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Home , Barry Cryer, Bob Grant (actor), Deryck Guyler, Eric and Ernie, Humphrey Barclay, Hylda Baker

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR EDITION

ALSO IN THIS FESTIVE ISSUE: Christmas is Coming... ROMANY JONES ... and Eric & Ernie are going crackers! THE MAN IN ROOM 17 SEE INSIDE YOUR TOP XMAS TV GUIDE! TV ON AIR NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHT CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR Vol. 1 No. 3

HRISTMAS comes but once a year and when it does, it brings another crop of festive TV Cfavourites, with our cover stars 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, “Okay, Mr. Derek ... you’ve got twenty four hours to get me Basil Brush’s autograph or Constable Thackeray here gets it.” and a two-page colour feature covering the three Christmas specials available in our recently-released festive edition. Time’s up for Blaketon... We also take a look at some of what the New Year has in store. Alongside the eagerly-awaited final HEARTBEAT - Sunday, ITV series of HEARTBEAT, there’s a second outing for that inscrutable MAN IN ROOM 17, Alexander Armstrong fter eighteen series, the 1960s come to a shocking NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHT conclusion in the final series of HEARTBEAT, and as the as a reluctant vet in BEAST and a chance to see Adam A Who says the were a fashion disaster? 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... Away in a caravan site... Set in rural North Yorkshire during the 1960s, Heartbeat’s Queenie Watts and Arthur Mullard return in ROMANY JONES TV HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE combination of crime and medical storylines, charismatic regular characters and wonderfully nostalgic soundtrack N THE BUSES creators Ronald Chesney and Ronald made it staple Sunday-night viewing for two decades, OWolfe chart the hilarious misadventures of two couples CHRISTMAS DAY... living side by side under strained circumstances. Queenie with the series’ many prestigious awards including Best Watts and Arthur Mullard take the lead roles in this comedy ...wouldn’t be complete without Performing Peak-Time Drama and several ITV Programme of (see pages 6&7) of bad manners and one-upmanship amidst the mud, penni- MORECAMBE & WISE the Year awards. Attracting a peak audience of 14 million, lessness and outrageous fashion sense of a run-down 1970s Heartbeat garnered a devoted following and remains prime- AND NEXT YEAR... caravan site – their characters Wally and Lily Briggs proving time viewing world-wide. so successful that they were subsequently spun off into their Alexander Armstrong stars as a own series: Yus My Dear (also available from Network DVD). ‘pointless’ vet in BEAST (see page 5) This final series – which sees PC Joe Mason, DS Rachel Dawson and district nurse Carol Cassidy heading to his fourth series sees City slicker turned caravan dweller ROMANY JONES returns (see opposite) to try to trace former Aidensfield garage mechanic TJeremy Crichton-Jones creating more difficulties, both Rosie – features guest appearances from an array of British for himself and his long-suffering wife Susan, while remaining Adam Faith’s final TV series: stars, including George Cole, Samantha Bond, Tim Brooke- permanently at odds with neighbours Wally and Lily – possi- THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT Taylor, Keith Barron, Phyllis Logan, , Susan bly the most artful workshy couple on wheels. As a hard winter (see page 4) Jameson and Gemma Craven. 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...

op icon Adam Faith and ex-EastEnder Gillian Taylforth star in this 2002 sitcom chronicling the life of a wealthy property developer who Pdreams 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.

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 Come in Budge... your time is nearly up. true heir to the Squire fortune… THERE’S A NEW MAN IN ROOM 17

he name’s Defraits - Imrac Defraits. Playing the Tpart is the suave and rather more plausibly-named Denholm Elliott, who joins for a second series of THE MAN IN ROOM 17. VET BEHAVING BADLY... Room 17 is the secret centre of operations for the Alexander Armstrong’s animal antics... Department of Special Research, a unit set up to study the criminal mind and handle cases that have baffled lexander Armstrong stars as live animals. This complete set makes reserved for guinea pigs. But Nick’s the police and security services. Answerable only to the Aa reluctant and dangerously both series available for the first time. career has its compensations – Prime Minister, the men in Room 17 pull the strings that incompetent vet in this sharply notably the opportunity to encourage make the undercover world dance, without even leaving scripted BBC-1 sitcom from Men Nick is fortunate enough to have concerned clients to part with large the confines of their Whitehall office. inherited a successful rural practice Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye. sums of money, and to meet well- from his father. The problem is that Created by Big Breadwinner Hog’s Robin Chapman, this Running for two series, Beast also heeled, good-looking women, for brilliantly inventive Granada series gained cult status stars Emma Pierson, Sylvestra Le he isn’t especially fond of animals. whom he’s convinced his bedside early on and remains very much so to this day. 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 Man or anagram? Denholm Elliott plays the unusually-named Imrac Defraits TV ON AIR PHOTO FEATURE

“I tawt I taw a Pwime BRING THEIR CHRISTMAS Minister...” SHOW TO ITV

ne of the most successful double acts of all time, OMorecambe 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 , , , Leonard Rossiter, , 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 WEDNESDAY

6.30 Please, Sir! 9.00 Eric & Ernie’s For your festive entertainment, we’ve JOHN ALDERTON put together a line-up of programmes DERYCK GUYLER Christmas Show that you can schedule yourself using JOAN SANDERSON in And Everyone Came Too the Network DVD releases CLASSIC ITV Bernard and Penny dream of their wedding The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show CHRISTMAS COMEDY and MORECAMBE day. However, Potter as chief usher, class 3C has many facets, various aspects, several & WISE - THE CHRISTMAS SPECIALS. And as guests, and a forecast of snow could turn it points of view and a partridge in a pear tree. don’t forget, complete series sets of most into a nightmare... The complete Series set of Viewers will see Eric and Ernie as they have of these titles are also available. Click Please, Sir! is available on DVD. never seen them before: Ernie will sing Wag- on the titles and you’ll go straight to the WRITTEN BY JOHN ESMONDE AND BOB LARBEY ner’s Ring in its entirety and Eric will give his DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY MARK STUART impression of the last turkey in the shop. product page for each DVD. ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 27 DECEMBER 1970 WRITTEN BY EDDIE BRABEN, AND © 1970 WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED WITH ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY MORECAMBE & WISE 7.00 Only When I Laugh MUSICAL DIRECTOR PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY KEITH BECKETT JAMES BOLAM AND JOHN AMMONDS PETER BOWLES © 1978 LIMITED RICHARD WILSON in Away for Christmas It’s Christmas at the hospital, but can X-Ray 10.15 All This and A rubbish Christmas in store for the Dustbinmen, tonight at 7.30 Figgis and the others really expect any season- Christmas Too! al cheer from Doctor Thorpe? Complete series SID JAMES set now available on DVD. KENNETH CONNOR 7.00 Nearest and Dearest 8.30 Duty Free WRITTEN BY ERIC CHAPPELL DIRECTED AND Made in a gap year of no small screen Carry KEITH BARRON PRODUCED BY VERNON LAWRENCE On productions, this one-off special stars Sid In GWEN TAYLOR ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 24 DECEMBER 1981 James as Sid Jones, a put-upon father of two. Cindernellie JOANNA VAN GYSEGHEM © 1981 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION LIMITED NEIL STACY in Complete Series sets of Bless This House are Eli invests the factory’s Christmas Club mon- also available on DVD. ey in a local pantomime; the cast walks out and A Duty Free Christmas 7.30 Billy Liar WRITTEN BY SAM CREE Nellie and Eli undertake to star in the show In spite of her initial protests, David manages JEFF RAWLE GEORGE A. COOPER DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY BILL HITCHCOCK themselves. Complete Series sets of Nearest to persuade Amy to spend a Christmas holiday ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 24 DECEMBER 1971 and Dearest are also available on DVD. in Spain. By an extraordinary stroke of coinci- COLIN JEAVONS in © 1971 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION LIMITED dence Linda and Robert have also booked into The Gift of the Magi WRITTEN BY JOHN STEVENSON Christmas is coming and Mr Fisher instructs DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY BILL PODMORE the same hotel… The complete series of Duty ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 21 DECEMBER 1972 Free is now available on DVD. Billy to spend his savings on presents for his “Bring me snowballs...” Eric and Ernie indulge © 1972 GRANADA TELEVISION LIMITED WRITTEN BY ERIC CHAPPELL AND JEAN WARR family. Billy however, is more tempted by a DIRECTED BY LES CHATFI ELD pair of yellow trousers. Complete Series sets in some seasonal antics, tonight at 9.00 PRODUCED BY VERNON LAWRENCE of Billy Liar are also available on DVD. 7.30 The Dustbinmen ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 DECEMBER 1986 WRITTEN BY AND WILLIS BRYAN PRINGLE © 1986 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION LIMITED HALL TREVOR BANNISTER DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY STUART ALLEN Illustrated: Portakabin Type 3: sleeps a family of four GRAHAM HABERFIELD ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 21 DECEMBER 1973 plus six building site labourers (sorry, no pets) 9.00 Two’s Company © 1973 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED TIM WYLTON ELAINE STRITCH Christmas Special in Christmas in the Refuse Depot... the dustbin- A Loving Christmas 8.00 Bless Me Father GET AWAY men are celebrating. Not that there is much to Dorothy and her butler Robert are planning to The Queen’s speech? There’ll be a rather different version DANIEL ABINERI celebrate this year as tips have been rubbish! be away from each other this Christmas, but at from tonight at 9.30 GABRIELLE DAYE The complete Dustbinmen is available on DVD. home to someone special... The Complete Series The Season of Goodwill FROM IT ALL of Two’s Company is also available on DVD. WRITTEN BY JACK ROSENTHAL Father Duddleswell is consumed with the Christ- DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY DICK EVERITT WRITTEN BY BILL MACILWRAITH mas spirit, much to the dismay of housekeeper ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 NOVEMBER 1969 DIRECTED BY JOHN REARDON ON A FABULOUS © 1969 GRANADA TELEVISION LIMITED PRODUCED BY HUMPHREY BARCLAY Mrs Pring. The complete Bless Me Father is ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 DECEMBER 1976 now available on DVD. © 1976 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED WRITTEN BY PETER DE ROSA 8.00 DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY DAVID ASKEY PETER JONES ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 23 DECEMBER 1979 MIRIAM KARLIN 9.30 Stanley Baxter’s © 1979 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED on building sites, agricultural land and industrial estates CHRISTOPHER BEENY in Seagulls not included The Christmas Rush Christmas Box 8.30 CHOOSE FROM A FANTASTIC RANGE OF It may be Christmas, but will the running confl STANLEY BAXTER ict between Harold and Paddy at Fenner Fash- MIRIAM MARGOLYES • PORTAKABINS ions put a dampener on the festive spirit? The MORAY WATSON in complete LWT series of The Rag Trade is now Stanley Baxter presents a seasonal send-up Christmas Duty • PORTALOOS available on DVD. with all the trimmings. Amongst which are Stan and Jack discover, much to their an- WRITTEN BY RONALD WOLFE AND RONALD the Cinderella characters invading the laconic noyance, that they have been lumbered with • POTTING SHEDS CHESNEY Phillip Marlowe’s office and a Christmas appeal Christmas Day duty in the Depot, supervised For the fun way to get away, choose a super DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY BRYAN IZZARD on behalf of the Morally Inhibited. Stanley by Blakey. Complete Series sets of On the ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 24 DECEMBER 1977 SHED HOLIDAY. No fuss or facilities to worry Baxter: The Specials is also available on DVD Buses are also available on DVD © 1977 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED about. All sites located within ten minutes drive of WRITTEN BY KEN HOARE WRITTEN BY RONALD WOLFE AND RONALD As featured on the nearest public convenience, in breathtaking Up the workers... festivities at Fenner Fashions, DIRECTED BY BRUCE GOWERS CHESNEY “Who are you looking at?” BURNSIDE and chums looking mean and moody in black. PRODUCED BY HUMPHREY BARCLAY DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY STUART ALLEN BBC TV’s THAT’S LIFE industrial landscapes. Phone for details: tonight at 8.00 ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 26 DECEMBER 1976 ORIGINAL ITV TRANSMISSION 25 DECEMBER 1970 CONSUMER EXPLOITATION UK LTD, ESSEX. © 1976 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED © 1970 LONDON WEEKEND TELEVISION LIMITED 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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