Christmas TV Highlights
by John Daly Updated: Wednesday, 21st December, 2011 4:53pm
WEDNESDAY 21st DECEMBER
Mrs Brown's Boys returns with a Christmas special on RTE1 on Christmas Day
DOWNTON ABBEY: BEHIND THE DRAMA (ITV, 7.30pm) - One of the biggest hit drama series of the moment and the highest rating drama on British television for a decade. The fantastic scripts, great characters played by great actors and fabulous locations have made it event television. Following on from the second series and ahead of the Downton Abbey two-hour episode on Christmas Day, its cast and creators will tell the story of the show from the inside. The actors talk exclusively about their characters and the gripping storylines across both series. They provide a real insight into the romance and conflict portrayed in the series, how they interact with each other and how they feel filming the crucial scenes for their character.
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KITCHEN HERO CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (RTE 1, 8.30pm) - Donal Skehan is back for a Christmas episode with recipes that give traditional dishes a bit of a twist. Skehan's first (and only) job in a professional kitchen was in a Swedish 'julbord', a unique type of restaurant which exists only at Christmas time and Donal returns to Sweden for this programme. During the programme he visits a Christmas market in Stockholm to make 'glugg' - a Swedish gluwein - and a friend's house to make gingerbread. Then he travels to the far north, above the Arctic Circle, to the world's original Ice Hotel in Kiruna to make baked ham, gravadlax and a special Christmas rice pudding. And as well as all the cooking, he tries his hand at some ice sculpture and camps out to see the Northern Lights.
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MOVIE: MAMMA MIA! (RTE 1, 9.35pm) - Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan lead an all-star cast in the story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group Abba. For beautiful Greek island scenery, for tunes that'll want to make you get up and dance, and for the divine Ms Streep proving why she one of the best actresses ever - this is a winner on ever count.
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MOVIE: GOODFELLAS (TG4, 12.05am) - Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro reign supreme in this Martin Scorcese-directed tale of New York gangsters and the power of money and blood to destroy even the strongest friendships. Seen by many as the ultimate in gangster movies, this one set the template that few others have equalled over the years. Made over 20 years ago, it more than stands the test of time.
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THURSDAY 22ND DECEMBER
THE LAKES AT CHRISTMAS (ITV, 7.30pm) - In the first of two Christmas specials in the Lake District, hoteliers Tom and Clare Noblett prepare the Langdale Chase Hotel for Christmas as a festive bride prepares for a fairytale wedding. Meanwhile, it's a trip into Christmas past at Muncaster Castle as the Pennington family welcome a group of American visitors on a Victorian Tour. And we meet Lakeland legend and storyteller Taffy Thomas as he welcomes families into his snowy garden for some traditional Christmas tales.
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BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (BBC 1, 8pm) - Sue Barker, Gary Lineker and Jake Humphrey present this star-studded event featuring some of the greatest names in world sport, and climaxes with the presentation of the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year trophy - an award chosen by viewers live on the night from a shortlist of 10 contenders. The 2010 winner was jockey AP McCoy.
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UNWRAPPED - THE TOY SHOW (RTE 1, 9.35pm) - This one gives a unique insight into the history and production of the greatest toy show on television. The programme reunites child participants of past shows with the toys they reviewed, with exclusive interviews about the show from Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, Ryan Tubridy, Louis Walsh, Westlife, Dara O'Briain, Angelina Ball and more. Raiding the archives for the show's most memorable participants, events and performances as well as exclusive access from behind-the-scenes in the lead into this years toy show, the documentary makes for nostalgic viewing. The show also reveals Gay, Pat and Ryan's intimate thoughts of their Toy Show Jumper wardrobe.
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MOVIE: THE YOUNG VICTORIA (BBC 2, 9pm) - A dramatisation of the young life of Queen Victoria when she proved something of a rebellious monarch in trying to change the ancient ways of the palace. Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend take the main roles, and the script is provided by Julian Fellowes - the same hand that created 'Downton Abbey'.
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MOVIE: TOMORROW NEVER DIES (ITV, 10.35pm) - Pierce Brosnan and Teri Hatcher take centre stage in this reasonable Bond caper where a media baron wants to start WWIII between China and the West just to sell more newspapers. As is expected of all 007 movies, there is plentiful action, a fair bit of bedroom hijinks and a fair smattering of baddies to keep viewers engaged.
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FRIDAY 23RD DECEMBER
THE JONATHAN ROSS SHOW (ITV, 9pm) - Talk show supremo Jonathan Ross will be chatting to one of the biggest names in show business - none other than Tom Cruise. The Hollywood icon will be telling Ross all about his new film 'Mission Impossible 4'. The cast of 'The Inbetweeners' will also be on the sofa talking about their recent transition from TV actors to movie stars. Ross will also welcome the sisters from 'Downton Abbey' as Jessica Brown Finlay, Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockery reveal what it's like starring in one of the most popular dramas of our time. They also spill the beans on what we can expect from the 'Downton Abbey' Christmas Special.
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THE MANY LOVERS OF MISS JANE AUSTEN (BBC 2, 9pm) - To mark the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's first novel, 'Sense and Sensibility', Professor Amanda Vickery, one of the leading chroniclers of Georgian England, explores the ebb and flow of Austen's popularity and the hold her fiction has on us now. Vickery considers what it is about her plots and characters that continue to delight, amuse, console and provoke.
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MOVIE: HOME ALONE (RTE 1, 3.45pm) - Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci co-star in this comedy about a young boy named Kevin who is accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a vacation in France over the holiday season. Once he realises they've left him 'home alone', he learns to fend for himself and, eventually, has to protect his house against two bumbling burglars who are planning to rob every house in Kevin's suburban Chicago neighbourhood. A classic.
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MOVIE: THE DJARJEELING LIMITED (RTE 2, 9pm) - Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman are directed by Wes Anderson in this quirky tale of three brothers who, at the insistence of the oldest, take a train ride through India together in order to strengthen their bond. Even though the vacation goes wrong in ways they do not anticipate, the strangeness of their setting and some revealing honesty produces some surprising changes between them all.
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DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (RTE 1, 11.20pm) - Steve Martin and Michael Caine star as Lawrence and Freddie, a pair of con-men - big-time and small time, respectively. They unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find that a south of France town ain't big enough for the two of them. They agree to a 'loser leaves' bet. The bet brings out the best/worse in the two. A hilarious classic guaranteed to please.
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CHRISTMAS EVE
MICHEAL " HEHIR (TG4, 5.55pm) - Micheál " Hehir was an innovative broadcaster in every sense of the word. From his first radio broadcast in 1938 as an 18 year-old standing on an orange box at the Galway v Monaghan All-Ireland semi-final in Mullingar and throughout his 50-year career, he broke new ground. He quickly became known as the broadcast voice of Gaelic games. His opening words: "Bail ó Dhia oraibh a chairde Gael agus fáilte romhaibh go Páirc an Chrócaigh" on Radio Éireann had the power of instantly transporting his audience throughout the world in their imagination to the hallowed turf of that great stadium.
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LAPLAND (BBC 1, 10pm) - Lapland is a big, heartwarming comedy starring Sue Johnston, Stephen Graham, Elizabeth Berrington, William Ash, Julie Graham, Zawe Ashton and Keith Barron. Sue plays Eileen Lewis, the mother of the chaotic Lewis clan. A large close-knit family from Birkenhead, they save all year round to make Christmas as special as possible. This year is different - they've decided to go to Lapland on a package tour to see Father Christmas, Finnish-style, complete with huskies, reindeers and maybe the magical Northern Lights. But they discover Lapland brings more than they bargained for. ____________________________________________________________
THE SAVAGE EYE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (RTE 2, 10.30pm) - What makes an Irish Christmas? Horrible jumpers, forced togetherness, the office Christmas party, the Toy Show? 'The Savage Eye' is back for a special Christmas episode to give some answers to the most important questions we have about Christmas. So join The President for Life, The Ministers, Bull Mick with some more familiar faces to take a long hard look at the Irish festive experience and why we love it so much.
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MOVIE: SOME LIKE IT HOT (RTE 2, 3.55pm) - Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe team up in one of the best-loved comedies in the world. It's got it all - gangsters, all-night sleeper trains, cross-dressing and three stars at the height of their powers. This was Monroe in the kind of role that made her adored around the world.
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MOVIE: QUANTUM OF SOLACE (RTE 1, 9.20pm) - James Bond goes slightly environmental this time around - but don't worry, there's still plenty of bombs, babes and bullets to keep all fans satisfied. Maybe a little flatter than other 007 outings, but still with a few top scenes to enjoy.
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CHRISTMAS DAY
DR WHO CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (BBC 1, 7pm) - It's Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home, in this year's 'Doctor Who' Christmas Special. He promises to repay her kindness - all she has to do is make a wish. Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the English Channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever.
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DANIEL AT 50 (RTE 1, 7.55pm) - Daniel O'Donnell, Ireland's foremost country and easy listening artist, celebrates a milestone birthday this December. Adored by his millions of fans throughout the world, O'Donnell is a multi award-winning performer who has sold over 10 million records and sold out concert halls from London to Nashville. This documentary includes contributions from friends and relatives and an intimate interview with Daniel and his wife Majella in their home in Tenerife.
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DOWNTON ABBEY (ITV, 9pm) - Christmas 1919. Downton Abbey is hosting a lavish Christmas party, yet despite it being the season of goodwill, tensions are rife and Bates's arrest has cast a shadow over the festivities. Will he be a condemned man or will he be found innocent in time to dance with his new wife at the annual servants' ball? Mary has to consider her future with Sir Richard Carlisle following a contretemps at the shooting party and Violet has concerns about Rosamund, whose new suitor - the dashing but raffish Lord Hepworth - is not all he seems.
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MRS BROWN'S BOYS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (RTE 1, 10pm) - It's Christmas and, all across the country, mothers are looking forward to their loved ones returning home. With son Trevor coming back from the missions abroad for the first time in four years, Agnes Brown is determined to make this Christmas a truly special celebration, with her whole family present at last. But, as with the Brown household, nothing is straightforward.
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS (BBC 1, 10pm) - Twenty years after Eddy, Patsy, Saffy, Bubble and Mother first staggered onto TV screens, 'Absolutely Fabulous' is back. In the first of three new episodes written by and starring Jennifer Saunders, with Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks and June Whitfield, there's an awful lot of catching up to do. First of all there's a homecoming for one of them who's been 'away' for quite some time. She arrives at the Monsoon household with a new - slightly scary - best friend.
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MOVIE: HARRY POTTER & THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (RTE 1, 3.40pm) - With the whole Harry adventure winding down to its inevitable, the fun which this boy with the glasses has given us all is really coming through. Again an all-star cast, terrific special effects and a steadily maturing trio make this a movie to enjoy for all the family.
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MOVIE: TRUE GRIT (TG4, 6.40pm) - The original of the species that inspired last year's Coen Brothers' remake which gave Jeff Bridges a terrific role. John Wayne plays a hard-living US Marshall who helps a 14-year old girl track down her father's killers. A wonderful story and possibly Wayne's finest role.
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MOVIE: NOTTING HILL (RTE 1, 11.35pm) - Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts play shy bookshop owner and Hollywood movie star who fall in love. One of the best of the Richard Curtis comedies, its London setting, smart dialogue and bevy of guest stars make this a real treat late at night when the turkey has finally been put away.
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ST STEPHEN'S DAY
SGT MATTIE (RTE 1, 6.25pm) - Pat Shortt is the eponymous Garda Mattie Dwyer as he triumphantly returns, a newly promoted uniformed garda sergeant, to his rural roots in the small village of Kilcommon. It's not long before Sgt Mattie instigates all manner of comic action and situations from car chases with TV crews to post office raids, and from undercover stake-outs to foiling armed robbers at the local credit union. Along the way, he develops a comically tense relationship with the resident sergeant, Fonsy Sullivan, and his plans always seem to drag in his long-suffering sister Phyllis.
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WAGON'S DEN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (RTE 2, 9.30pm) - Katherine Lynch is back in the 'Wagons' Den' saddle this Christmas for a seriously celeb-a-licious and totes amazeballs Crimbo Special so pop open those corks people, put the chislers to bed, get your tush on the couch and get ready for an action-packed, showbiz-fueled, tongue-in-cheek review of the year's greatest showbiz stories. Tallaght's biggest export since shoplifters, Sheila Chic, will be joined by honourary Wagon, Brian Dowling, as they trawl through the year's juiciest celebrity hooplas, happenings and shenanigans from around the planet.
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THE BORROWERS (BBC 1, 7.30pm) - Arrietty Clock is a headstrong teenage Borrower who is desperate to explore life outside her family home hidden under the floorboards. Her parents, Pod and Homily Clock, are terrified of the world of the 'Human Beans' and are fiercely protective of their daughter. Arrietty sneaks upstairs one night and befriends James, a lonely boy who lives above her in the house with his father, Robert Millman. This leads to a world of trouble when the Borrowers' home is discovered by James's formidable grandmother, and they are forced to venture into the big wide world.
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MOVIE: MONSTERS VERSUS ALIENS (RTE 1, 6.55pm) - A woman transformed into a giant after she is struck by a meteorite on her wedding day becomes part of a team of monsters sent in by the US government to defeat an alien mastermind trying to take over Earth. Voiceover artists include Reese Witherspoon, Rainn Wilson and Stephen Colbert.
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MOVIE: THE PROPOSAL (RTE 1, 9.40pm) - Romantic comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. A pushy boss forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her Visa status in the US and avoid deportation to Canada. When he has to take her home to meet the family to satisfy the immigration officials, there are surprises ahead for both of them.
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TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER
EURO 2012: THE CAT IS IN THE BAG (RTE 2, 8pm) - It's been 24 years since the Republic of Ireland last qualified for the finals of the European Championships, but the current crop of players have given us all a summer to look forward to. The journey was a long one, but ultimately the Boys in Green prevailed on a dramatic road to Poland and Ukraine. A famously cautious coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, stayed loyal to homespun proverb 'Don't say cat until you have it in the bag' throughout the qualification campaign, but now with our place secured at Euro 2012, the plane tickets are booked and Trap's cat is well and truly in the bag.
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GREAT EXPECTATIONS (BBC 1, 9pm) - Ray Winstone, Gillian Anderson, David Suchet and Douglas Booth star in this bold new adaptation of 'Great Expectations', which forms the centrepiece of the celebration of Charles Dickens as we approach the bicentenary of his birth, in 2012. On a cold winter's day, an 11-year-old orphan, Pip, runs into an escaped convict on the marshes near his home. The convict, Magwitch, orders the boy to steal a file from his Uncle Joe's forge to remove his shackles. The terrified Pip returns with the file and some food - and this innocent act of kindness is set to have far-reaching consequences for them both.
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THE QUEEN'S SPEECH (RTE 1, 9.30pm) - The four-day visit of Queen Elizabeth II in May captured the public imagination in a way that surprised many. This hour-long documentary tells the inside story behind the planning of the Queen's itinerary. It features candid interviews with some of those who were at the centre of some of the most historic moments. The programme also provides new insights into the speech by Queen Elizabeth at Dublin Castle that caused President Mary McAleese to exclaim: "Wow!"
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MOVIE: SHREK THE THIRD (BBC 1, 6.05pm) - Second sequel in this hugely popular franchise has newlyweds Shrek and Fiona facing their first marital hurdle with the death of King Harald - thus making this cranky green giant next in line for the throne.
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MOVIE: THE QUEEN (RTE 1, 10.30pm) - Following on from the earlier documentary of her visit to Ireland last May comes this Oscar-winning performance from Helen Mirren as HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A stunning recreation of the life of a modern monarch, and a performance the Queen herself even complimented Mirren on.
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MOVIE: KING KONG (ITV, 10.30pm) - Tremendous retelling of this old tale with Jack Black as the director who leads his film crew to a remote island to find a creature that will change the world. Fantastic special effects and a few laughs thrown in make this a perfect way to relax after a long day.
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