Digital TV News

New Year TV listings 2011: The highlights

Thursday 29 December, 2011

By Anthony Hill

Jools Holland, Morecambe & Wise and Cirque du Soleil - just some of the eclectic mix hitting our screens on New Year’s Eve

Even if you’re not venturing out, there’s always some festive TV to keep you entertained on New Year’s Eve. The line-up this year boasts an especially diverse selection, from classic comedy to the Royal Ballet and everything else in-between.

On Saturday, New Year’s Eve, there’s a special themed evening of Morecambe & Wise repeats on BBC Two. Devoted fan and comedian Paul Merton hosts a celebration of their finest moments from 8pm, followed by a second chance to see acclaimed drama Eric & Ernie, starring Daniel Rigby, Bryan Dick and Victoria Wood.

For satellite viewers, Sky Arts is home to a colourful spectacular from 6pm, when Canadian circus troupe Cirque du Soleil is featured in two breathtaking performances. First up is Quidam, full of flying acrobats and skipping ropes, before the thrilling Saltimbanco takes over with jugglers, bungees and human pyramids.

Meanwhile, BBC Four will screen the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s stunning production of Prokofiev’s Cinderella at 7pm and on Five at 8pm there’s a rundown of TV’s 50 Greatest Magic Tricks with input from small-screen illusionists Derren Brown, David Blaine and Dynamo.

There are laughs aplenty on Channel 4 at 9pm, with Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular, a party-themed special with guests including Jonathan Ross, Alesha Dixon and Gok Wan, and of course now New Year’s Eve would be complete without Jools Holland.

This year’s edition, Jool’s Annual Hootenanny 2011, will be the 19th in all. The show gets underway at 11.15pm on BBC Two. Performers this year include R&B singer Jessie J, jazz piano from Buddy Greco and Sandy Shaw, who will reel off a few 1960s hits. As is now tradition, the midnight chimes will be accompanied by the pipes and drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards.

On Sunday, New Year’s Day, there are also a few TV treats lined up. At 7pm on BBC One, EastEnders veteran Pat Butcher hangs her dangly earrings up for good, as she makes a mournful exit after 25 years in Albert Square.

Sky 1 subscriber can watch Eddie Izzard as Long John Silver in a new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s fantasy Treasure Island at 7pm, while the second festive special of classic 1990s comedy Absolutely Fabulous hits BBC One at 9.40pm.

Perhaps this year’s highlight, though, is a new instalment of Sherlock, from Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat, entitled A Scandal in Belgravia. Starting at 8.10pm on BBC One, it’s said to be a well-scripted, witty and visually stunning drama, which should bode well for the two additional 90-minute episodes expected in 2012.

Photos by Scilly Stuff, Shining.darkness and Dave Bleasdale