Our take
The first of the revival's proper Christmas episodes, and the one that settles the formula: a seasonal bargain for the grocer to chase, a scheme to get past a disapproving sister, and two hopeless husbands doing something daft in the background. It is warm and slow in the old way. The tree business and the drinks party give it a genuine festive feel, and Granville, still pining for Mavis, is the heart of it.
What happens
It is Christmas at Arkwright's, and Granville has his eye on a Christmas tree that turns out to give him a good deal more than he bargained for. Nurse Gladys, who has a new job, gossips with Mrs Featherstone about how to go about it. Eric and Cyril set out on a new fitness plan to impress their wives. Meanwhile Granville plans a cosy festive drinks party and enlists Gastric's help, the two of them hoping to tempt the prickly Madge into the Christmas spirit.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated PG by the BBFC for mild sex references; fine for most families.
Cast and crew
Starring
- David Jason as Granville
- James Baxter as Leroy
- Stephanie Cole as Mrs Featherstone
- Maggie Ollerenshaw as Mavis
- Brigit Forsyth as Madge
- Johnny Vegas as Wet Eric
- Kulvinder Ghir as Cyril
- Tim Healy as Gastric
Guest stars
- Sally Lindsay as Kath
- Nina Wadia as Mrs Hussein
- Lynda Baron as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel
- Duggie Brown as Dog Man
Writer
- Roy Clarke
Director
- Dewi Humphreys