Christmas TV

The House of Commons has been muttering darkly over the number of repeats on TV for the Christmas season (CLICK). Judging by BBC trailers, most of the original stuff is patronizing pap. One exception is BBC1's adaptation of Roald Dahl's Esio Trot with Dustin Hoffman and Judi Dench on New Year's Day, a tale of a tortoise in the fast lane (CLICK). Of course the programme I'm awaiting with bated breath is the special one-off episode of Downton Abbey which will air at Christmas. The big question is whether Lily James will return as Lady Rose MacClare. She's been collared by Disney to play Cinderella, due out next year (CLICK)