King Gary returning to screens as part of BBC’s Christmas slate
There will also be a Strictly Come Dancing festive special.
Tom Davis’ primetime sitcom King Gary is returning to BBC One for a Christmas special.
The 41-year-old actor and comedian will reprise the role of family man Gary King alongside Laura Checkley as his wife Terri, for the half-hour episode.
According to the BBC, “the Butterchurn Crescent Christmas Light Display is set to brighten up the neighbourhood after a tough year”.
However, the festivities come under threat when King learns “his neighbours simply can’t afford the ‘leccy’ bill”.
When King, a hapless family man who has taken over his father’s building firm, comes close to landing a new contract at work, he decides to take it upon himself to save the light display and Christmas itself.
Created by the Bafta-winning team behind Murder In Successville and set in the outer London suburbs, King Gary’s first series aired in January this year.
The Christmas special comes as part of the BBC’s festive slate, which also includes Strictly: The Christmas Countdown on BBC One, where the public will vote for the 25 most memorable dances.
Co-presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will join the judges, former Strictly contestants and professional dancers as they count down the dances.
Sir David Attenborough narrates a one-off programme, Meerkat: A Dynasties Special, and Lee Mack will return for a special episode of his sitcom Not Going Out.
These will broadcast alongside previously announced Christmas specials including Zog And The Flying Doctors, narrated by Sir Lenny Henry, a Doctor Who special and lockdown-themed episodes of The Vicar Of Dibley.
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s chief content officer, said: “It’s never felt more important to help bring the country together to share, to laugh and to celebrate the festive season on the BBC.
“Let’s face it, it’s been a difficult year, unlike any other, so we’ve pulled out all the stops this Christmas to keep people entertained and bring comfort and joy when we need it most, with a range of unmissable programmes across our channels and BBC iPlayer.
“We’ll provide laugher with new comedy and entertainment shows, escapism with riveting new drama and natural history, heart and warmth with special episodes of your favourite shows, and companionship from many of the nation’s biggest stars.
“There’s something for everyone and as always it promises to be a very special time of the year on the BBC. There’s really no need to go anywhere else this Christmas.”
