![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/p0mjbf53.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPublished: 12:01 am, 24 November 2025<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
(Image: BBC\/Chris Mills)<\/p>\n
This Christmas, listeners can enjoy a dazzling mix of music, comedy, drama and cultural highlights across every network.<\/p>\n
Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer, says: \u201cChristmas on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds is all about bringing people together through the power of audio. This year, we\u2019re offering listeners an extraordinary mix of music, drama, comedy and conversation \u2013 from festive favourites to brand-new specials. Whether you\u2019re tuning in for iconic voices, family entertainment or inspiration and reflection, we\u2019re proud to make BBC Radio the soundtrack to the season.”<\/p>\n
There\u2019s something for every listener, from a festive edition of Desert Island Discs with Kate Winslet on BBC Radio 4 to a Christmas Day special with Jane McDonald and Trevor Nelson celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder on BBC Radio 2. Danny Robins teams up with Diane Morgan for The Uncanny Christmas Casebook on BBC Sounds and Cate Blanchett tries her hand as a guest editor for the Today programme alongside Melvyn Bragg and Theresa May, and others.<\/p>\n
There are festive playlists for every mood on BBC Sounds, whether it is Sophie Ellis\u2011Bextor turning up the sparkle, Jarvis Cocker curating a winter\u2019s hush or Romesh Ranganathan digging deep into festive hip hop. Lean into that moment between Christmas and New Year with a host of comforting Morning After Mixes for slow, gentle, mornings. For those who prefer their Christmas with a twist Indie Forever, delivers a host of alternative festive gems including Christmas Indie requests from English Teacher, The Mysterines and more.<\/p>\n
Families can join in too, with CBeebies Radio lighting up the season through back\u2011to\u2011back Christmas songs and the annual Cinderella panto and special editions of Greg Jenner\u2019s You\u2019re Dead to Me: Dead Funny History and Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken\u2019s What\u2019s Up Docs?<\/p>\n
Radio 1<\/a>\u00a0brings festive cheer with the exclusive reveal of the Official Christmas Number 1 and the return of the Presenter Takeover which gives brand new DJs an opportunity to host some of the most famous shows on the network. Radio 1Xtra<\/a> turns up the fun with Shortee Blitz\u2019s Christmas Mixtape of hip hop, R&B, grime and dancehall, while BBC Asian Network<\/a> fuses the best Asian sounds with classic Christmas hits in unique mixes for the season.<\/p>\n On Radio 2<\/a>,\u00a0audiences can enjoy Christmas day with Jane McDonald, Lorraine Kelly makes her Radio 2 debut in the Jeremy Vine slot, Trevor Nelson counts down listeners\u2019 favourite Stevie Wonder songs and the station celebrates the incredible career of Johnnie Walker MBE.<\/p>\n Radio 3<\/a>\u00a0blends tradition, reflection and celebration with Carols Across the Country, live broadcasts from dawn to dusk, and a landmark Advent service from St John\u2019s College, Cambridge, marking Sir John Rutter\u2019s 80th birthday. The BBC\u2019s Orchestras and Choirs will also be presenting concerts throughout the festive season.<\/p>\n Radio 4<\/a>\u00a0celebrates 75 years of The Archers while seasonal comedy, drama and music specials add sparkle across the schedule, from Julian Clary\u2019s I Don\u2019t Do\u2026 Christmas! to Bill Bailey\u2019s With Great Pleasure as well as a new adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse\u2019s Joy in the Morning and a new performance of T.S. Eliot\u2019s Murder in the Cathedral. In addition, there are moments of worship and reflection, including a Christmas Day Service from Leeds Cathedral and Midnight Mass live from Liverpool.<\/p>\n BBC Radio 5 Live<\/a>\u00a0brings festive cheer with a packed Christmas schedule of live sport and special shows, including Elis James and John Robins celebrating their 500th episode, Roman Kemp and Tom Grennan\u2019s festive You About? and The Wayne Rooney Show. Cricket takes centre stage with coverage of The Ashes and an unmissable build up to the Fourth Test with Test Match Special and the 5 Live Sports Extra team.<\/p>\n On 6 Music<\/a>,\u00a0Jarvis Cocker and Bill Nighy sit in for Iggy Pop, Beth Ditto curates indie disco hits, Nick Grimshaw reflects on the year, Craig Charles delivers funk and soul, and SHERELLE takes listeners into 2026 with a rave special.<\/p>\n BBC Local Radio<\/a> will bring communities together this festive season across all 39 stations. BBC presenter and Church of England,\u202fRev Frances Finn, will lead a nationwide seasonal service, sharing a message of hope and togetherness.<\/p>\n Finally, the World Service<\/a>\u00a0presents a rich global festive schedule, from The Arts Hour on Tour in Rome and Michael Symmons Roberts\u2019 Christmas card poem, to Witness History: The Origin of Famous Gifts, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, the Newshour Christmas Quiz and inspiring documentaries including Kibra Ballerinas.<\/p>\n Together, BBC Radio and BBC Sounds bring audiences a season of joy, laughter, reflection and discovery, the ultimate soundtrack to Christmas and New Year 2025.<\/p>\n BBC Sounds<\/p>\n Step into Christmas with BBC Sounds, where listeners can enjoy a range of offerings from Mariah to Bubl\u00e9, Wham! to Wizzard – all wrapped up in Christmas Music and lovingly hand\u2011picked by presenters who know exactly how to soundtrack every mood. Whether it\u2019s Sophie Ellis\u2011Bextor turning up the sparkle, Jarvis Cocker curating a winter\u2019s hush, or Romesh Ranganathan digging deep into festive hip-hop, there\u2019s a mix for every occasion – like Indie Forever, with a host of alternative festive gems for those who prefer their Christmas with a twist.<\/p>\n New Year Sounds ushers in 2026 with Sophie Ellis\u2011Bextor\u2019s glittering Kitchen Disco, 6 Music’s blissful post-Christmas Morning After Mix specials, and Radio 1 Anthems: 2025, a playlist of pure pop fireworks.<\/p>\n For families, Greg Jenner serves up You\u2019re Dead to Me: Dead Funny History, a daily dose of brilliantly bonkers tales featuring pirates, spies, ancient toilets and even a pig named Albert. Steal a moment away from the hustle and bustle of festivities to listen to the expertise of Doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken, who return with What\u2019s Up Docs? They\u2019re asking whether comfort makes us weaker and if joy is really all it\u2019s cracked up to be. Meanwhile, Danny Robins teams up with Diane Morgan for The Uncanny Christmas Casebook, unwrapping ghostly encounters that bring anything but good tidings of comfort and joy…<\/p>\n BBC Sounds adds extra depth to its festive line\u2011up with a rich slate of titles acquired especially for the season, spanning ghost stories, folklore, true crime and gripping drama. Sir David Suchet brings dramatic flair to Charles Dickens\u2019 Ghost Stories, reading nine of Dickens\u2019 most atmospheric tales including, of course, A Christmas Carol. Folklore takes centre stage in a special live edition of Weird in the Wade, and for true crime fans there\u2019s Carrie Jade Does Not Exist, hosted by Sue Perkins and Katherine Denkinson. Cold Tapes also delivers a chilling murder mystery for the drama lovers.<\/p>\n From boxsets to binge, festive specials to spine\u2011tinglers, and playlists to power every party, BBC Sounds has got all listeners covered this Christmas and New Year.<\/p>\n Festive Podcasts\u00a0 Tuesday 23 December<\/p>\n Case 9: Uncanny Christmas Special with Diane Morgan<\/p>\n Danny unpacks a Christmas hamper of horror with ghost fan Diane Morgan, star of Motherland, After Life and Philomena Cunk. Diane relates several of her own terrifying encounters with the paranormal, and crosses swords with sceptic Dr Ciaran O\u2019Keeffe as they hear supernatural real-life stories from Uncanny listeners.<\/p>\n Written and presented by: Danny Robins\u00a0 A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.<\/p>\n Listen to Uncanny on BBC Sounds<\/a><\/p>\n RB<\/p>\n You\u2019re Dead to Me: Dead Funny History<\/p>\n New series launches Monday 15 December.\u00a0Three special episodes will be broadcast on Radio 4 on 19 December, 26 December and 2 January.<\/p>\n Attention kids of all ages! Dead Funny History is the brand-new comedy history show for everyone aged 8 to 108, from the team behind the hit Radio 4 podcast You\u2019re Dead to Me.<\/p>\n What links a 70-foot colossus to the prettiest cow in Ancient Egypt? Which world-famous siblings began as terrible teachers? And what was the surprisingly dangerous Christmas game in medieval Britain? From Ramesses the Great to the Bront\u00eb sisters to the history of football, Greg Jenner serves up a smorgasbord of the funniest, messiest, and most astonishing stories from history.<\/p>\n Expect pirates, spies, superstars, chariot races, bouncing cats, ancient toilets, radioactive notebooks, and a pig named Albert, all crammed into 14-minute episodes packed with jokes and sketches.<\/p>\n Dead Funny History is a brilliantly bonkers historical romp for the whole family to enjoy.<\/p>\n Starring: Richard David Caine (Horrible Histories), Mali Ann Rees (Mammoth), and John-Luke Roberts (Sound Heap), with scripts by top comedy writers Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Jack Bernhardt, Athena Kugblenu, and You\u2019re Dead to Me\u2019s own Dr Emma Nagouse.<\/p>\n Presenter: Greg Jenner<\/p>\n Written by: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Jack Bernhardt, Athena Kugblenu, Dr Emma Nagouse<\/p>\n Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner<\/p>\n Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production<\/p>\n BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.<\/p>\n LS<\/p>\n Complex with Kimberley Wilson<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December, Wednesday 31 December<\/p>\n Gratitude with Joanna Rodriguez, Wednesday 24 December<\/p>\n Kimberley digs into the complexity of gratitude \u2013 why is that when we should be feeling grateful, we often feel bad? Together with her guest, health psychologist Joanna Rodriguez, she explores how we can feel gratitude \u2013 authentically.<\/p>\n Presenter: Kimberley Wilson<\/p>\n Producer: Loftus Media for BBC Sounds<\/p>\n LS<\/p>\n Self-Acceptance with Dr Xand Van Tulleken, Wednesday\u00a031 December<\/p>\n In this special episode to mark the coming of a new year, Kimberley invites Dr Xand van Tulleken, host of sister podcast What\u2019s Up Docs?, to share his struggles with self-acceptance. What can he do about it? And what can all of us do to learn to live with ourselves better, with all our quirks, faults and idiosyncrasies?<\/p>\n Presenter: Kimberley Wilson<\/p>\n Producer: Loftus Media for BBC Sounds<\/p>\n LS<\/p>\n What\u2019s Up Docs?<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, Tuesday 30 December<\/p>\n Listen to\u00a0What\u2019s Up Docs? on BBC Sounds<\/a><\/p>\n Comfort –\u00a0How can you find comfort in the winter months? (W\/t)<\/p>\n Should we hibernate through winter or face up to the cold? Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the concept of comfort and how it can impact our health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n As days shorten, darkness descends and temperatures drop, most of us instinctively seek comfort – candles, chocolate, central heating, and carbs! And whilst everyone loves a woolly blanket by an open fire, What\u2019s Up Docs? wonders if these winter comforts and the quest for instant coziness, are ultimately making us weaker. Have we lost sight of what comfort really means?<\/p>\n In ancient times, winter rituals had purpose: bringing evergreen trees indoors to give us hope of spring’s return, gathering round an open fire, eating hearty, preserved foods vital to survival. These practices aligned with our evolutionary instincts. But now many of us can access these comforts all year round wherever we are. Xand, who definitely likes a bit of Scandi \u2018Hygge\u2019, thinks we need to get back to our ancestral past to rediscover the true meaning of comfort. Chris, on the other hand, believes we\u2019ve got comfort all wrong and what we really need to focus on is discomfort.<\/p>\n The science suggests both might be right. Cold exposure, from bracing walks to wild swimming to turning the thermostat down, can boost metabolism, resilience, and antioxidant defences. This kind of beneficial stress might just be exactly what our over-comfortable lives are missing. The episode explores what comfort means neurologically, why nostalgia feels so soothing and what the ancients could teach us about resilience and facing winter head-on.<\/p>\n Presented by: Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken<\/p>\n Producer: Rami Tzabar<\/p>\n Executive Producer: Jo RowntreeA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds<\/p>\n A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds<\/p>\n LS<\/p>\n Joy – Do we need joy to be truly happy? (W\/t)<\/p>\n Tuesday 30 December<\/p>\n Must we all be merry? As December demands relentless festive cheer, What’s Up Docs? asks whether the pressure to feel joyful is making us miserable. The science is clear: genuine happiness can boost immunity, improve heart health, and help you live longer. But there’s a darker side to forced jollity. Too much positive emotion can become insensitive or disconnected from context. The line between festive high spirits and genuine mania, with its impulsivity and irritability, can be surprisingly thin.<\/p>\n In this episode, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken debate whether our modern obsession with joy is healthy or just another form of seasonal tyranny. What does joy mean neurologically? Can you manufacture it, or does trying too hard guarantee disappointment? And crucially, is being joyous all the time desirable, or do we need emotional range to stay psychologically balanced? In a month devoted to excess and expectation, the twins explore how to find genuine moments of joy without succumbing to the exhausting pressure of looking happy for social media or collapsing into a full-blown festive burnout.<\/p>\n Presented by: Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken<\/p>\n Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis\u00a0<\/p>\n Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree<\/p>\n A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds<\/p>\n LS<\/p>\n Christmas Music<\/p>\n Christmas Music is covered on BBC Sounds! From Mariah to East 17 to Bubl\u00e9 and everything in between, it\u2019s all right here in one place, lovingly compiled by your favourite BBC presenters, tailored to match every festive mood. Within the Christmas Music brand, you\u2019ll find..<\/p>\n Christmas Hits: Huge Christmas anthems we all know and love! Expect everything from Wham! to Wizzard, with hours of the biggest festive bangers picked by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Greg James, Fearne Cotton and more<\/p>\n Christmas Chill: Beautifully curated musical escapes, with fresh festive episodes of much-loved favourites The Mindful Mix and The Sleeping Forecast, including a special with Jarvis Cocker<\/p>\n Christmas Throwback: From Brenda Lee to Run-DMC, nostalgic blasts from Christmas past including Romesh Ranganathan\u2019s For The Love of Christmas Hip Hop and festive specials of Pick of the Pops and 1Xtra\u2019s Throwback Party Christmas Indie.<\/p>\n New this year: a feast of alternative festive gems, including Elis & John\u2019s Alternative Christmas playlist and brand-new festive editions of Indie Forever and The Morning After Mix.<\/p>\n Listen to Christmas Music on BBC Sounds<\/a><\/p>\n New Year Sounds<\/p>\n Whether you want to start the new year party or let the dust settle after a hectic festive season, we have the perfect music to take you right through from Christmas and into 2026, including:<\/p>\n Pop queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor serves up a fresh batch of her favourite feel-good songs and personal pop star tales to see in 2026, in Sophie Ellis-Bextor\u2019s Kitchen Disco: New Year\u2019s Eve Special.<\/p>\n The Morning After Mix lands just as things are getting a bit much, with specially curated live programming with Nick Grimshaw and more on BBC 6 Music across Boxing Day and New Year\u2019s Day, with sublime music and a brand new guest.<\/p>\n Morning After Mixes from a host of acclaimed musicians, helping you reset and get ready for the new year.<\/p>\n Celebrate the biggest, brightest and best pop bangers from the past twelve months, with some of the year\u2019s finest pop moments back-to-back in one great brand-new playlist: Radio 1 Anthems: 2025.<\/p>\n BBC Radio 1<\/p>\n This Christmas, BBC Radio 1 will be bringing the best of festive cheer to listeners with lots of special content, from exclusively revealing this year\u2019s Christmas Number 1 to the return of the station\u2019s Christmas Presenter Takeover.<\/p>\n Radio 1 Anthems<\/p>\n Thursday 11 December \u2013 Thursday 25 December<\/p>\n From 11 December, Radio 1 Anthems will be providing a Christmas pick-me-up whenever you need it with Christmas tracks all day. There will also be special festive shows hosted by Greg James, Jamie Laing, Sophie Habboo, Dean McCullough, Katie Thistleton, Matt and Mollie, Sam and Danni, Nat and Vicky and Lauren Redfern.<\/p>\n Radio 1\u2019s Happy Anthems<\/p>\n Monday 24 November<\/p>\n Radio 1 Happy will have a special uplifting show playing all the Christmas hits and party bangers, available now on BBC Sounds.<\/p>\n Jack Saunders reveals The Official Christmas Number 1<\/p>\n Friday 19 December, 4pm\u20135.45pm<\/p>\n Jack Saunders will count down the Christmas Top 40 and reveal the Christmas Number 1 on The Official Chart on Radio 1.<\/p>\n Presenter: Jack Saunders<\/p>\n Production: BBC Audio Radio 1<\/p>\n FM<\/p>\n BBC Radio 1Xtra<\/p>\n BBC Radio 1Xtra will turn up the festive fun this Christmas with an array of special programmes across the network. Kicking off on BBC Sounds, 1Xtra\u2019s Christmas Mixtape with Shortee Blitz, a one-hour mix of the best Hip Hop, R&B, Grime and Dancehall Christmas Songs, will be available from 1 December.<\/p>\n On Tuesday 9 December, Remi Burgz will host a Christmas themed Live Lounge with the Flames Collective featuring Beverley Knight and Debbie.<\/p>\n 1Xtra will host a day of Christmas party-themed shows on Thursday 11 December, including special live performances from some of 2025\u2019s hottest artists on DJ Target\u2019s show (7pm-9pm). The week before Christmas will see \u2018Best of 2025\u2019 shows from Sian Anderson (Monday, 9pm-11pm), Snoochie Shy (Monday, 11pm-1am), CassKidd (Tuesday, 9pm-11pm), Sir Spyro (Tuesday, 11pm-1am) and Kenny Allstar (Friday, 11pm-12:30am). On Sunday 21 December, Trevor Nelson (11am-1pm) will host a special Christmas show and Heartless Crew will perform 1Xtra\u2019s Heartless Panto (7pm-9pm) which will be repeated on Christmas Eve. Swarzy will get listeners in the festive spirit on Christmas Day with a 1Xtra Gospel Christmas special (1pm-4pm) before listeners join the 1Xtra family for 1Xtra\u2019s DJ Christmas Dinner show (4pm-7pm).<\/p>\n To celebrate New Year\u2019s Eve, 1Xtra will host a special countdown show \u20181Xtra\u2019s Biggest Songs of 2025\u2019 (8pm-10pm) and will see in the New Year with 1Xtra\u2019s New Year\u2019s Eve Party Show, hosted by Kash & Pharaoh G (10pm-1am).<\/p>\n The week before Christmas will see \u2018Best of 2025\u2019 shows from Sian Anderson (Monday, 9pm-11pm), Snoochie Shy (Monday, 11pm-1am), CassKidd (Tuesday, 9pm-11pm), Sir Spyro (Tuesday, 11pm-1am) and Kenny Allstar (Friday, 11pm-12:30am). On Sunday 21 December, Trevor Nelson (11am-1pm) will host a special Christmas show and Heartless Crew will perform 1Xtra\u2019s Heartless Panto (7pm-9pm) which will be repeated on Christmas Eve.<\/p>\n Swarzy will get listeners in the festive spirit on Christmas Day with a 1Xtra Gospel Christmas special (1pm-4pm) before listeners join the 1Xtra family for 1Xtra\u2019s DJ Christmas Dinner show (4pm-7pm).<\/p>\n To celebrate New Year\u2019s Eve, 1Xtra will host a special countdown show \u20181Xtra\u2019s Biggest Songs of 2025\u2019 (8pm-10pm) and will see in the New Year with 1Xtra\u2019s New Year\u2019s Eve Party Show, hosted by Kash & Pharaoh G (10pm-1am)<\/p>\n GD2<\/p>\n BBC Asian Network<\/p>\n BBC Asian Network will start their Christmas celebrations in early December with a raft of Christmas Mixes available on BBC Sounds, taking the best Asian sounds and fusing them with well-known Christmas hits from years gone by, for everyone to enjoy something unique over the festive period.<\/p>\n From 8 December, Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda will play some of the best reactions and chats from the popular \u2018Ball Bag\u2019 feature, renaming it \u2018Bauble Bag\u2019 for the festive period. This end of year roundup will include interviews from Ed Sheeran, Priyanka Chopra and John Cena.<\/p>\n On 30 December, the network will relive the successful Ultimate Asian Music Chart Vote counting down the top 50 tracks, as chosen by listeners earlier this year.<\/p>\n To celebrate New Year\u2019s Eve, Asian Network will play an All-Day Certified Party which will run until 1am. As a New Year\u2019s Day special, the network will host a day of Bollywood Singalong Anthems.<\/p>\n GD2<\/p>\n BBC Radio 2<\/p>\n The festive season on BBC Radio 2 kicks off on Monday 22nd December. Lorraine Kelly makes her Radio 2 debut by taking over the Jeremy Vine slot for a few days (12\u20132pm, 22\u201324 December), where she\u2019ll be covering the news stories of the day.<\/p>\n On Sunday 28 December, listeners can join a two-part celebration of the incredible radio career of much-loved Radio 2 DJ, Johnnie Walker MBE (3-5pm).<\/p>\n Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring feel-good fun from OJ Borg, DJ Spoony and Jane McDonald, while Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tony Blackburn and Michelle Visage keep the party going through New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n On Thursday 1 January, Trevor Nelson counts down Radio 2 listeners\u2019 favourite Stevie Wonder songs in \u2018Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder song\u2019, to mark 60 years since his first UK Top 40 hit, and 50 years since the release of his landmark album Songs In The Key Of Life (3-5pm) and Stevie Wonder superfan DJ Spoony follows Trevor with an hour-long special, The Wonder of Stevie (5-6pm).<\/p>\n Jeremy Vine\u2026 Lorraine Kelly sits in<\/p>\n Monday 22 December – Wednesday 24 December, 12pm-2pm<\/p>\n As Jeremy takes a break, Lorraine Kelly makes her Radio 2 debut by taking over the hot seat.<\/p>\n Lorraine says: \u201cI\u2019m absolutely chuffed to be stepping in for Jeremy Vine over Christmas! It\u2019s such a joyful, feel-good time of year, and I can\u2019t wait to spend the afternoons with Radio 2 listeners \u2014 we\u2019ll have loads of festive fun, great chats and plenty of laughs. Radio 2 listeners are in for a real treat \u2014 it\u2019s going to be a Christmas cracker!\u201d<\/p>\n On 24 December, listeners thank a 2025 hero: someone who did something incredible for them over the last year.<\/p>\n Deputy presenter: Lorraine Kelly<\/p>\n Producer: Tim Collins for BBC Audio<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Radio 2 All Stars<\/p>\n Monday 22 December, 9-10pm<\/p>\n Dermot invites three of his fellow Radio 2 presenters to chat about how they ended up behind the microphone at the UK\u2019s most listened to single radio station, which has an audience of 12.8m listeners each week.<\/p>\n This time it\u2019s Friday night\u2019s Kitchen Disco host Sophie Ellis Bextor – who began her career as an indie rocker in the audience. Alongside her is the host of the Radio 2 Rock Show – Shaun Keaveny. His path to Radio 2 came via XFM and BBC 6 Music, where he had an army of ardent fans who lapped up his much-loved laconic manner. And finally, weekday overnight host OJ Borg, who began his radio career on hospital radio – where the studio wasn’t plugged in, so no one could hear him.<\/p>\n Presenter: Dermot O\u2019Leary<\/p>\n Producer: Ben Walker for An Ora et Labora TV production<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Owain Wyn Evans\u2026 Steffan Powell sits in<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 and Friday 26 December, 4-6am<\/p>\n Steffan Powell sits in for Owain Wyn Evans on Early Breakfast, live from Cardiff Wednesday 24 and Friday 26 December. Listeners can test their musical knowledge and skill with The Rewinder at 6.15am and get clued up on everything they need to know as they start their day or wind down from the night shift.<\/p>\n Deputy Presenter: Steffan Powell<\/p>\n Producer: Vicki Blight-Pitt for Bengo Production<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Driving Home for Christmas with Spoony<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December, 4-7pm<\/p>\n DJ Spoony is driving listeners home for Christmas with festive fun and tunes, and he\u2019ll be inviting listeners to message in with their plans for the big day.<\/p>\n Presenter: DJ Spoony<\/p>\n Producer: Andy Warrell for BBC Audio<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Mariah\u2019s Christmas Hour<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December, 9-10pm<\/p>\n Another chance to hear the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, make her world exclusive radio presenting debut in this hour-long festive special on the UK\u2019s most listened to radio station as she celebrated the 30th anniversary of the blockbuster hit, \u201cAll I Want For Christmas Is You\u201d, the most streamed Christmas song of all-time.<\/p>\n The show features Mariah\u2019s personally curated playlist and includes Christmas classics old and new from the artists who have inspired her, including Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Nat King Cole, Whitney Houston, The Jackson Five and Destiny’s Child.<\/p>\n Plus, Mariah takes the opportunity to thank her fans for continuing to make new memories with her Christmas smash-hit. She told listeners, \u201cI can’t wait to spend Christmas with you on BBC Radio 2\u2026 I hope you are feeling warm and cosy and having your own Holly Jolly Christmas. I would like to thank all of my fans in the UK and around the world for continuing to make special memories with All I Want For Christmas Is You, it really means the world to me.\u201d<\/p>\n This is an hour of the most soulful festive music, perfect for getting you into the spirit of the season and brought to you by the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey.<\/p>\n Producer: Ste Softley for Mostest Ltd<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n A-Z Of Christmas Films<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December, 10pm-12am<\/p>\n Film critic James King takes us through the winter wonderland of Christmas movies. The journey starts at “A for Animation” – James listing some of the most well-known titles we all know and love \u2013 and from there on there will be stops at the favourites, the forgotten\u2026and the turkeys.<\/p>\n James is joined by a string of guests along the way: Radio 2\u2019s cheesy Christmas film superfan, Scott Mills; Wallace and Gromit creator, Nick Park; The Snowman and the Snowdog music composer, Andy Burrows; The Muppet Christmas Carol star, Meredith Braun; award-winning set designer, Jon Hutman; Judy Cornwell, AKA Daisy in Keeping Up Appearances, and Anya Claus in Santa Claus the Movie; Joel Montague, star of West End hit musical, Elf; Mandy Macintosh, whose Love Actually-inspired wedding in Cleveland, Ohio, became an internet sensation back in 2011, plus a handful of film-lovers explain which Christmas movie is their all-time favourite.<\/p>\n This is a trip down many snow-filled memory lanes for all the family, for all film lovers and for the big kid at Christmas in all of us, packed with some of the most recognisable soundtracks created.<\/p>\n Producer: Ste Softley for Mostest Ltd<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n OJ\u2019s Christmas One Hit Wonders<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 3-4am<\/p>\n OJ\u2019s Christmas One Hit Wonders is a packed hour-long festive special diving into some of the biggest, best and most bizarre seasonal hits ranging from 1953 to 2009. Radio 2 presenters share their memories of these unlikely chart-toppers, while OJ dips into classic archive from Top of the Pops and beyond. Expect festive flashbacks from Mike Flowers Pops, Chef (Isaac Hayes), Mr Blobby, Dora Bryan and more \u2013 plus a chat with vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant, best known for Fame Academy and Pop Idol.<\/p>\n Presenter: OJ<\/p>\n Producer: Dan Markham and Sophie Tibbles for Audio Always<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Good Morning Christmas<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 8-10am<\/p>\n Today, the Reverend Kate Bottley will be providing listeners with reflection and celebration, waking up the audience with all their Christmas shoutouts whether they’re opening stockings, heading to church, travelling to see family, or prepping lunch to celebrate this special day.<\/p>\n Presenters: Rev Kate Bottley<\/p>\n Producer: Jenny Smith for Audio Always Limited<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Christmas with Jane McDonald<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 12-2pm<\/p>\n Listeners can spend Christmas with Jane McDonald who is back for two hours of festive fun for all the family. Jane – a self-confessed disaster in the kitchen \u2013 will be responding to listeners\u2019 tips for preparing the Christmas dinner, as well as hearing all about quirky Christmas snacks (a \u201cWakey Wrap\u201d, anyone?), chatting about her favourite Christmas films and novelty Christmas no.1 singles.<\/p>\n Jane will also be sharing heartwarming stories of Christmases gone by and reflecting on the year, thanking those who have done their bit for the good of others.<\/p>\n Plus as many Christmas hits Jane can squash into two hours including golden oldies from the likes of Wham!, Nat King Cole and Shakin\u2019 Stevens, newer favourites from Taylor Swift and Idina Menzel, and a few silly ones along the way.<\/p>\n This is a show for all ages, perfect for a family get-together, company for those who might be spending Christmas alone, Jane isn\u2019t leaving anyone out in the cold. However, she does insist that you at least wear \u201csomething Christmassy\u201d and \u201cyou must embrace the Christmas spirit\u2026no bah-humbugs here!\u201d<\/p>\n Producer: Ste Softley for Mostest Ltd<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Pick of the Pops<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 4-7pm<\/p>\n In a special festive edition, Mark Goodier counts down the Christmas charts from 1975, 1985 and 1995! Featuring hits from David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, and Queen, plus all-time festive favourites from Wham!, Band Aid, Greg Lake, Bruce Springsteen and Shakin’ Stevens.<\/p>\n Presenter: Mark Goodier<\/p>\n Producer: Sarah Harrison for BBC Audio<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Beverley Knight’s Great British Gospel Christmas<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December 2025, 8pm – 10pm<\/p>\n Star of Soul and stage Beverley Knight returns with two hours of festive faves and Gospel artists from the UK. She’s also joined by Gospel and Dance legend, Candi Staton, who shares the surprising story of her hit ‘You Got The Love’ and how she’s spending her Christmas with her 42 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cosy in with our Bev for a lovely Xmas evening.<\/p>\n Presenter: Beverly Knight<\/p>\n Producer: Bernard Achampong<\/p>\n Trevor Nelson\u2019s Soul Christmas<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 9-11pm<\/p>\n Trevor Nelson once again brings his Soul Christmas show to Radio 2, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-hour concert of re-imagined and re-scored soul and RnB tracks features a host of amazing guest vocalists accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra and led by MD Troy Miller. It promises to be an unforgettable festive treat.<\/p>\n Presenter: Trevor Nelson<\/p>\n Producer: Joe Haddow for Spiritland<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Johnnie Walker: A Celebration – Part One<\/p>\n Sunday 28 December, 3-4pm<\/p>\n Today, listeners can join a celebration of the incredible radio career of Johnnie Walker MBE, which spanned over five decades, with a very special event recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in London. From making waves on Radio Caroline with the Pirates to becoming a voice synonymous with BBC Radio, Johnnie was a true broadcasting giant.<\/p>\n Host Jo Whiley led the celebrations in front of an invited audience which included family, friends, production staff and colleagues from across his career, artists and people who he worked with. It was a fabulous opportunity to hear Johnnie’s voice right through his career, whilst sharing special memories with his fellow presenters and watching some incredible live performances.<\/p>\n The audience on the night had no idea what awaited them \u2014 and in that same spirit, you may wish to stop reading now if you\u2019d prefer to experience the audio surprises in this programme for yourself!<\/p>\n Listeners will hear Bernard Butler on guitar flanked by the BBC Concert Orchestra, with a fabulous live rendition of Duane Eddy’s “Because They’re Young”, Johnnie’s iconic theme, which he played throughout his incredible career.<\/p>\n Throughout the evening there were special video moments, narrated by Johnnie, describing the various stages of his colourful career. These were accompanied by tributes and anecdotes from some of the greatest stars including Sir Brian May, Sir Elton John, Alice Cooper, Francis Rossi, Roger Daltrey, Pauline Black, Robert Plant, Suzi Quatro, Nile Rodgers, Paul Rodgers, Johnny Marr, Joan Armatrading, Dr Hook, Michael Ball, Peter Kay, Leo Sayer, Bonnie Raitt, Mick Fleetwood, Sir Rod Stewart, Mark Knopfler, Midge Ure, Joe Elliot and Hugh Bonneville.<\/p>\n Jo was also joined on stage by former radio colleagues and artists including Graham Gouldman of 10CC, Tom Robinson, Tony Blackburn, Ralph Bernard, Sally \u2018Traffic\u2019 Boazman, Mark Goodier and Bob Harris, who shared previously unheard memories of Johnnie.<\/p>\n Johnnie’s wife, Tiggy, also came on stage to eloquently describe other aspects of Johnnie’s life including their brilliant work for Carers UK.<\/p>\n Johnnie only ever hung one Gold Disc on his walls at home and it stayed there right up to his final show – it was for the massive Elton John & Kiki Dee hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – so it was perfect, to have Kiki Dee come and perform a very special version of this track.<\/p>\n Keyboardist extraordinaire, Rick Wakeman, beautifully played a piano piece that he performed at Johnnie’s funeral – “Gone But Not Forgotten” – a piece of music that Rick only has played for the most special people in his life.<\/p>\n The evening concluded with a wonderful moving musical crescendo – Johnnie’s all time favourite song “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” – Emeli Sande brought her incredible voice for a stunning rendition of this timeless track. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.<\/p>\n We were left with Johnnie’s closing words from his final show – \u201cMay we walk into the future with our heads held high, and happiness in our hearts, God Bless you\u201d.<\/p>\n Presenter: Jo Whiley<\/p>\n Producer: Paul Thomas for Platform Media<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Johnnie Walker: A Celebration with Mark Goodier – Part Two<\/p>\n Sunday 28 December, 4-5pm<\/p>\n Following the Johnnie Walker Celebration on Radio 2, join Mark Goodier \u2014 long-time friend and former colleague of Johnnie \u2014 for a musical journey through some of Johnnie\u2019s all-time favourite tracks. Spanning the decades, the show captures his passion for soul, the Californian sound, folk, blues, and rock, with timeless music from The Eagles, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Blondie, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, and The Steve Miller Band. It\u2019s a heartfelt tribute to the sounds that shaped a broadcasting legend.<\/p>\n Presenter: Mark Goodier<\/p>\n Producer: Paul Thomas for Platform Media<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Sophie Ellis-Bextor NYE Kitchen Disco<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 12-2pm<\/p>\n Listeners can hit the dancefloor with two hours of well-known party hits, handpicked by Kitchen Disco Queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Listeners can enjoy a non-stop mix of feel-good anthems from 70s disco to 00s pop. So although they can’t gather together en masse, they can dress up and boogie your goodbye to 2025 in style! Staying home has never been so much fun! It\u2019s the ultimate blast of musical escapism for all the family!<\/p>\n Presenter: Sophie Ellis-Bextor<\/p>\n Producer: Paul Thomas and Steve Harris for Platform Media<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n NYE Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 2-4pm<\/p>\n Tony Blackburn is getting the NYE party started with two hours of 60s party anthems. Join Tony to kick start the New Year’s Eve celebrations with hits from The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones.<\/p>\n Plus the second hour will be listeners’ choice!<\/p>\n Presenter: Tony Blackburn<\/p>\n Producer: Mollie Davidson for Pomona<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n NYE Party Sounds of the 70s with Bob Harris<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 4-6pm<\/p>\n Disco balls at the ready, as Bob Harris brings listeners the perfect 70s playlist for a glittering New Year\u2019s Eve party – featuring the best soul, disco, pop, rock and new wave floor-fillers.<\/p>\n Presenter: Bob Harris<\/p>\n Producer: Paul Thomas for Listen<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n NYE Party Sounds of the 80s with Gary Davies<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 6-8pm<\/p>\n Listeners can gear up for 2026 with Gary Davies and two hours of the biggest 80s anthems. It’s all about 1986 on a special Mastermix, marking the advent of that year’s 40th anniversary.<\/p>\n Presenter: Gary Davies<\/p>\n Producer: Paul Thomas for Listen<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n NYE Party Sounds of the 90s with Owain<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 8-10pm<\/p>\n Owain Wyn Evans plugs in his vast collection of disco lights and provides a cocktail of hits for an effervescent 90’s New Year’s Eve Party. Featuring music from all the rooms of your favourite 90s superclub, the music invokes sensational memories of the decade!<\/p>\n Presenter: Owain Wyn Evans<\/p>\n Producer: Vicki Blight-Pitt for Bengo Media<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Michelle Visage\u2019s Fabulous New Year\u2019s Party<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 10pm-1am<\/p>\n Now the undisputed Queen of the New Year\u2019s Party, Michelle Visage is back to help listeners kiss goodbye to the old and party in with the new, broadcasting live from LA. Michelle, who usually hosts her Handbag Hits show each Friday night, will be slaying the most fabulous party anthems that no year should start – or close – without.<\/p>\n Expect three hours packed with floor fillers, both vintage hits and more recent, hand-picked by the hostest with the mostest. Listeners will hear Madonna, ABBA, S Club 7, Whitney Houston, Cher, Erasure, Shirley Bassey, Spice Girls and more, this is a nationwide singalong that everyone is invited to join. Plus, Michelle will read out as many shoutouts as she can in between bops. As always, Michelle will make her last song of the year a singalong surprise\u2026but which one will it be for 2025? You\u2019ll have to listen to find out!<\/p>\n Presenter: Michelle Visage<\/p>\n Producer: Ste Softley for Mostest Ltd<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song<\/p>\n Thursday 1 January, 3-5pm<\/p>\n To mark 60 years since Stevie Wonder’s first UK Top 40 hit, and 50 years since the release of his landmark album Songs In The Key Of Life, Radio 2 called on listeners to vote for their favourite Stevie song from a shortlist of his 60 most played solo tracks on Radio 2.<\/p>\n Today, Trevor Nelson, who usually presents each weekday (2-4pm), counts down \u2018Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder song\u2019, as a part of a wider season of specials which celebrate his 60 most played solo tracks.<\/p>\n Trevor says: \u201cStevie Wonder is one of the greatest artists of all time \u2014 his songs are the soundtrack to so many of our lives. I\u2019m thrilled to be revealing which track our Radio 2 listeners have chosen as their favourite. Every song in his catalogue is a classic, so whichever one comes out on top, it\u2019s a well-deserved celebration of true musical genius.\u201d<\/p>\n Stevie Wonder was born in Michigan on May 13th 1950. He made his recording debut at age 11 and had his first hit with Fingertips in 1963 as Little Stevie Wonder, which also featured Marvin Gaye on drums. Stevie quickly became a 1960s force to be reckoned with via hits like My Cherie Amour and I Was Made To Love Her. Stevie had a wide range of number one hits on the R&B and pop charts with songs like Superstition, Higher Ground and You Are the Sunshine of My Life.<\/p>\n Presenter: Trevor Nelson<\/p>\n Producer: Anthony Dunning for BBC Audio<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n The Wonder of Stevie with DJ Spoony<\/p>\n Thursday, 1 January, 5-6pm<\/p>\n DJ Spoony is a Stevie Wonder superfan, and in this hour-long special he recalls how his love for Stevie started when he was growing up in Hackney, East London in the 70s, but he wouldn\u2019t fully appreciate the artist\u2019s legacy until much later in life, an appreciation which continues in the present day.<\/p>\n This is the story of how Stevie Wonder’s living legacy inspired DJ Spoony to pursue a career in music and entertainment, to become one of the UK’s most influential presenters, packed with some of the most-loved and acclaimed music ever created – from the magic of 60s Motown, to Stevie\u2019s \u201cclassic era\u201d of the 70s which gifted such iconic albums including \u201cSongs in the Key of Life\u201d and \u201cMusic of my Mind\u201d, through to his iconic 80s hits. Spoony\u2019s journey of discovering Stevie\u2019s genius isn\u2019t a conventional one, it is a long and winding but nonetheless authentic journey and told with honesty, respect and love for the artist. After hearing this don\u2019t be surprised if you take your own deep dive into the Stevie Wonder archives.<\/p>\n Presenter: DJ Spoony<\/p>\n Producer: Ste Softley<\/p>\n Mostest Ltd<\/p>\n EC2<\/p>\n BBC Radio 3<\/p>\n This Christmas, BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 3 Unwind offer listeners a rich and varied festive soundtrack, blending tradition, reflection and celebration. The season begins with Carols Across the Country (Sunday 30 November), a landmark day of live broadcasts from dawn to dusk. From the Staffordshire Peak District to St Andrews, from Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight to Bethlehem in Carmarthenshire, presenters capture the spirit of Advent and Christmas through carols, local traditions, community voices and even some encounters with polar bears and penguins. At the heart of the day is a special Service for Advent with Carols from St John\u2019s College, Cambridge, marking Sir John Rutter\u2019s 80th birthday and featuring a new commission by Master of the King\u2019s Music, Errollyn Wallen.<\/p>\n Festive repertoire is central to the season, and a special Radio 3 in Concert strand features Bach\u2019s Christmas Oratorio, Handel\u2019s Messiah, and performances by celebrated groups including the English Baroque Soloists, Monteverdi Choir, Britten Sinfonia, BBC Singers, The Sixteen and Polyphony. Composer Sir James MacMillan presents a landmark six-part series exploring how the creation story from the Book of Genesis has inspired classical composers across the centuries.<\/p>\n Other highlights include Compline, a four-part series of night prayer services offering stillness and reflection during Advent; festive editions of In Tune, live from the BBC Radio Theatre; Saturday Morning with Tom Service; This Classical Life; and Choral Evensong from St Martin-in-the-Fields with seasonal works by Sir John Rutter and Bob Chilcott.<\/p>\n Music Matters: In the Beginning<\/p>\n Every Saturday from 29 November to 3 January, 1pm – 2pm<\/p>\n Renowned Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan presents a landmark six-part series. He is joined by leading theological and musical guests to explore how the creation story from the Book of Genesis has shaped the world of classical music through the ages, inspiring composers \u2013 whether religious or not. Featuring music spanning from the present day back to the 12th century, the episodes dive into different aspects of the creation story with guests including American theologian Margarita Mooney Clayton, trailblazing young Scottish composer Jay Capperauld, and former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.<\/p>\n Presenter: Sir James MacMillan<\/p>\n Producer: Elizabeth Clark \/ Freya Hellier<\/p>\n BBC Audio Scotland<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Carols Across the Country: A Seasonal Journey<\/p>\n Sunday 30 November, 6.30am \u2013 6.30pm<\/p>\n From dawn to dusk, Radio 3 marks the beginning of the festive season with Carols Across the Country, celebrating the spirit of Advent and Christmas with six live broadcasts from locations across the UK. Radio 3 presenters paint vivid pictures of the places they visit and evoke themes of winter, light, memory and renewal, introducing live music by local performers and discussing seasonal traditions with guest contributors.<\/p>\n Mark Forrest is in the Staffordshire Peak District where he\u2019s joined by folk musicians, explores the history of lace-making and silk trade and meets the polar bears at the Peak Wildlife Park. Sarah Walker is on the Isle of Wight, where the Benedictine Monks from Quarr Abbey sing a Gregorian Chant for Advent. Nestled in Co. Down countryside, near the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, John Toal visits Magy\u2019s Farm, while Sh\u00e2n Cothi broadcasts from the Village Hall in Bethlehem, Carmarthenshire. On the feast day of Scotland\u2019s patron saint, St Andrew, Kate Molleson is in St Andrews \u2013 Fife, listening to carols from the University Chapel Choir and reflecting on the idea of pilgrimage.<\/p>\n At the heart of the day is a special Service for Advent with Carols live from St John’s College, Cambridge. The service features new and traditional music for the season and also marks the 80th birthday of one of Britain\u2019s best-loved carol composers\u2014Sir John Rutter.<\/p>\n Presenter: Mark Forrest, Sarah Walker, John Toal, Sh\u00e2n Cothi, Kate Molleson<\/p>\n Producer: Barnaby Gordon<\/p>\n BBC Audio<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Compline<\/p>\n Sunday 30 November and 7, 14, 21 December, 10pm \u2013 10.30pm<\/p>\n Radio 3 presents a four-part series of the office of Compline, a reflective service of night prayer, featuring a sequence of words and music providing a moment of stillness and reflection at the end of the day. Ancient plainsong sits alongside traditional and contemporary choral music for the season of Advent\u2014the period of expectation as Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.<\/p>\n Services come from:<\/p>\n 30 November: Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tetbury, with St Martin’s Voices Producer: Ben Collingwood<\/p>\n BBC Audio North<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n The Essay: Hannah Peel\u2019s Electronic Women<\/p>\n Monday 1 \u2013 Friday 5 December, 9.45pm – 10pm<\/p>\n Composer, broadcaster and producer Hannah Peel celebrates trailblazing women in electronic music, from Daphne Oram and Delia Derbyshire\u2019s work in the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, to the \u2018diva of the diode\u2019 Suzanne Ciani, French composer Eliane Radigue\u2019s experiments with tape, and composer and performance artist Laurie Anderson. Through archive interviews and Hannah\u2019s discussions with London-based award-winning producer Marta Salogni, the essays discover how these pioneering women changed the sound of music.<\/p>\n Presenter: Hannah Peel<\/p>\n Producer: Hannah Thorne<\/p>\n BBC Audio London<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n The Essay: Accompanying Austen<\/p>\n Monday 15 \u2013 Friday 19 December, 9.45pm \u2013 10pm<\/p>\n Marking 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, film critic Antonia Quirke meets five modern composers who have scored original music for Austen adaptations or Austen-influenced films. The composers discuss musical choices in underscoring key scenes and moments, as well as the music Austen herself enjoyed. The series includes discussions with Rachel Portman (Emma), Adrian Johnston (Becoming Jane), Jeremy Sams (Persuasion), Ruth Barrett (Sanditon) and Fernando Vel\u00e1zquez (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies).<\/p>\n Presenter: Antonia Quirke<\/p>\n Producer: Emma Harding<\/p>\n BBC Audio Cardiff<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Private Passions: Pam Ayres<\/p>\n Sunday 21 December, 12 \u2013 1pm<\/p>\n Michael Berkeley\u2019s guest is the poet, comedian, songwriter and broadcaster Pam Ayres, who shares the music that matters most to her, including some seasonal favourites.<\/p>\n Presenter: Michael Berkeley<\/p>\n Producer: Clare Walker<\/p>\n BBC Audio London<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Words and Music: Twelve Days of Christmas<\/p>\n Sunday 21 December, 6pm-7.15pm<\/p>\n Inspired by the words of The Twelve Days of Christmas, this festive edition of Words and Music features poems by Liz Lochhead, W.B. Yeats and Ian McMillan, with readings from novels such as A Christmas Carol, Tess of the D’Urbervilles and Jung Chang’s Wild Swans.<\/p>\n Music includes works by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Howard Shore. Folk tunes and Christmas favourites weave with Wagner and Campion.<\/p>\n Producer: Elizabeth Foster<\/p>\n BBC Audio North<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Sunday Feature: One Singular Sensation<\/p>\n Sunday 21 December, 7.15pm \u2013 8pm<\/p>\n Celebrating the 50th anniversary of A Chorus Line, Katie Derham tells the extraordinary tale of the legendary musical theatre classic with contributions from original cast members. Set against the backdrop of 1970s New York, when Broadway was in decline and Times Square was in disrepair, this documentary traces how a midnight meeting in a draughty rehearsal room kick-started a global theatrical revolution. On this journey, Katie speaks to original dance troupe members and exclusively uncovers the legendary cassette tapes\u2014kept under lock and key\u2014that were recorded by director-choreographer Michael Bennett, igniting the entire production process.<\/p>\n Presenter: Katie Derham<\/p>\n Producer: Nadia Mehdi<\/p>\n Peanut & Crumb<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n In Tune Christmas Special \u2013 Live from BBC Radio Theatre, London<\/p>\n Monday 22 December, 5-7pm<\/p>\n Katie Derham and Petroc Trelawny wish listeners a Merry Christmas with the traditional special edition of In Tune, live from BBC Radio Theatre in London with an audience in attendance. They are joined by guests including Connaught Brass, The Fourth Choir, pianists Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva, jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth and her band, performing a range of seasonal repertoire. Special guest readers present traditional Christmas tales and festive stories.<\/p>\n Presenters: Katie Derham, Petroc Trelawny<\/p>\n Producer: Martin Webb<\/p>\n BBC Audio London<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n The Essay: Winterreisen<\/p>\n Monday 22 \u2013 Wednesday 24 December, 9.45pm \u2013 10pm<\/p>\n Writers Mark Haddon, Wendy Erskine and Jo Lloyd present three new Christmas short stories about winter journeys, inspired by Schubert\u2019s song cycle Winterreise.<\/p>\n Producer: Emma Harding<\/p>\n BBC Audio Cardiff<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Radio 3 in Concert \u2013 Christmas Specials<\/p>\n Thursday 18, Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December, 7.30 \u2013 9.45pm; Thursday 25 December, 8.05pm \u2013 10pm<\/p>\n Radio 3 in Concert goes festive with five special programmes culminating in a performance of Sir James MacMillan\u2019s Christmas Oratorio on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n On Thursday 18 December, Martin Handley presents Polyphony and the Britten Sinfonia in a performance of Bach\u2019s Christmas Oratorio, recorded at Saffron Hall. Stephen Layton conducts the ensembles and a cast including Gwilym Bowen (tenor), Zo\u00eb Brookshaw and Ciara Hendrick (sopranos), Angharad Rowlands (mezzo) and Malachy Frame (baritone).<\/p>\n On Monday 22 December, English Baroque Soloists and the Monteverdi Choir give a special performance of Handel\u2019s Messiah, recorded at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. They are joined by an all-star cast of soloists headed by Sarah Connolly and led by renowned French harpsichordist and conductor Christophe Rousset.<\/p>\n On Tuesday 23 December, Harry Christophers and The Sixteen present a festive repertoire that stretches from medieval melodies to contemporary favourites (music by Warlock, Chilcott, Palestrina, Lucy Walker, and more), as performed earlier in December at London\u2019s Cadogan Hall.<\/p>\n On Wednesday 24 December, the BBC Singers and Principal Guest Conductor Owain Park join forces with Adrian Scarborough (History Boys,\u202fGavin and Stacey) on a Christmas journey of festive music and literature, including depictions of John Masefield\u2019s classic\u202fThe Box of Delights, Hardy\u2019s\u202fUnder the Greenwood Tree, Chekhov\u2019s\u202fAt Christmas Time\u202fand the lesser-known masterpiece of Charles Dickens,\u202fDoctor Marigold.<\/p>\n On Thursday 25 December, Martin Handley presents a concert recorded at the Barbican Hall in London earlier in the month, featuring Sir James Millan conducting his own Christmas Oratorio with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and soloists soprano Rhian Lois and baritone Roderick Williams.<\/p>\n Producers: Peter Thresh, Elizabeth Arno, Zara Siddiqi, Ayesha Labrom and Ann McKay<\/p>\n BBC Audio London<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Christmas Morning Live<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 9.30am \u2013 1pm<\/p>\n Petroc Trelawny presents the perfect selection of festive music and guests for Christmas morning. The programme includes classical favourites, and listeners will be able to message the show to request seasonal music of their choice to share with family and friends.<\/p>\n Producer: Susan Kenyon<\/p>\n BBC Audio London<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n The Lebrecht Interviews<\/p>\n Monday 29, Tuesday 30 December & Thursday 1, Friday 2 January, 9.15pm – 10pm<\/p>\n In the new series of the programme featuring interviews with some of the most celebrated figures on the classical music scene, writer and broadcaster Norman Lebrecht chats music and life with guests such as conductors Marin Alsop and Leonard Slatkin, as well as soprano Kiri Te Kanawa.<\/p>\n Presenter: Norman Lebrecht<\/p>\n Producer: Juan Carlos Jaramillo<\/p>\n BBC Audio London<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Sunday Feature: Reeking of Cowpats: Peer Gynt<\/p>\n Sunday 4 January, 7.15pm \u2013 8pm<\/p>\n Marking 150 years since Henrik Ibsen\u2019s Peer Gynt premiered in Norway accompanied by Edvard Grieg\u2019s evocative incidental music, writer and music historian Leah Broad explores why the production mattered so deeply in its time, and asks whether the music and the play, together or apart, are still able captivate audiences today.<\/p>\n Presenter: Leah Broad<\/p>\n Producer: Kristine Pommert<\/p>\n CTVC<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Epiphany Carol Service<\/p>\n Wednesday 7 January, 3-4pm<\/p>\n A sequence of words and music for Epiphany, recorded at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea, London. The service incorporates carols, hymns,\u202fanthems, Bible readings, and poetry, to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men at the stable in Bethlehem. The choir sings works by John Sheppard, Morten Lauridsen, Philip Stopford, and Sir John Rutter.<\/p>\n Producer: Ben Collingwood<\/p>\n BBC Audio North<\/p>\n EC<\/p>\n Christmas programming on BBC Radio 3 also includes festive editions of:<\/p>\n Saturday Morning with Tom Service (Saturday 20 December, 9am \u2013 12pm) with guest organist Anna Lapwood and a live performance from choir Siglo de Oro.<\/p>\n This Classical Life (Saturday 20 December, 5pm-6pm) featuring Jess Gillam in conversation with jazz trumpeter, bandleader and composer Guy Barker, whose Big Band Christmas celebrates its 10th year at the Royal Albert Hall.<\/p>\n Choral Evensong for Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December, 3-4pm), recorded at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, with St Martin’s Voices, directed by Andrew Earis, presenting much-loved seasonal works by Sir John Rutter and Bob Chilcott.<\/p>\n Radio 3 Unwind<\/p>\n Radio 3 Unwind invites listeners to have a peaceful Christmas with seasonal music across its schedule. Special festive editions of shows include Classical Unwind, Cinematic Soundtracks, Classical Wind Down and Sleep Tracks. Programmes reflect not just Christmas, but a celebration of the season: from refreshing wintertime walks to cosy nights in.<\/p>\n BBC Orchestras and Choirs<\/p>\n The BBC\u2019s Orchestras and Choirs present a selection of festive concerts and carols across the UK. Trevor Nelson\u2019s Soul Christmas (Thursday 11 December, Royal Albert Hall, London) features re-imagined and re-scored soul and R&B tracks played by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Troy Miller. Katie Derham presents Friday Night is Music Night: Christmas at the Movies (Friday 12 December, Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry), with the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by George Morton, performing melodies from timeless classics.<\/p>\n Andrew Cottee conducts the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for Christmas Classics in Glasgow (Thursday 18 December, City Halls) and Aberdeen (Friday 19 December, Music Hall) and Christmas at the Movies in Glasgow (Saturday 20 December, City Halls) and Edinburgh (Friday 21 December, Usher Hall), with singers Kelly Mathieson and singer and presenter Jamie MacDougall.<\/p>\n The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales join forces with a massed Children\u2019s Choir from schools across Wales for Carols for Christmas (Sunday 14 December, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea), conducted by Adrian Partington, and Richard Balcombe conducts the orchestra, singers Katie Birtill and Graham Bickley for Christmas Celebrations (Thursday 18 and Friday 19 December, BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff).<\/p>\n Karen N\u00ed Bhroin conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Ghost Stories and Music for Christmas (Sunday 14 December, Barbican Hall, London), featuring classic ghost stories from Dickens, Saki and Oscar Wilde brought eerily to life by the music of Saint-Sa\u00ebns, Vivaldi and Bart\u00f3k. Sir James MacMillan conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra for his own Christmas Oratorio (Friday 19 December, Barbican Hall, London) with soprano Rhian Lois and baritone Roderick Williams.<\/p>\n The BBC Singers conducted by Owain Park perform A Christmas Odyssey with Adrian Scarborough (Thursday 11 December, Milton Court Concert Hall, London), a concert packed with the nation\u2019s favourite Christmas carols and literature. Ian Skelly joins the BBC Singers, Sofi Jeannin and organist Ashley Grote for the annual Carols from Temple Church with the BBC Singers (Friday 19 December, Temple Church London).<\/p>\n In Manchester, Leslie Suganandarajah conducts The BBC Philharmonic Christmas Special (Friday 19 December, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester) in an unforgettable night of festive fun and joyful surprises.\u00a0<\/p>\n BBC Radio 4<\/p>\n (Image: BBC\/Chris Mills)<\/p>\n Festive highlights on Radio 4 include Lauren Laverne welcoming actress Kate Winslet as her festive castaway for Desert Island Discs and special programming across New Year\u2019s Day to celebrate 75 years of The Archers.<\/p>\n Frank Cottrell Boyce will be asking Who Are You in Winnie the Pooh?, speaking to some of the UK’s favourite children’s writers about which character they most identify with. For Archive on 4, author Katherine Rundell will be unearthing the history of our love for Christmas ghost stories whilst How the Muppets Were Born in Britain, presented by Louise Gold who played Annie Sue Pig, celebrates the show\u2019s anarchic origins.<\/p>\n Festive laughs come courtesy of Julian Clary\u2019s new panel show I Don\u2019t Do\u2026 Christmas!, plus seasonal specials of comedy favourites including Dead Ringers, Unspeakable, and One Person Found This Helpful. Drama fans can look forward to a sparkling new adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse\u2019s Joy in the Morning alongside Plum in Prison, a play inspired by Wodehouse\u2019s life. Plus, a 90-minute performance of T.S. Eliot\u2019s classic verse drama Murder in the Cathedral, which dramatises the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket on 29th December 1170.<\/p>\n Venturing into the wardrobe, Emma Freud will tell the magical story of how her mother ended up living with CS Lewis in CS Lewis, the Evacuee and the Wardrobe. Meanwhile, The Reunion will bring together familiar faces from Downton Abbey, including Hugh Bonneville, Julian Fellowes and Laura Carmichael amongst others.<\/p>\n Musical celebrations across Radio 4 include Soul Music marking 25 years on Radio 4 with a compilation of stories about the music that reaches our emotional core, Add to Playlist getting into the Christmas spirit with festive tracks from across the world and in With Great Pleasure, Bill Bailey and his band perform his favourite songs and readings.<\/p>\n BBC Radio 4\u2019s Today will also welcome six Guest Editors<\/a>\u00a0between 24 December and 31 December as they take over the editorial reins of the programme.<\/p>\n And delving into the archives, BBC Radio 4 Extra\u2019s All Request Christmas Day will bring listeners\u2019 favourites to the air.<\/p>\n Dead Ringers<\/p>\n Friday 12 December, 6.30pm – 7pm<\/p>\n Midway through a national tour celebrating 25 years of mischievous mimicry, the Dead Ringers team are back on Radio 4 for two Christmas specials. Expect merrily ding-donging politicians and celebrities as Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Duncan Wisbey, Jess Robinson and Kieran Hodgson brighten up the bleak mid-winter with a sharp, topical take on the season of goodwill. The second Christmas special is available on 19 December.<\/p>\n Producer: Jon Holmes<\/p>\n A BBC Studios Production.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Illuminated: CS Lewis, the Evacuee and the Wardrobe<\/p>\n Sunday 14 December, 7.15pm – 7.45pm<\/p>\n In 1939, Emma Freud’s mother Jill was evacuated from London to the suburbs of Oxford. After staying with Lewis Carroll’s friends, the Butler sisters for a few years, she arrived at her next designated accommodation clutching a small suitcase and a copy of her favourite book, The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. It was just a few weeks later, after she spotted several copies of that book on a shelf, that she realised she was actually living with CS Lewis himself.<\/p>\n Illustrated with readings from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Emma captures these precious memories as she sits down with her mum, now 98, to hear her magical story.<\/p>\n Readings of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by Olivia Williams<\/p>\n Other readings by Richard Gibson<\/p>\n Presenter: Emma Freud<\/p>\n Producer: Elizabeth Foster<\/p>\n The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis \u00a9 copyright 1950 CS Lewis Pte Ltd.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Mary Macdonald\u2019s Big Trip by Alexander McCall Smith<\/p>\n Monday 15 December, 10.45pm – 11pm<\/p>\n Mary Macdonald is a logical soul; a much-loved teacher and crofter whose busy Hebridean life leaves little room for flights of fancy. But when a windfall comes her way, Miss Macdonald decides it\u2019s time to sample some clear mountain air \u2013 on the other side of the world.<\/p>\n A story in celebration of travel, karma and broadening the mind, all while staying true to your principles.<\/p>\n Read by Ceit Kearney<\/p>\n Written by Alexander McCall Smith<\/p>\n Produced by Eilidh McCreadie<\/p>\n A BBC Audio Scotland Production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Jane Austen 250th Birthday<\/p>\n Tuesday 16 December, throughout the day<\/p>\n Radio 4 celebrates Jane Austen\u2019s 250th birthday with a full day of programming exploring her enduring legacy.<\/p>\n Woman\u2019s Hour (10am\u201311am) opens with a look at why Austen\u2019s writing still resonates with women today.<\/p>\n Screenshot: Jane Austen on Film (11am\u201311.45am) explores adaptations from the BBC\u2019s Pride and Prejudice to Clueless, featuring guests Celine Song, Lillian Crawford, and Amy Heckerling.<\/p>\n When I Met Jane Austen (11.45am\u201312pm and 1.45pm\u20132pm) features authors Val McDermid and Kate Atkinson sharing personal reflections.<\/p>\n Drama on 4: Jane and Tom \u2013 The Real Pride and Prejudice (2.15pm\u20133pm) dramatises Austen\u2019s romance with Tom Lefroy, based on her letters.<\/p>\n Bookclub (4pm\u20134.30pm) welcomes Emma Thompson to discuss her Oscar-winning adaptation of Sense and Sensibility.<\/p>\n Front Row (7.15pm\u201310pm) closes the day with a panel of experts discussing Austen\u2019s literary brilliance and lasting influence.<\/p>\n Plus, there will be a chance to hear the Radio 4 continuity announcers like you\u2019ve never heard them before<\/p>\n This is part of a wider season of programming celebrating Austen<\/a>.<\/p>\n FK \/ RB2<\/p>\n Strong Message Here<\/p>\n Friday 19 December, 9.45am \u2013 10am<\/p>\n Armando Iannucci and guest Stewart Lee share their political words and phrases of the year, decoding what they think politicians really meant.<\/p>\n Produced by Gwyn Davies at BBC Studios for BBC Radio 4.\u00a0Extended version on BBC Sounds.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Add to Playlist<\/p>\n Friday 19 December, 7.15pm – 8pm<\/p>\n Add to Playlist celebrates the Christmas spirit with five festive tracks from across the world, and across the centuries. To help compile the seasonal playlist, presenters Anna Phoebe and Jeffrey Boakye are joined in the musical game by special guests and their instruments.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Toast: Farepak Christmas Hampers<\/p>\n Thursday 18 December at 12.30pm (Podcast drops at 6am)<\/p>\n Host Sean Farrington, resident entrepreneur Sam White and guests look at the rise and fall of the Christmas prepayment club Farepak that collapsed in 2006 leaving tens of thousands of customers out of pocket.<\/p>\n In each episode of Toast, the presenter and BBC business journalist Sean Farrington examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did people back it? Why did they get burnt? Some of the world\u2019s most successful businesses have also brought us some of the world\u2019s most remarkable failures. So, what led them to be toast? And what can we learn from their stories today? Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.<\/p>\n You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.uk<\/p>\n Presenter: Sean Farrington<\/p>\n Producer:\u202fJon Douglas<\/p>\n Toast is produced by BBC Audio North for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds<\/p>\n Scam Secrets: The WhatsApp takeover<\/p>\n Thursday 11 December<\/p>\n WhatsApp is part of our daily lives \u2013 and criminals know just how to weaponise that trust.<\/p>\n In this episode, Shari Vahl and the team hear how a devastatingly simple trick handed the keys for a Scam Secrets listener’s WhatsApp account to a scammer. Along with expert linguist Dr Elisabeth Carter and former criminal Alex Wood, Shari finds out what the hacker did next – and how an old friend of the victim was tricked into handing over money. As ever, there will be red flags waving to show you what to watch out for – and essential tips from our guest expert to keep your account secure.<\/p>\n Presenter: Shari Vahl<\/p>\n Producer:\u202fTom Moseley<\/p>\n Scam Secrets – Gift Card\u202fScam<\/p>\n Thursday 18 December, 12pm<\/p>\n It’s coming up to Christmas, and you might have gift cards on your mind. The perfect present choice for many scenarios – but also the perfect weapon for criminals.<\/p>\n In 2023, Action Fraud got more than 6,000 crime reports about gift cards. More than \u00a313 million was stolen. So what makes these versatile gifts gold dust for criminals? That’s what Shari Vahl, Elisabeth Carter and Alex Wood will be finding out, along with the shocking story of Sarah, who thought she was helping out her boss while on work experience but ended up buying \u00a31,300 in gift cards for criminals. As always, the Scam Secrets team will get under the skin of this scam, finding out how criminals target their victims and why even a simple LinkedIn post could put you at risk.<\/p>\n Presenter: Shari Vahl<\/p>\n Producer:\u202fTom Moseley<\/p>\n Archive on 4: Ghost Stories at Christmas<\/p>\n Saturday 20 December, 8pm \u2013 9pm<\/p>\n Katherine Rundell unearths the Christmas ghost story from pagan origins to Dickens, Daphne Du Maurier and 1970s folk horror television and considers what these curious bedfellows say about our complex relationship with this time of year.<\/p>\n Ghost stories have always been best told on a midwinter night – preferably aloud, around a blazing fire. Katherine joins Jeanette Winterson at the hearth in her haunted Spitalfields home to share ghostly archival tales from MR James, Susan Hill and Charles Dickens and to trace what she describes as \u2018the greatest of pleasures\u2019 – that combination of an icy haunting dark, hemming a Christmas globe of light.<\/p>\n In the company of Professor John Mullan, Katherine returns to some of our oldest texts including Beowulf to discover how spectres and ghouls have allowed us to express loss, resolution and rage around the fire over centuries.<\/p>\n Reading from her childhood diary, writer Sarah Waters describes her own long fascination with ghost tales in midwinter and reflects on the BBC\u2019s reigniting of this tradition with its \u2018A Ghost Story for Christmas\u2019 adaptations in the 1970s and then again more recently.<\/p>\n With music by The Enchanted Cinema.<\/p>\n Produced by Sarah Cuddon<\/p>\n A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio Four.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Desert Island Discs<\/p>\n Sunday 21 December, 10am \u2013 11am<\/p>\n (Image: BBC\/Chris Mills)<\/p>\n Kate Winslet shares the eight tracks, book and luxury item she would take with her if cast away to a desert island. With Lauren Laverne.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Illuminated: A Very British Christmas<\/p>\n Sunday 21 December, 7.15pm – 7.45pm<\/p>\n What does Christmas Day mean to you?<\/p>\n This raw, kaleidoscopic audio portrait, made up entirely from voice notes recordings, tracks the emotional contours of the day as it unfolds.<\/p>\n Through midnight churchgoing and moments of quiet reflection to frenetic gift-giving, culinary chaos and karaoke, the programme evokes and questions our own multifarious experiences of what Christmas Day \u2018means\u2019.<\/p>\n Variously boozy, silly, sad, excited, warm, lonely, deeply spiritual and endearingly humanistic \u2013 the contributions chart a cross section of modern Britain, encompassing heartfelt-stories, accidental field recordings, impromptu songs and audio diary entries.<\/p>\n With special thanks to all those who recorded their Christmas Day for us in 2024. Original music and sound design by James Bonney.<\/p>\n Producer: James Bonney<\/p>\n Mix: Mike Woolley<\/p>\n Executive Producer: Olivia Humphreys<\/p>\n An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 4<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson<\/p>\n Monday 22 December, 10.45pm – 11pm<\/p>\n Jeanette Winterson loves Christmas, made abundantly clear in these festive offerings: a new essay, two family Christmas recipes and three short stories (from the anthology Christmas Days).<\/p>\n Winterson’s wit and deep humanity collide in these tales populated by rich characters, turkeys, trees and festive magic aplenty.<\/p>\n Produced by Emma Harding, Fay Lomas and Mair Bosworth<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n How to Play: The Snowman<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, 9.30am – 10am<\/p>\n Eavesdropping on rehearsals for a special screening of the beloved Christmas animation, as musicians prepare to perform the soundtrack live, with its hit song, Walking in the Air.<\/p>\n Every winter, a unique orchestra comes together to create a big-screen version of one of Britian\u2019s most iconic Christmas-television treats: The Snowman. Ambitions are high and the pressure is on, as the rehearsal date arrives. In just a few hours, they will be taking their show on the road and bringing it to eager audiences across the country. The players have just one morning to transform themselves into a cohesive ensemble and bring the complex musical score to life. If that wasn\u2019t enough, there\u2019s the added challenge of synchronising their performances to the live animated pictures!<\/p>\n Leading the way is conductor, George Morton, who shows us how he homes in on key moments to fix problems and finesse the drama. The players give us a musicians-eye view of their experiences on stage; and we hear from the young soloist who is stepping up to sing the famous Christmas hit at the centre of the story, \u201cWalking in the Air\u201d.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Opening Lines: Joy in the Morning<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, 12.45pm – 1pm<\/p>\n Ian Sansom, sitting in for John Yorke, takes a look at Joy In The Morning, the 44th Jeeves and Wooster novel by P.G. Wodehouse. Published in 1946, it revolves around Bertie Wooster\u2019s attempts to avoid a series of social and romantic calamities. The omniscient Jeeves, of course, remains the great calm at the centre of the novel\u2019s storm, devising ingenious solutions just when disaster seems inevitable.<\/p>\n With readings and contributions from Sir Stephen Fry.<\/p>\n Archive:<\/p>\n Archive 1961 BBC Interview \u2013 Alistair Cooke speaks to P.G. Wodehouse<\/p>\n Archive 1972 BBC Interview \u2013 Keith Dewhurst speaks to P.G. Wodehouse<\/p>\n Reader: Sir Stephen Fry<\/p>\n Producer: Laura Grimshaw<\/p>\n Executive Producer: Sara Davies<\/p>\n Programme Hub Co-ordinator: Nina Semple<\/p>\n Researcher: Henry Tydeman<\/p>\n Sound: Sean Kerwin<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Drama on 4: Plum in Prison<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, 2.15pm – 3pm<\/p>\n A new drama by Dan Rebellato, inspired by P G Wodehouse\u2019s life.<\/p>\n In late May 1940, author PG Wodehouse was interned by the Nazis. During that time, he made a series of radio broadcasts that caused intense debate about patriotism and when is humour not appropriate. The broadcasts were essentially humorous monologues about his time as prisoner, combined with subtle mocking of his captors. However, the simple fact of the broadcasts and certain phrases from them \u2013 \u2018whether Britain wins the war or not\u2019 \u2013 plus his apparent reluctance to denounce his German captors, led to hostile accusations that he was a traitor, a quisling, or worse, a man with fascist sympathies who had sold out his country to gain early release.<\/p>\n Can – or should – comedy play a role in times of political extremes and cruelty? Plum in Prison considers responsibility, judgment and choices in bad times, offering a defence of laughter, comedy and joy even in our darkest hours.<\/p>\n Cast: Stephen Mangan as Plum, Clare Lawrence Moody, Harley Viveash, Max Runham, Graeme Hawley and Silas Carson<\/p>\n Producer – Polly Thomas<\/p>\n Sound Designer – Steve Brooke<\/p>\n Production Manager – Darren Spruce<\/p>\n Executive Producer – Celia de Wolff<\/p>\n A Thomas Carter Projects production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n With Great Pleasure at Christmas with Bill Bailey<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, 5pm \u2013 6pm<\/p>\n In a special With Great Pleasure at Christmas treat, Bill Bailey and his band perform his favourite songs and readings to delight the audience at the BBC Radio Theatre and the listeners at home.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n One Person Found This Helpful<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, 6.30pm – 7pm<\/p>\n Frank and guests Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Sunil Patel, Simon Evans and Ania Magliano play a Xmas-flavoured episode of the panel game based on what we all sit down and do at least once a day \u2013 shop online and leave a review. Christmas is especially fraught with agonising about whether a gift might live up to its promise, so join the all-star panel as they celebrate the good, the bad and the baffling.<\/p>\n Everyone has an online life, and when the great British public put pen to keyboard to leave a review, they almost always write something hilarious. Our all-star panel have to work out what they were reviewing \u2013 and maybe contribute a few reviews of their own… So, if you\u2019re the person who reviewed some tinsel by saying \u2018does what it says on the tin\u2019, this show salutes you!<\/p>\n Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Gareth Gwynn, Jason Hazeley, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer and Peter Tellouche.<\/p>\n Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans, produced by David Tyler.<\/p>\n A Pozzitive Production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n The Archers<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, 7pm \u2013 7.15pm<\/p>\n It\u2019s a bright and sparkling Christmas Eve in Ambridge. We gather with Lynda Snell and the rest as they enjoy mulled wine and the spectacle of the eagerly anticipated \u2013 and hotly contested \u2013 festive tractor run. There\u2019s an eyebrow-raising treat on Hannah Riley\u2019s trailer, with one participant not so willingly sacrificing all dignity, and the Reverend Alan gets in the spirit with two accomplices in a novel take on a traditional Christmas offering.<\/p>\n In the midst of the cavalcade, Ruairi Donovan finds himself with a problem to solve, with some timely words of wisdom from one much-loved resident coming to his aid at the eleventh hour.<\/p>\n Will recent rivalries be put aside as the community comes together to spread the warmest of Ambridge Christmas cheer?<\/p>\n The episode is written by Naylah Ahmed and directed by Peter Leslie Wild. The Editor is Jeremy Howe.<\/p>\n Tony Archer \u2013 David Troughton<\/p>\n Jazzer McCreary \u2013 Ryan Kelly<\/p>\n Hannah Riley \u2013 Helen Longworth<\/p>\n Lynda Snell \u2013 Carole Boyd<\/p>\n Ruairi Donovan \u2013 Arthur Hughes<\/p>\n Rev. Alan Franks \u2013 John Telfer<\/p>\n Joy Horville \u2013 Jackie Lye<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Drama on 4: Joy in the Morning<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December, 12pm \u2013 1pm<\/p>\n Ageless, affable Bertie Wooster (Freddie Fox) travels to rural Steeple Bumpleigh. Older, wiser valet Jeeves (Martin Jarvis) accompanies him.<\/p>\n In this sparkling new two-part dramatisation of Wodehouse\u2019s novel, Freddie Fox revisits the character of Wooster which he played to acclaim in the West End. Martin Jarvis recreates the older Jeeves for which he won the Theatre World Award on Broadway.<\/p>\n Episode 1: Absurd challenges at rural Steeple Bumpleigh. Bertie needs to do a favour for crusty Lord Worplesdon (Ian Ogilvy.) Complications. Not least from Bertie\u2019s ex-fianc\u00e9e Florence (Lisa Dillon). Also, Bertie has promised lovely young Zenny (Rose Williams) he\u2019ll get Lord W\u2019s consent to her to marrying Boko Fittleworth (Edward Bennett.)<\/p>\n Could Jeeves help? Possibly. But further difficulties include midnight marauders and ambitious PC Cheesewright (Lloyd Owen).<\/p>\n Cast:<\/p>\n Bertie Wooster – Freddie Fox<\/p>\n Jeeves – Martin Jarvis<\/p>\n Bookseller – Nigel Anthony<\/p>\n Zenobia Hopwood – Rose Williams<\/p>\n Florence Craye – Lisa Dillon<\/p>\n Stilton Cheesewright – Lloyd Owen<\/p>\n Boko Fittleworth – Edward Bennett<\/p>\n Edwin – Max Hanson<\/p>\n Lord Worplesdon – Ian Ogilvy<\/p>\n Dramatised by Archie Scottney<\/p>\n Engineers: Olly Thompson, Neil Wogensen<\/p>\n Producer: Rosalind Ayres<\/p>\n Director: Martin Jarvis<\/p>\n A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Drama on 4: The Truth About Phyllis Twigg<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December, 2.15pm – 3pm<\/p>\n In 1924, ostensibly, the world\u2019s first radio drama was broadcast by the BBC. Richard Hughes was credited as the writer; but Phyllis Twigg wrote a children\u2019s radio play performed live on the BBC on Christmas Eve – over one year earlier.<\/p>\n The Truth About Phyllis Twigg is a light-hearted drama about giving credit where credit\u2019s due \u2013 even if it takes 100 years to get it.<\/p>\n 1922: It may only be six weeks old, but the brand-new British Broadcasting Company is already desperate for content. Arthur Burrows, its first on-air voice and Director of Programmes is accosted by children\u2019s author Phyllis Twigg outside Marconi House with a pitch – could they put a play on the radio? Phyllis has already written for gramophone; broadcasting is the natural next step.<\/p>\n 2025: In the British Library, HerStory podcast producer Jenny Adams fumbles with her phone as she attempts to record a voice note for her season finale. She suspects children’s author Moira Meighn and Phyllis Twigg, the dramatist, are one and the same and the proof is somewhere in its stacks. She also intends to right an injustice. Not for the first time has a man been credited with a woman\u2019s historical first.<\/p>\n As Arthur and Phyllis grapple with the challenges of broadcasting the nation\u2019s first live radio play, they also star in it. Jenny faces a challenge of her own. Change history \u2013 and reveal the truth about Phyllis Twigg.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Truth about Phyllis Twigg\u201d written by Paul Kerensa.<\/p>\n Phyllis Twigg – Tamsin Greig<\/p>\n Arthur Burrows – Rory Kinnear<\/p>\n Jenny – Aja Dodd<\/p>\n Rajesh – Amit Shah<\/p>\n Mr White – Will Harrison-Wallace<\/p>\n Lift Boy – Haydn Watts<\/p>\n Anne – Flora Saner<\/p>\n Other roles played by members of the cast:<\/p>\n “Dear Santa” written and performed by Hannah Brine<\/p>\n Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore<\/p>\n Studio Manager: Rohan Onraet<\/p>\n Original Music: Neil Brand<\/p>\n Producer, Executive Producer: Andrew Mark Sewell<\/p>\n Director: Helen Quigley<\/p>\n A B7 Media production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n I Don\u2019t Do… Christmas! With Julian Clary<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December, 6.30pm – 7pm<\/p>\n \u2018I Don\u2019t Do\u2026Christmas!\u2019 is a brand new, gloriously mischievous panel show pilot for people who\u2019d, well, rather not.<\/p>\n This Christmas Eve, Julian Clary hosts a yuletide celebration like no other, joined by comedy guest stars Jo Brand, Glenn Moore, and Fatiha El-Ghorri, plus choirmaster Gareth Malone, who gamely attempts to raise the spirits of a panel who\u2019d much prefer a silent night.<\/p>\n Expect games, giggles, and more festive gripes than you can shake your figgy pudding at. Elf on the Shelf? More like Elf in the Bin. Mince pies? One in each hand, darling!<\/p>\n \u2018I Don\u2019t Do\u2026Christmas!\u2019 is produced by Daddy\u2019s SuperYacht Productions for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n The Reunion<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 9am – 10am<\/p>\n When Downton Abbey first hit our screens in September 2010, no-one could predict that it would take the world by storm becoming Britain\u2019s most successful drama export ever. There were six series, three films, a stash of international awards and millions of fans in hundreds of countries.<\/p>\n Kirsty Wark reunites key players from the TV juggernaut which spliced love, betrayal, domestic politics and the vagaries of power \u2013 written with soap-opera sensibilities to ensure Downton became appointment viewing every Sunday night.<\/p>\n ITV was still recovering from crippling downturn in advertising revenues after the 2008 financial crash when they were approached with the idea for an expensive Edwardian Upstairs Downstairs style drama. They took a chance on it and by the second week, audiences had rocketed by 25 percent.<\/p>\n It was unabashedly glamorous with toffs swanning around huge high-ceilinged rooms upstairs while their legion of servants scurried around below ready to attend to their every waking need.<\/p>\n Its multi-generational appeal bridged the era where everyone knew their place just as younger characters were embracing women\u2019s suffrage, the rise of socialism, and the imperturbable march of technology.<\/p>\n Among those joining Kirsty are Hugh Bonneville who played Robert Crawley, patriarch of the Crawley family and the owner of the Downton Abbey estate, Julian Fellowes who wrote all six series, five Christmas specials and three feature films, Laura Carmichael who played the unconventional middle daughter Lady Edith \u2013 her first role out of drama school, Phyllis Logan who was the firm but fair housekeeper Mrs Hughes, Leslie Nichol who played the constantly flustered head cook Mrs Patmore, executive producer Gareth Neame who came up with the original idea and producer Liz Trubridge who kept the show on the road through tantrums and turmoil.<\/p>\n Producer:Karen Pirie<\/p>\n Series Producer:David Prest<\/p>\n A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Woman\u2019s Hour<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 10am \u2013 11am<\/p>\n Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani will explore the role rituals play in making Christmas special. From the customs passed down the generations to brand new traditions being created, we explore how women are involved in making and maintaining the special moments that bring families and friends together. We explore the psychology of rituals to understand why they make us feel relaxed, bonded and safe. And in this fast paced and often disconnected digital world, we explore how nostalgia and rituals could help us find deeper connection, and sense of belonging.<\/p>\n Presenters: Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani<\/p>\n Producer: Andrea Kidd<\/p>\n Editor: Karen Dalziel<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Drama on 4: Regifted<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 2.15pm – 3pm<\/p>\n A magical Christmas tale of unwanted talking gifts and lonely humans in search of connection.<\/p>\n Una has just turned forty and faces another Christmas alone. Another token gift from colleagues at work reminds her of just how lonely she is.<\/p>\n Cardy is a Cardamon, Cider and Toasted Pumpkin scented candle whose dream of taking pride of place by a luxurious foam bath comes crashing down when she finds herself thrown into the cupboard under Una\u2019s stairs with the other rejects \u2013 an embittered rival candle, a cheeseboard, a Karl Marx novelty lighter, a bottle of limoncello, an outdated CD and a pack of tealights.<\/p>\n As Cardy changes hands, all is not lost – though with each regifting, the candle\u2019s hopes, just like the notes of her complex scent, are fading fast. And with them, Una\u2019s hopes of ever finding friendship and connection.<\/p>\n Part social satire, part festive fable, Regifted is a bittersweet, comic tale of loneliness, community and hope in the season of giving.<\/p>\n By Martin Jameson<\/p>\n The Spirit of Christmas – Cyril Nri<\/p>\n Two-Piece and Cheeseboard – Kate Harbour<\/p>\n Una and Cardamon – Jessica Dennis<\/p>\n Limoncello and Amy – Clare Corbett<\/p>\n Leather and Mr Two-Piece – Ben Crowe<\/p>\n Honest John and Now – Will Howard<\/p>\n Rob – Jesse Fox<\/p>\n Other voices are played by the cast:<\/p>\n Executive producer – Sara Davies<\/p>\n Sound design – Adam Woodhams<\/p>\n Directed and produced by Nicolas Jackson.<\/p>\n An Afonica production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Unspeakable<\/p>\n Thursday 25 December, 6.30pm – 7pm<\/p>\n Phil Wang and Susie Dent challenge guests to invent new festive words to enter the dictionary. With special guests Matt Lucas, Nick Mohammed and Sara Pascoe.<\/p>\n In the 2025 Christmas special, we hear Matt Lucas’s new word for a crucial moment during Christmas dinner, Nick Mohammed (who fans will remember from Celebrity Traitors) coins a new word for your neighbour who goes all out with the decorations, and Sara Pascoe creates a word for when you have to put on a brave face through the festive season.<\/p>\n Created by Joe Varley<\/p>\n Writers: Matt Crosby and Katie Storey<\/p>\n Recorded by Jerry Peal<\/p>\n Producer: Jon Harvey<\/p>\n Executive Producers: Joe Varley and Akash Lockmun<\/p>\n A Brown Bred production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n The Infinite Monkey Cage: The North Pole Unwrapped<\/p>\n Thursday, 25 Dec at 11am (Podcast available on BBC Sounds Wednesday, 17 December at 7am)<\/p>\n In this Christmas episode of\u202fThe Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince orientate to the North Pole to explore the dazzling science behind the northern lights, the extreme adaptations that help animals – and even Santa Claus – survive the Arctic cold, and how the Earth\u2019s magnetic field might just guide him home. Join the monkeys and a panel of experts as they brave the chill to uncover the scientific wonders of one of Earth\u2019s most remote and magical frontiers.<\/p>\n Producer: Melanie Brown<\/p>\n Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem<\/p>\n A BBC Studios Production.<\/p>\n Woman’s Hour<\/p>\n Friday 26 December, 10am \u2013 11am<\/p>\n On Boxing Day, Woman\u2019s Hour takes a look at women\u2019s relationship with the dark. At the point in the year when days are the shortest, Anita Rani explores why some women feel cocooned by darkness and love to hunker down embracing it, whilst others fear the dark or simply long for the lighter evenings to return. She talks to women who live and work in the dark and reflects on how women have historically navigated the potential dangers of darkness and those who\u2019ve harnessed it to their advantage.<\/p>\n Presenter: Anita Rani<\/p>\n Producer: Corinna Jones<\/p>\n Editor: Deiniol Buxton<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n The Matt Forde Focus Group<\/p>\n Friday 26 September, 6.30pm – 7pm<\/p>\n Comedian Matt Forde reconvenes his very own Focus Group for a one-off Boxing Day special. Matt and his panel of politicians, comedians and curious minds explore the issues shaping our world – all filtered through a uniquely funny and insightful lens that turns serious discussion into something both hilarious and surprisingly revealing. Expect big festive laughs, smart debate, and a refreshingly honest take on the political stories that shaped 2025.<\/p>\n The Matt Forde Focus Group is Produced by Richard Garvin and is an Avalon Production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Caf\u00e9 Hope<\/p>\n Tuesday 23 December, 8pm \u2013 8.40pm<\/p>\n Join Rachel Burden for Caf\u00e9 Hope\u2019s Christmas Dinner where we\u2019ve swapped our virtual caf\u00e9 for a real one \u2013 the perfectly named Caf\u00e9 Hope in Glasgow – for a chat and a cake or two. We\u2019ll hear how the community caf\u00e9 is run by young people mentored and trained by professional chefs. And we\u2019ll hear how all our guests are trying to make Christmas better for people in big or small ways.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Soul Music<\/p>\n Saturday 27 December, 9am \u2013 10am<\/p>\n In a special hour-long programme, Soul Music celebrates 25 years on Radio 4 with a compilation of stories about the music that reaches our emotional core. Over the years we\u2019ve heard from a variety of people who have been profoundly moved by a piece of music or a song that has stayed with them over a lifetime as a joyful memory or supported them through difficult times. Prepare to be deeply moved by stories of birth, childhood, coming-of-age, love and loss, and ultimately survival that remind us of the huge role that music plays as the soundtrack to our lives.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n Spotlight: Murder in the Cathedral<\/p>\n Saturday 27 December, 3pm \u2013 4.30pm<\/p>\n Danny Sapani stars in T.S. Eliot’s 1935 verse drama about the murder and martyrdom of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170.<\/p>\n Thomas Becket – Danny Sapani<\/p>\n The Chorus – Kirsty Oswald, Sasha McCabe and Maggie Steed<\/p>\n The Priests – Chris Lew Kum Hoi and Clive Hayward<\/p>\n The Fourth Tempter – Jasmine Hyde<\/p>\n The Messenger – Django Bevan<\/p>\n The Four Knights – Matthew Gravelle, Silas Carson, Joseph Ayre and Philippe Spall.<\/p>\n Music composed by Joseph Howard and performed by the BBC Singers, with percussionist Louise Anna Duggan.<\/p>\n Production co-ordinators Eleri Sydney McAuliffe and Lindsay Rees<\/p>\n Sound design – Catherine Robinson and Rhys Morris<\/p>\n A BBC Audio Wales production, adapted and directed by Emma Harding.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Archive on 4: How The Muppet Show Began in Britain<\/p>\n Saturday 27 December, 8pm \u2013 9pm<\/p>\n Before it became a global sensation, The Muppet Show was a British gamble. In this warm and witty documentary, Louise Gold – who played Annie Sue Pig – celebrates the show\u2019s anarchic birth in Britain in the mid-1970s. Rejected by American networks, Jim Henson\u2019s puppet troupe found a champion in ATV boss Lew Grade, who backed the series and gave it a home at Elstree Studios.<\/p>\n Broadcast on ITV on Sunday nights, The Muppet Show was an overnight hit. Its surreal humour and musical chaos cast won over British audiences instantly. Louise Gold, the show\u2019s first British female puppeteer, guides us through its early days, revisiting unforgettable numbers like Mah N\u00e0 Mah N\u00e0, Bein\u2019 Green, and The Muppet Show Theme.<\/p>\n We hear from guest stars Petula Clark and Twiggy, TV supremo Michael Grade – son of Lew – and Muppet legend Dave Goelz, who still plays Gonzo. Writer Joe Bailey shares what it was like scripting madness, while stage managers and cameramen reveal how the show came together behind the scenes.<\/p>\n The Muppets\u2019 anarchic antics didn\u2019t just entertain, they reshaped British children\u2019s television. We meet Hartley Hare and Nigel Paskin, who filmed Pipkins next door, and Ronnie Le Drew, who voices Zippy and George from Rainbow. Both Nigel and Ronnie would go on to work with the Jim Henson Company.<\/p>\n Producer: Ashley Byrne<\/p>\n A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n A Long Winter by Colm T\u00f3ib\u00edn<\/p>\n Monday 29 December, 10.45pm – 11pm<\/p>\n An unforgettable story about loss and new love from the bestselling author of \u2018Brooklyn\u2019 and \u2018Long Island.\u2019<\/p>\n One snowy morning, after arguing with her husband, Miquel\u2019s mother walks out from their home high up in the Pyrenees and does not return. With his younger brother stationed far away on military service and his father cast out by the people of the town, Miquel and his father are left to fend for themselves. Together they will be forced to battle the elements, and their resentment of each other, through the long winter.<\/p>\n Writer: Colm T\u00f3ib\u00edn<\/p>\n Abridger: Rowan Routh<\/p>\n Producer: Michael Shannon<\/p>\n A BBC Audio Northern Ireland Production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Drama on 4: Snow White\u2019s Radio Drama Romance<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 2.15pm – 3pm<\/p>\n Following ‘Rumpelstiltskin’s Radio Drama Romance’, former Head of BBC Radio Drama, Gordon House has written and directed a new play – Snow White\u2019s Radio Drama Romance. Once more the lives of the production team and the actors are as important (and oddly relevant) as the story of Snow White, who here becomes the possible prey of the Big Bad Wolf.<\/p>\n The play revolves around producer Graham, who is attempting to cope with his own disorderly private life and imminent retirement. With him are a depressed technical producer whose boyfriend has just left her, a writer whose home has been burgled, an actor with a drink problem and a BBC executive who makes a thoroughly ill-timed visit to the recording. Meantime, in the pantomime, Snow White not only has to avoid eating her wicked aunt’s apple but also must avoid being eaten by a charismatic but rapacious wolf.<\/p>\n Jon Strickland stars as Graham, Neil Summerville plays both King Horace and his brother, the hapless Royal Soothsayer. Alan Bennett makes a cameo appearance as The Voice of the Mirror. David Chilton provides the music links and the play is an Essential Music Production, produced by Lucinda Mason Brown.<\/p>\n Cast:<\/p>\n Production Team<\/p>\n Graham – Jon Strickland<\/p>\n Jeremy – Clive Hayward<\/p>\n Tashelle – Rakie Ayola<\/p>\n Jenny – Abbie Andrews<\/p>\n The Actors<\/p>\n King\/Royal Soothsayer\/Neil -Neil Summerville<\/p>\n Witch\/Morgana\/Briony – Tracy Wiles<\/p>\n Snow White\/Maisie\/Clara – Kitty O\u2019Sullivan<\/p>\n Wolf\/Jolly\/Wil – Will Howard<\/p>\n With Alan Bennett as The Voice of the Mirror.<\/p>\n Crew:<\/p>\n Technical Producer: Andrew Garratt<\/p>\n Sound Designers: Lucinda Mason Brown and David Chilton<\/p>\n Production Co-ordinator: Sarah Tombling<\/p>\n Director: Gordon House<\/p>\n An Essential production for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Front Row<\/p>\n Wednesday 31 December, 7.15pm – 8pm<\/p>\n Featuring a classic track and a New Year treat from Belle & Sebastian, who are embarking on their 30th anniversary tour in 2026, and a specially commissioned Hogmanay poem by Michael Mullen, whose debut collection Goonie was published to great acclaim earlier this year.<\/p>\n RB2<\/p>\n The Archers 75th anniversary<\/p>\n Thursday 1 January<\/p>\n On New Year’s Day, Radio 4 celebrates 75 years of The Archers with a day of special programming, including a 45-minute drama at 19.15, straight after that night’s episode of The Archers. Then at 20:00, The Archers Podcast will be broadcast for the first time on Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Strong Message Here<\/p>\n Thursday 1 January, 9.45am – 10am<\/p>\n Extended version on BBC Sounds.<\/p>\n Armando Iannucci picks through listener suggestions of their favourite or least favourite political words and phrases of the year.<\/p>\n Produced by Gwyn Davies at BBC Studios for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n The Best of the News Quiz<\/p>\n Friday 2 January, 6.30pm – 7pm<\/p>\n Andy Zaltzman takes us through some of the funniest bits of this much-loved topical show in a year that didn\u2019t over deliver on tidings of comfort and joy.<\/p>\n Produced by Rajiv Karia at BBC Studios for BBC Radio 4.<\/p>\n FK<\/p>\n Today Programme \u2013 Christmas Guest Editors<\/p>\n Wednesday 24 December \u2013 Wednesday 31 December (no programme on Christmas Day and Sundays). Monday to Friday 6-9am; Boxing Day and Saturday 7-9am.<\/p>\n
\nThe Uncanny Christmas Casebook with Diane Morgan<\/p>\n![\"Artwork](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/p0mhv2g6.jpg\")
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\nEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-King
\nMusic: Evelyn Sykes
\nTheme music by: Lanterns on the Lake
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\n7 December: Chapel of Keble College, Oxford,\u202fincluding works by Sally Beamish, Richard Pantcheff and Cecilia McDowall
\n14 December: St John the Evangelist, Hills Road, Cambridge, with the University of Cambridge Schola Cantorum performing music by Richard Rodney Bennett, Tallis, Golovanov and Alex Robson
\n21 December: Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer, Clerkenwell, London, including works by Distler, Maconchy and Soriano<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"Armando](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/p0mhzk1n.jpg\")
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