The TV Cream Advent Calendar: Door 6

Another promotional launch, this time from 1973. Benny Hill, Black Beauty, Sid James, Barbara Windsor, Danny La Rue, Jack Smethurst and Hughie Green (and a traffic warden). No need to guess which channel.

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.

The TV Cream Advent Calendar: Door 4

Kenneth Williams is waiting behind today's door, ready to share his memories of Christmas 27 years ago...

Tuesday 23rd December 1980
"Saw Louie and we watched the Les Dawson Show. The format is wrong but he continually triumphs. There are endless repetitions of the same joke on TV this year. Son to father (apropos Christmas present) 'I've got my eye on this bike' and the father replies 'Well keep your eye on it cos you ain't getting your arse on it.' Then there is 'Why do they have to have Christmas in December when all the shops are so crowded?' The only thing that did make me laugh was when the Ghost of Christmas asked Dawson 'What about the Cratchits?' and he replied 'They're fine - I think that ointment's done the trick.'"

The TV Cream Advent Calendar: Door 3

The quizzery has been axed. At least for today. Instead, lurking behind today's door are...the faces of BBC's 1981 Christmas season! In search of some figgy pudding (and they won't go until they've GOT SOME) are Isla St Clair, John Inman, June Whitfield, Kenny Everett, Dana and, er, Jan Leeming.

The TV Cream Advent Calendar: Door 2

Well, judging by the number of responses so far, this advent calendar thing is clearly going to be a thunderously popular feature.

Anyway, here's a trio of festive teasers that, failing to prompt any answers, might at least divert somebody's attention for a few seconds.

a) What song did Peter Duncan perform in the 1986 Blue Peter special Christmas panto edition?

b) What was the name of the special EastEnders spin-off shown on Boxing Day in 1988, and when was it set?

c) From which incredibly exciting location did Keith Chegwin host part of BBC1's New Year's Eve festivities in 1983?

The TV Cream Advent Calendar: Door 1

Hello and welcome to this convenient December blog-filling feature.

Every day a seasonal puzzler, photo or pontification will be awaiting your attention, the solution (if there is one) supplied, if and when anybody has a go, via the blog comments tool.

To kick off with, it's a riddle-me-ree that even Noel in his Telly Addicts pomp would surely have welcomed: a Christmas listings magazine covers quiz.

Can you identify the year, and the publication (either Radio Times or TV Times), for these six yuletide tableaux?

1) Jack Smethurst and Rudolph Walker as 'The Black And White Santas'.

2) Roger Moore pushing Janet Brown (in full Mrs T garb) through the snow in a skidoo.

3) Eric, Ern, Brucie and Lulu in a circus ring.

4) Bet Lynch dressed as Santa Claus handing Hilda Ogden a present.

5) A gaudy painting of Charles, Diana and baby decorating a Christmas tree.

6) Eric, Ern, Cilla and Rolf gathered around a table groaning with festive food and gifts.

"Hello, I'm Penny Wise"

Chris Hughes has pointed out that new designs for every coin are being introduced next year, and wonders - rightly - why there has been no official publicity about this whatsoever.

Where, he contends, was the design-a-coin competition on Blue Peter? Where was the official announcement (which should, by rights, have been made by Alistair Darling as a guest on The One Show, in front of some blown-up giant-sized coins)?

And where is the publicity campaign, featuring an animated character called Penny Wise, voiced by Penelope Keith?

And is there going to be a special launch programme on BBC1, hosted by Huw Edwards and Evan Davies, with guest appearances from Sir Alan Sugar and Peter Jones; roving reports from Saira Khan and Matt Baker; mini-skits with the casts of Robin Hood ("Yes, Sheriff, I certainly do give to the poor...this bag of shiny newly-minted coins!") and EastEnders ("'Ere, Minty, what's this funny money? Are you trying to diddle me?"); plus the stars of Strictly Come Dancing performing to Pennies From Heaven?