Our take
The warmest of the later specials and the most Christmassy, with a proper houseful round the dinner table. Peter Martin's next-door neighbour gets the episode's best material and nearly steals it. Barbara run ragged while Jim plays the invalid is a simple engine, and Sue Johnston drives it beautifully. Joanne Froggatt is a nice addition as Antony's girlfriend, and the dinner table has rarely looked fuller.
What happens
It is Christmas Day at the Royles' and Barbara is up to her eyes in it, because Jim is out of action after an unfortunate incident in the precinct and cannot get out of his chair. Barbara does all the work as the guests arrive and the family slump, stuffed, on the sofa. Dave and Denise are feeling the pinch of the recession more than anyone and worry that Antony's lavish presents will show up their own gift, a fridge magnet. Antony's pregnant girlfriend Saskia is there too. Next door's Joe joins them for the day and reminisces about a tipsy evening of naked wrestling in front of the fire with Bobby Carter, while his daughter Cheryl recounts a romantic encounter in the local supermarket car park. It is a full house, a full table and a Christmas that runs entirely on Barbara.
Can the kids watch it?
No BBFC record found; BBC iPlayer warns of adult humour, and the talk includes sexual stories, so teenagers and up.