New Christmas special for Radio 4

Count Arthur Strong is to return to Radio 4 for a Christmas special.

It is only the second time Steve Delaney’s muddle-minded creation has been on the radio after the seventh series aired in 2012.

The one-off episode will air at 11.30am on Christmas Day and involve the former variety star trying to get all the essential turkey after being surprised how quickly the festive season arrived.

And to tie in with the new programme, Radio 4 Extra will repeat the Count’s two Christmas specials from 2006 and 2014 on December 23 and 24, as well as the three-hour showcase Extra Strong - Count Arthur Speaks! on Boxing Day, in which he talks to Mark Radcliffe with some of his favourite adventures.

The seasonal special is one of several festive comedy shows lined up for Christmas on Radio 4, including:

Bridget Christie’s Christmas List: In which she and Father Christmas aims to celebrate in feminist style, with the help of Miles Jupp, Robin Ince, Jon Culshaw and Leo Wan. This airs at 6.15pm on Christmas Eve.

Tim Key's Christmas Poetry Programme: With Tom Basden and Katy Wix. Airs on Christmas Day, 11pm

Intensive Carey: Carey Marx makes his Radio 4 debut with this version of acclaimed Edinburgh show about his heart attack. New Year’s Eve, 6.30pm

Love In Recovery: An episode of the comedy-drama set in Alcoholics Anonymous on Christmas Eve, starring Sue Johnston, John Hannah, Eddie Marsan, Rebecca Front, Paul Kaye and Julia Deakin. A second series of Love In Recovery will return to Radio 4 next year, but this episode airs on Christmas Eve at 11pm.

Operation Christmas by Pam Ayres: Also starring and Geoffrey Whitehead as Pam’s husband Gordon. Christmas Day, 6.15pm

June Whitfield: 90 Not Out: A two-part celebration of her long career, from Take It From Here to Absolutely Fabulous, presented by Joanna Lumley. Airs on December 20 at 7.15pm; and New Year’s Day, 12.30pm

Don't Make Me Laugh Christmas Special: Frank Skinner is reunited with his former Fantasy Football partner David Baddiel for a special edition of the panel show, which also features Hugh Dennis, Ellie Taylor and Dan Schreiber trying not to make the audience laugh. December 22, 6.30pm

Dead Ringers A two-part edition starring Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Duncan Wisbey and Debra Stephenson on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day at 6.30pm

Incredible Women: A fourth series from Rebecca and Jeremy Front introduces five new ‘monstrous but incredible’ creations. December 28 to January 1 at 10.45am

15 Minute Musical Xmas 2015: Richie Webb, Dave Lamb and Pippa Evans tell Sepp Blatter’s story in Seven Bribes at 6.15pm on December 28; and Jeremy Corbyn Superstar at 6.15pm on New Year’s Eve.

It’s Jocelyn A new character comedy series from Jocelyn Jee Esien, also featuring Curtis Walker, Ninia Benjamin and Kevin J, launches on December 30 at 6.30pm

North by Northamptonshire: Full Stop Katherine Jakeways comedy-drama comes to a close after three series with tis special featuring Sheila Hancoc, Felicity Montag, Kevin Eldon Penelope Wilton, Geoffrey Palmer and more. New Year’s Eve, 2.15pm

Ed Reardon at Christmas: The curmudgeonly author voiced by Christopher Douglas celebrates Christmas . Also with Jenny Agutter and Stephanie Cole. New Year’s Day, 6.15pm

And on Radio 4 Extra, Josie Long Hears The Truth is new a three-hour showcase of storytelling which will air on December 19 at 9am and 7pn.

Published: 25 Nov 2015