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Monday, November 23, 1998 Published at 12:57 GMT


Entertainment

BBC plans festive fun

Harry Enfield's Tory Boy: Part of BBC One's Christmas line-up

The BBC is hoping for a very merry Christmas - with comedy at the top of its festive TV schedule.

A Men Behaving Badly special leads the line-up on BBC One, where the cast find out the true meaning of a family Christmas, while Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are reunited for the first time in three years for a new sketch show.

Meanwhile, BBC Two unveils a spin-off from The Fast Show, with Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson starring in a new comedy romance, Ted and Ralph.

Gripping storylines are promised for EastEnders, including the fiery relationship between Grant and Tiffany Mitchell, played by Martine McCutcheon, who is leaving the soap.

'A must-see Christmas'


[ image: Martine McCutcheon: Tiffany bows out of Albert Square]
Martine McCutcheon: Tiffany bows out of Albert Square
BBC One controller Peter Salmon said: "It's a 'must-see' Christmas on BBC One.

"There are the Men Behaving Badly facing the morning after with more than a hangover, and Dawn and Jennifer - the duchesses of comedy - are making their first TV screen coupling for three years.

"If you don't die laughing, you'll be electrified by the sparks from Grant and Tiff's exploding relationship."

Other highlights include seasonal specials of Birds Of A Feather, They Think It's All Over, Harry Enfield and Chums, Big Break, Jim Davidson's Generation Game, and the annual Noel Edmonds' Christmas Presents show.

BBC One will also show In Love With Elizabeth - a glimpse into the early life of the Queen Mother.

Alternative Christmas message


[ image: Robbie Williams: Features in BBC Choice's festive schedule]
Robbie Williams: Features in BBC Choice's festive schedule
BBC Two's highlights include Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer's alternative Christmas message in Bang, Bang It's Reeves and Mortimer.

The team behind Wallace and Gromit will show off their new creation, Rex the Runt, a story about four dogs.

Meanwhile, animated film First Snow of Winter features the voice of Father Ted star Dermot Morgan, who died in March.

New digital service BBC Choice marks its first Christmas with a special quiz night featuring the EastEnders cast going head-to-head with the soap's fans.

There will also be a documentary on singer Robbie Williams.



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