The Royle Family: Joe's Crackers (2010)

Fast becoming a Christmas staple and national treasure of the Only Fools and Horses variety, The Royle Family's Christmas Day special continues an excellent revival of the suburban sitcom. After last year's foray out of the Royle's house to a caravan, we returned to the front room and kitchen of Jim and Barbara as they entertained Denise, Dave, Anthony and soon-to-be fiancé Saskia, along with neighbours Jim and Cheryl. It's Jim's first Christmas since his wife Mary passed away, although he brings her along in her urn, which ends up in the Dyson...

It's just a typical family Christmas then, albeit with laughs and heart - much of it from the very talented Peter Martin as previously stoic Jim, now you can't shut him up. Jessica Hynes underplays Cheryl to a tee, and Sue Johnston continues to be utterly sublime as Barbara. Ricky Tomlinson will forever be Jim Royle, and he plays the role with gusto - he could probably do it in his sleep. Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash, director and co-writers, pitch everything just right, even with the unexpectedly swift ending that requires resolution! The Royle Family Christmas special tops off an evening of quality entertainment from the BBC.