‘Call the Midwife’ Christmas special review

Call the Midwife may have begun as a show about Jenny Lee’s experiences as a midwife in Poplar, but much has changed in three seasons. Lead actor Jessica Raine has now departed from the show, and this year’s Christmas special is its first real chance to prove that it can continue without her and grow – even … >

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Jenna Coleman confirmed to return for ‘all of Season 9’

Jenna Coleman has announced that she will return as Clara for Doctor Who‘s “whole” next season. It had been rumoured over recent months that the actress would depart in tonight’s Christmas special or would only be appearing in a limited number of episodes in Season 9. Written by Steven Moffat, ‘Last Christmas’ saw Clara rejoin the … >

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‘Doctor Who’ Christmas special: ‘Last Christmas’ review

Much like ourselves, Doctor Who is expected to overindulge and go a bit crazy on December 25th. Time Lord and Christmas time match perfectly. They’re both mad events which people love and which many take seriously, no matter how absurd they get. So our TVs are decorated with flying sharks dragging sleighs, presents containing portals … >

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‘The Box of Delights’ Episode 6 revisited: ‘Leave Us Not Little, Nor Yet Dark’

In 1984, the BBC produced one of the most memorable and ambitious children’s television programmes of all time. Based on the novel by John Masefield, The Box of Delights was a tick-all-the-boxes psychedelic alchemy that combined captivating story, superb ensemble performance and special effects that transcended the clunky, pre-digital technology of the age to create … >

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‘The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm’ preview

If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember with great fondness the books about a peculiarly British nutty professor by Norman Hunter, starting with The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm. You’ll also no doubt be somewhat dismayed that you’re now old enough to be referred to in online reviews as being ‘of a certain age’. … >

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‘Text Santa’ full clip: George Clooney and Joanna Lumley in ‘Downton Abbey’

George Clooney and Joanna Lumley appeared in a Downton Abbey sketch for tonight’s Text Santa on ITV. The annual charity appeal returned earlier this evening with a three-hour fundraising show. It’s Christmas at Downton and Lord Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) seems to be facing financial ruin once again. He’s beginning to wonder if his family … >

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‘The Box of Delights’ Episode 5 revisited: ‘Beware of Yesterday’

In 1984, the BBC produced one of the most memorable and ambitious children’s television programmes of all time. Based on the novel by John Masefield, The Box of Delights was a tick-all-the-boxes psychedelic alchemy that combined captivating story, superb ensemble performance and special effects that transcended the clunky, pre-digital technology of the age to create … >

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