The TV Cream Advent Calendar: Door 5

Half a dozen unlikely festive telly treats from Christmas Days of old.

1) A GIFT FOR GRACIE (ITV, 1970)
60 minutes of variety from Miss Fields's place, in reality a Yorkshire Television studio converted into a mock-18th century mansion with the likes of Harry Secombe, Arthur Askey, Lionel Blair and The Mike Sammes Singers "happening" to stop by in a House Party-esque fashion. At least Brucie was on hand, playing the role of "butler".

2) CHRISTMAS WITH WOGAN (ITV, 1972)
"Avast ye - do I spy an obligatory pair of elasticated socks?" Whatever this was, it was assuredly the best bit of the gargantuan 105-minute long All Star Comedy Carnival, hosted by Jimmy Tarbuck.

3) MEET PETERS AND LEE (BBC1, 1974)
30 minutes of comedy and music with Lennie P and Dianne L, together, according to Radio Times, "for the first time". But they'd had a number one 18 months earlier!

4) CROSSROADS (ITV, 1975)
"David Hunter extends an invitation which may prove very embarrassing."

5) ROBINSON CRUSOE AND THE TIGER (ITV, 1977)
A film so dull that its entire cast list read: "Robinson Crusoe; Friday; A Tiger".

6) A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF AN EXMOOR MAN (BBC2, 1980)
"The film follows Tom's year, from sheep-shearing to lambing...". Nifty counter-scheduling from the Beeb to coincide with the nation's post-Christmas dinner snooze.