Christmas eve critics’ choice

Are you one of those people who leaves your Christmas shopping until the last minute, and then faces a mad dash to locate gifts for your lovedones? If so, then you will have some sympathy for Stephen Merchant’s character Andrew in this one-off comedy. It’s Rob Brydon hosts a festive edition of the comedy panel show. Joining team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack for the Christmas fun are comedian James Acaster, singer-songwriter Lily Allen, Peter Kay’s Car Share star Sian Gibson and former Slade frontman Noddy Holder. Ghost story written and directed by Mark Gatiss that is set in the studios of a longrunning radio horror series. The presenter of the show (Simon Callow) resents the fact that he must adapt to changing times and tastes, but during an eerie night’s work, he begins to suspect that dark forces are at work.

thecouriermagazine Christmas Eve and Andrew has failed to buy the one present his six-year-old daughter really wants - Sparklehoof the Unicorn Princess. As it also happens to be the must-have toy of the season, he can’t track one down in London for love nor money. However, help is at hand from Andrew’s irritating neighbour Dev (Asim Chaudhry). Nicky and Steve make a pact not to celebrate Christmas and are determined to treat it just like any other day. However when Nicky takes pity on Alice, a wily elderly woman from the village, they find themselves hosting a drinks party on Christmas Eve. Nicky’s Dad is invited, as are Matt and Meena. This festive episode from 1996 finds the Craggy Island clerics and six other priests lost in what seems to be the world’s largest lingerie department, with only Ted’s quick thinking preventing the Catholic Church being rocked by a scandal. His bravery earns him the Golden Cleric award.