and talking to the people who knew or admired him. Those appearing on the programme include Ben Elton and Tim McInnerny. Guide


Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe. Charlie Brooker. Copyright: House Of Tomorrow / Zeppotron

Charlie Brooker's 2014 Wipe

Charlie Brooker returns for his annual round-up of the year. The presenter will look back on a "relentlessly grim year where the cheeriest stories were people throwing ice over themselves, couples consciously uncoupling and an installation of poppies marking the untimely death of millions of young men". Guide


Cuckoo. Image shows from L to R: Dale (Taylor Lautner), Ken (Greg Davies). Copyright: Roughcut Television

Cuckoo

A festive episode of the sitcom starring Greg Davies. It's Christmas in Lichfield. Lorna is full of the Yuletide Spirit, in more ways than one. Ben and Dale both want to make Rachel's holiday special - and Ken gets stuck in the middle. Guide


There will also be Christmas specials from shows including Citizen Khan, Would I Lie To You?, Mock The Week, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, QI and The Graham Norton Show.

Exact scheduling details for each episode will be announced in early December.

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