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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR EDITION
Christmas is Coming...
... and Eric & Ernie are going crackers!
SEE INSIDE
ALSO IN THIS FESTIVE ISSUE:
ROMANY JONES
THE MAN IN ROOM 17
YOUR TOP XMAS TV GUIDE!
TV ON AIR
NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHT
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR Vol. 1 No. 3
C
HRISTMAS comes but once a year and when
it does, it brings another crop of festive TV
favourites, with our cover stars MORECAMBE
AND WISE leading the field. This year, we’ve even got
a snow-covered Arthur Mullard to contend with, as you
can see in the feature opposite. Oh yus...
This month, in addition to our usual programme
features, you’ll find a festive viewing guide to some
of the Christmas specials available from Network,
and a two-page colour feature covering the three
MORECAMBE AND WISE Christmas specials available
in our recently-released festive edition.
We also take a look at some of what the New Year
has in store. Alongside the eagerly-awaited final
series of HEARTBEAT, there’s a second outing for that
inscrutable MAN IN ROOM 17, Alexander Armstrong
as a reluctant vet in BEAST and a chance to see Adam
“Okay, Mr. Derek ... you’ve got twenty four hours to get me Basil Brush’s autograph or
Constable Thackeray here gets it.”
Time’s up for Blaketon...
HEARTBEAT - Sunday, ITV
A
conclusion in the final series of HEARTBEAT, and as the
Faith in his final television series, THE HOUSE THAT
last ever episode nears its dramatic finale, Blaketon and
JACK BUILT.
Ventress find themselves in a potentially fatal stand-off...
TV HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
Set in rural North Yorkshire during the 1960s, Heartbeat’s
combination of crime and medical storylines, charismatic
regular characters and wonderfully nostalgic soundtrack
CHRISTMAS DAY...
...wouldn’t be complete without
MORECAMBE & WISE (see pages 6&7)
AND NEXT YEAR...
made it staple Sunday-night viewing for two decades,
with the series’ many prestigious awards including Best
Performing Peak-Time Drama and several ITV Programme of
the Year awards. Attracting a peak audience of 14 million,
Heartbeat garnered a devoted following and remains primetime viewing world-wide.
Alexander Armstrong stars as a
‘pointless’ vet in BEAST (see page 5)
This final series – which sees PC Joe Mason, DS Rachel
ROMANY JONES returns (see opposite)
Australia to try to trace former Aidensfield garage mechanic
Adam Faith’s final TV series:
THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT
(see page 4)
NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHT
fter eighteen series, the 1960s come to a shocking
Dawson and district nurse Carol Cassidy heading to
Rosie – features guest appearances from an array of British
stars, including George Cole, Samantha Bond, Tim BrookeTaylor, Keith Barron, Phyllis Logan, Rodney Bewes, Susan
Jameson and Gemma Craven.
Who says the 1970s were a fashion disaster?
Away in a caravan site...
Queenie Watts and Ar thur Mullar d r eturn in ROMANY JONES
O
N THE BUSES creators Ronald Chesney and Ronald
Wolfe chart the hilarious misadventures of two couples
living side by side under strained circumstances. Queenie
Watts and Arthur Mullard take the lead roles in this comedy
of bad manners and one-upmanship amidst the mud, penni-
lessness and outrageous fashion sense of a run-down 1970s
caravan site – their characters Wally and Lily Briggs proving
so successful that they were subsequently spun off into their
own series: Yus My Dear (also available from Network DVD).
T
his fourth series sees City slicker turned caravan dweller
Jeremy Crichton-Jones creating more difficulties, both
for himself and his long-suffering wife Susan, while remaining
permanently at odds with neighbours Wally and Lily – possi-
bly the most artful workshy couple on wheels. As a hard winter
descends on the site, however, the unlikely neighbours form a
temporary alliance in common cause against the elements...
What do you want?
NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHT
NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHT
ADAM FAITH IN HIS LAST TV ROLE?
HERE’S THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT...
P
op icon Adam Faith and ex-EastEnder Gillian
Taylforth star in this 2002 sitcom chronicling
the life of a wealthy property developer who
dreams of nothing less than a family dynasty – even if
his benevolent dictatorship isn’t always appreciated.
Overseen by veteran screenwriters Marks and Gran,
the complete series is made available on DVD for
the first time – including an episode never shown on
television.
Come in Budge... your time is nearly up.
A self-made man, Jack Squire lives with his enduring
wife Maxine, youngest son J.J. and daughter Lisa in
a style that befits ‘Hertfordshire’s first family’. Eldest
son Roger works in the family business and tries to
please his dad, although Jack and his daughter-in-law
Vicky rarely see eye to eye – for reasons perhaps best
known to themselves. Disappointingly for Jack, J.J.’s
principal interests are cars and girls, while Lisa is,
naturally, the apple of her father’s eye; in fact, if she
gets her way – which she usually does – she’ll be the
true heir to the Squire fortune…
THERE’S A NEW
MAN IN ROOM 17
T
he name’s Defraits - Imrac Defraits. Playing the
par t is the suave and rather more plausibly-named
Denholm Elliott, who joins Richard Vernon for a second
series of THE MAN IN ROOM 17.
VET BEHAVING BADLY...
Alexander Armstrong’s animal antics...
Room 17 is the secret centre of operations for the
Depar tment of Special Research, a unit set up to study
the criminal mind and handle cases that have baffled
the police and security ser vices. Answerable only to the
Prime Minister, the men in Room 17 pull the strings that
make the undercover world dance, without even leaving
the confines of their Whitehall office.
A
lexander
a
reluctant
incompetent
Created by Big Breadwinner Hog’s Robin Chapman, this
brilliantly inventive Granada series gained cult status
early on and remains ver y much so to this day.
Man or anagram? Denholm Elliott plays the unusually-named Imrac Defraits
Armstrong
vet
and
in
stars
as
live animals. This complete set makes
reserved for guinea pigs. But Nick’s
dangerously
both series available for the first time.
career has its compensations –
this
sharply
notably the opportunity to encourage
scripted BBC-1 sitcom from Men
Nick is fortunate enough to have
concerned clients to part with large
Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye.
inherited a successful rural practice
sums of money, and to meet well-
Running for two series, Beast also
from his father. The problem is that
heeled,
stars Emma Pierson, Sylvestra Le
he isn’t especially fond of animals.
whom he’s convinced his bedside
Touzel and Smack the Pony’s Doon
In fact, he’s come to detest and fear
manner is enormously attractive.
Mackichan – along with an array of
them…. with a particular loathing
good-looking
women,
for
TV ON AIR PHOTO FEATURE
“I tawt I taw a Pwime
Minister...”
ERIC AND ERNIE BRING
THEIR CHRISTMAS
SHOW TO ITV
O
ne of the most successful double acts of all time,
Morecambe and Wise were a staple ingredient of
British television for four decades, and nothing showcased
their comedic brilliance more memorably than the wonderful
Christmas Specials that enlivened festive viewing for tens
of millions of viewers.
Families across the country gathered around the box for
these legendary shows – as much a part of Christmas Day
as the Queen’s Speech and the after-dinner nap – with
Eric and Ernie aided by an array of guest stars, including
David Frost, Hannah Gordon, Glenda Jackson, Leonard
Rossiter, Frank Finlay, Peter Barkworth, Des O’Connor, Alec
Guinness, and a certain former Prime Minister as you can
see opposite. Eric and Ernie’s elevation to Number 10 was
assured after that performance!
Now you can relive those magical moments with this first
volume, comprising three shows screened on Christmas
Day in 1978, 1979 and 1980. Bursting with botched
song-and-dance numbers, mangled classics, bad puns and
short, fat, hairy legs, these ratings record-breakers show
why Morecambe and Wise remain the nation’s favourite
comedy duo!
DECEMBER 24
TUESDAY
DECEMBER 25
6.30 Please, Sir!
JOHN ALDERTON
DERYCK GUYLER
JOAN SANDERSON in
For your festive entertainment, we’ve
put together a line-up of programmes
that you can schedule yourself using
the Network DVD releases CLASSIC ITV
CHRISTMAS COMEDY and MORECAMBE
& WISE - THE CHRISTMAS SPECIALS. And
don’t forget, complete series sets of most
of these titles are also available. Click
on the titles and you’ll go straight to the
product page for each DVD.
And Everyone Came Too
Bernard and Penny dream of their wedding
day. However, Potter as chief usher, class 3C
as guests, and a forecast of snow could turn it
into a nightmare... The complete Series set of
Please, Sir! is available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY JOHN ESMONDE AND BOB LARBEY
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY MARK STUART
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 27 DECEMBER 1970
© 1970 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED
7.00 Only When I Laugh
JAMES BOLAM
PETER BOWLES
RICHARD WILSON in
A rubbish Christmas in store for the Dustbinmen, tonight at 7.30
7.00 Nearest and Dearest
8.30 Duty Free
ey in a local pantomime; the cast walks out and
Nellie and Eli undertake to star in the show
themselves. Complete Series sets of Nearest
and Dearest are also available on DVD.
A Duty Free Christmas
In spite of her initial protests, David manages
to persuade Amy to spend a Christmas holiday
in Spain. By an extraordinary stroke of coincidence Linda and Robert have also booked into
the same hotel… The complete series of Duty
Free is now available on DVD.
KEITH BARRON
GWEN TAYLOR
JOANNA VAN GYSEGHEM
Cindernellie
Eli invests the factory’s Christmas Club mon- NEIL STACY in
HYLDA BAKER
JIMMY JEWEL In
WRITTEN BY JOHN STEVENSON
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY BILL PODMORE
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 21 DECEMBER 1972
© 1972 GRANADA TELEVISION LIMITED
7.30 The Dustbinmen
BRYAN PRINGLE
TREVOR BANNISTER
GRAHAM HABERFIELD
TIM WYLTON
The Queen’s speech? There’ll be a rather different version
from Stanley Baxter tonight at 9.30
Christmas Special
Christmas in the Refuse Depot... the dustbinmen are celebrating. Not that there is much to
celebrate this year as tips have been rubbish!
The complete Dustbinmen is available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY JACK ROSENTHAL
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY DICK EVERITT
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 NOVEMBER 1969
© 1969 GRANADA TELEVISION LIMITED
8.00 The Rag Trade
PETER JONES
MIRIAM KARLIN
CHRISTOPHER BEENY in
The Christmas Rush
It may be Christmas, but will the running confl
ict between Harold and Paddy at Fenner Fashions put a dampener on the festive spirit? The
complete LWT series of The Rag Trade is now
available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY RONALD WOLFE AND RONALD
CHESNEY
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY BRYAN IZZARD
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 24 DECEMBER 1977
© 1977 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED
Up the workers... festivities at Fenner Fashions,
tonight at 8.00
WRITTEN BY ERIC CHAPPELL AND JEAN WARR
DIRECTED BY LES CHATFI ELD
PRODUCED BY VERNON LAWRENCE
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 DECEMBER 1986
© 1986 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION LIMITED
9.00 Two’s Company
ELAINE STRITCH
DONALD SINDEN in
A Loving Christmas
Dorothy and her butler Robert are planning to
be away from each other this Christmas, but at
home to someone special... The Complete Series
of Two’s Company is also available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY BILL MACILWRAITH
DIRECTED BY JOHN REARDON
PRODUCED BY HUMPHREY BARCLAY
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 DECEMBER 1976
© 1976 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED
9.30 Stanley Baxter’s
Christmas Box
STANLEY BAXTER
MIRIAM MARGOLYES
MORAY WATSON
Stanley Baxter presents a seasonal send-up
with all the trimmings. Amongst which are
the Cinderella characters invading the laconic
Phillip Marlowe’s office and a Christmas appeal
on behalf of the Morally Inhibited. Stanley
Baxter: The Specials is also available on DVD
WRITTEN BY KEN HOARE
DIRECTED BY BRUCE GOWERS
PRODUCED BY HUMPHREY BARCLAY
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 26 DECEMBER 1976
© 1976 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED
Away for Christmas
It’s Christmas at the hospital, but can X-Ray
Figgis and the others really expect any seasonal cheer from Doctor Thorpe? Complete series
set now available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY ERIC CHAPPELL DIRECTED AND
PRODUCED BY VERNON LAWRENCE
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 24 DECEMBER 1981
© 1981 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION LIMITED
7.30 Billy Liar
JEFF RAWLE
GEORGE A. COOPER
COLIN JEAVONS in
The Gift of the Magi
Christmas is coming and Mr Fisher instructs
Billy to spend his savings on presents for his
family. Billy however, is more tempted by a
pair of yellow trousers. Complete Series sets
of Billy Liar are also available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY KEITH WATERHOUSE AND WILLIS
HALL
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY STUART ALLEN
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 21 DECEMBER 1973
© 1973 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED
9.00 Eric & Ernie’s
Christmas Show
ERIC MORECAMBE
ERNIE WISE
The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show
has many facets, various aspects, several
points of view and a partridge in a pear tree.
Viewers will see Eric and Ernie as they have
never seen them before: Ernie will sing Wagner’s Ring in its entirety and Eric will give his
impression of the last turkey in the shop.
WRITTEN BY EDDIE BRABEN, BARRY CRYER AND
JOHN JUNKIN WITH ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY
MORECAMBE & WISE
MUSICAL DIRECTOR PETER KNIGHT
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY KEITH BECKETT
AND JOHN AMMONDS
© 1978 THAMES TELEVISION LIMITED
10.15 All This and
Christmas Too!
SID JAMES
KENNETH CONNOR
Made in a gap year of no small screen Carry
On productions, this one-off special stars Sid
James as Sid Jones, a put-upon father of two.
Complete Series sets of Bless This House are
also available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY SAM CREE
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY BILL HITCHCOCK
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 24 DECEMBER 1971
© 1971 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION LIMITED
“Bring me snowballs...” Eric and Ernie indulge
in some seasonal antics, tonight at 9.00
Illustrated: Portakabin Type 3: sleeps a family of four
plus six building site labourers (sorry, no pets)
8.00 Bless Me Father
GET AWAY
FROM IT ALL
ON A FABULOUS
ARTHUR LOWE
DANIEL ABINERI
GABRIELLE DAYE
The Season of Goodwill
Father Duddleswell is consumed with the Christmas spirit, much to the dismay of housekeeper
Mrs Pring. The complete Bless Me Father is
now available on DVD.
WRITTEN BY PETER DE ROSA
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY DAVID ASKEY
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 23 DECEMBER 1979
© 1979 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED
8.30 On the Buses
REG VARNEY
BOB GRANT
STEPHEN LEWIS in
Christmas Duty
Stan and Jack discover, much to their annoyance, that they have been lumbered with
Christmas Day duty in the Depot, supervised
by Blakey. Complete Series sets of On the
Buses are also available on DVD
WRITTEN BY RONALD WOLFE AND RONALD
CHESNEY
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY STUART ALLEN
ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 DECEMBER 1970
© 1970 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED
WEDNESDAY
Seagulls not included
on building sites, agricultural land and industrial estates
CHOOSE FROM A FANTASTIC RANGE OF
• PORTAKABINS
• PORTALOOS
• POTTING SHEDS
For the fun way to get away, choose a super
SHED HOLIDAY. No fuss or facilities to worry
about. All sites located within ten minutes drive of
the nearest public convenience, in breathtaking
As featured on
“Who are you looking at?” BURNSIDE and chums looking mean and moody in black.
industrial landscapes. Phone for details:
BBC TV’s THAT’S LIFE
CONSUMER EXPLOITATION UK LTD, ESSEX.
EVERYTHING’S GREEN WITH DONKEY TOYS!
104 Spectrum Hirsuit Vehicle
The missile hatch is guaranteed to be
broken by boxing day - but never mind,
like Captain Scarlet himself, this toy is
indestructible. Probably.
105 Maximum Insecurity Vehicle
“This is the voice of the Mysterons - we will
induce colour blindness in all Spectrum
personnel.” Well, that’s our excuse.
103 Spectrum Salon Car
Captain Scarlet’s mobile hairdressers
Via the Tracy Island
paint shop
101 Thunderbird Too
(Only available in blue)
100 Lady Penelope’s Flab One
Dynamic action model of Lady Penelope’s
famous pink Rolls Royce. Fires rockets under
inaccessible items of furniture where they
will remain until the mid 1970s
Colour of model may be metallic green. Unless it’s supposed to be that colour.
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