Our take
The most thoroughly Christmassy of the revival's specials, stuffed with mince pies, shopping trips, a Christmas dinner invitation and a party for a couple married 50 Christmases. The mistletoe pies are Granville's most shameless bit of salesmanship in years, and the anniversary plot, with two well-loved guest actors, gives the ending a little warmth. It is the only Christmas episode of the run the BBFC rated U.
What happens
It is Christmas in the corner shop, and Granville has a large consignment of mistletoe mince pies to shift. His sales pitch promises romantic enhancement in every box, which Eric and Cyril refuse to fall for, though they may have been too hasty in case the pies actually work. Mrs Featherstone, the Black Widow, decides she is taking Mr Newbold Christmas shopping. Madge and Mavis discuss whether to invite Gastric for Christmas dinner. Leroy tries to enlist Ruby's help to stop Beth seeing Gerald, and nearly blows it with a chance encounter at the allotment. Back at the community hall, everyone gets into the festive spirit arranging a surprise party for Annie and George Thompson, who are celebrating 50 Christmases together, but nobody can find the happy couple.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated U by the BBFC for very mild innuendo, so suitable for all ages.
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
- Geoffrey Whitehead as Mr Newbold
- Katie Redford as Beth
- Sophie Willan as Ruby
- Roger Sloman as George
- Rita Tushingham as Annie
Writer
- Roy Clarke
Director
- Dewi Humphreys