Shooting Stars back on BBC for one-off Christmas special

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 24-Nov-08, 10:35

LONDON - A revival of the Vic Reeves-fronted comic quiz 'Shooting Stars', as well as Christmas specials of 'Doctor Who', 'Gavin And Stacey', 'The Royle Family' and 'Strictly Come Dancing' are all part of the BBC line-up for the festive season.

'Shooting Stars' ran between 1993 and 2002 and made household names of hosts Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer. Other names connected with the show were Ulrika Jonsson and Mark Lamarr, as well as the then-unknown Matt Lucas, who appeared as "What's the scores, George Dawes?".

The BBC is relying on a number of one-off revivals to fill the Christmas schedule, with impressionist and comedian Peter Serafinowicz back on screen and Alan Davies returning in a new 'Jonathan Creek' mystery.

'Blackadder' fans will be treated to an hour-long documentary called 'Blackadder Rides Again' and the 'Doctor Who' Christmas special will see David Tennant facing the Cybermen.

Rupert Penry-Jones, best known for his role in 'Spooks', will appear in a remake of 'The 39 Steps', while 'EastEnders' promises what the BBC described as "an explosive Christmas cracker" -- presumably in the metaphoric sense.

Films to be shown over the Christmas period include 'Finding Nemo', 'Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest' and 'Starter For Ten', the British romantic comedy centred on 'University Challenge'.

Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, said: "We've really pulled out all the stops this year to ensure a truly wonderful holiday schedule featuring the best of British talent in a great line-up of exciting seasonal specials, from 'The Royle Family' and 'Gavin And Stacey' to 'Shooting Stars' and 'Strictly Come Dancing'."

'Top of the Pops' was confirmed last week to be returning in two specials for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, while 'Top Gear' is taping a special in Vietnam.

Comments

Morley#99 - 24/11/2008

After looking at the BBC offering this Christmas, I really can't see myself even thinking of tuning into anything else! \(Aside from the NHL Ice Hockey on NASN) Bring on the turkey!