One of the highlights of the BBC's Christmas 2016 schedule looks set to be The Entire Universe.

Written by Eric Idle and his long-time musical collaborator John Du Prez (Spamalot's composer), the show aims to tell the story of how the Universe was created through comedy songs and sketches. It also sees the return of Rutland Weekend Television!

The show is presented by Eric Idle and Professor Brian Cox.

The premise is that Professor Brian Cox will initially appear in the manner to which he is accustomed by giving an auspicious scientific Christmas lecture. However, upon turning up to the infamous Rutland Weekend Television, he soon realises he has actually been booked to appear in a major musical put on by the Muriel Tritt School of Music and Dance.

However, the show must go on... so Brian soon finds himself trying to present his lecture.

Warwick Davis portrays 'The Big Bang'...

Noel Fielding has been given the role of Einstein...

Meanwhile, Hannah Waddingham has to convey the concept of 'Time'...

Brian's long-time Infinite Monkey Cage co-presenter Robin Ince is on hand to "keep order"...

There are songs performed by Eric Idle to look forward to...

and sketches...

The show has been choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

Throughout the hour-long programme, Brian continues to patiently mentor Eric in an attempt to make up for his entire lack of education in science.

The BBC says: "The result is an extraordinary explosion of comedy, music and dance depicting the birth of The Entire Universe - in just one hour!"

The Entire Universe is on BBC Two on Boxing Day at 9:30pm. Here's the trailer: