The BBC sees out 2006 with another chance to see some the year’s best HDTV programmes, along with simulcast premieres of new drama. The long weekend begins with a rerun of the stunning Planet Earth, with the first five episodes on Sat 30 December at 1:50pm. The second batch of episodes follows on Sunday 31st at 1:25pm.
Monday 1st January at 6:20pm sees the children’s classic The Wind in the Willows receive a new lavish live-action TV adaptation. The colourful cast is headed by Bob Hoskins as badger, Little Britain’s Matt Lucas as Toad, League of Gentlemen’s Mark Gatiss as Rat and Lee Ingleby as Mole. Co-stars include Imelda Staunton as the Barge Lady, Jim Carter as the engine driver and Bleak House’s Anna Maxwell Martin as the Gaoler's daughter.
On Monday at 9:30pm, Torchwood reaches its exciting two-part season finale (which is hopefully more original than last week's Fight Club rehash). In the first half, members of the team are sent back in time through the rift to WWII and discover Captain Jack Harkness is there (as Doctor Who viewers will recall). In the climax, the rift is causing time to splinter, with consequences that reach far beyond Cardiff. The Torchwood personnel witness events from their past as well as terrifying glimpses of the future. Find out if Jack can save the world!
With Strictly Come Dancing over for the time being, Tuesday 2nd January at 9pm marks the return of duet-singing contest Just the Two of Us. Eight celebrities are paired with popular recording artists to perform live every night in this test of vocal skills.
Husband-and-wife team Vernon Kay and Tess Daly return to host the show, guiding the contestants through intense rehearsals, performances, the judges’ verdicts and the viewers’ vote.
Related stories: BBC HD programmes for January and February.
From: Battle of Bannockburn educational film to be made in high definition