Reintroducing audiences to Partridge’s unique style of interviewing and adding some insights into his life outside of his chat show world, plus adding a Christmas tune and even an appearance by Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall for good measure, this delivers big laughs, a huge fall from grace, and a smattering of sympathy for the Norwich-born host. Next up is Mary, a bell ringer from Norwich Cathedral with strong views on Jesus and what the festive season should mean to us all. Not technically a sofa guest, she gets herself involved at the request of Tony Hayers, and to the obvious discomfort of Alan – “How did this happen?” he ventures out loud at one point. The ensuing discussion, about Mary’s objection to the ‘graphic depiction of onanism’ being broadcast on the Beeb brings a curt response from Partridge (“Listen love, the BBC might be many things, but porn it ain’t. The only way you can access hardcore pornography is if you mail off for a satellite smart card decoder.”) It’s these wonderfully off-the-cuff moments, with Partridge so at ease with himself yet ill at ease in his current situation, that shine throughout the show. His other guests include Fanny Thomas, a foul-mouthed transvestite chef played superbly by king of comedy, Kevin Eldon, and the Herons, a golfing couple that have succumbed to a terrible tragedy (Gordon Heron was struck by lightning, paralysing him from the waist down). Both encounters throw up more classic lines but it’s the events outside of these that raise most interest. Not to be forgotten is Alan’s penchant for product placement (fans of the first series will remember the appearance of soft drink Sprünt). This show frequently includes mention of Rover cars and there’s even an appearance from a salesman from the Norfolk Rover dealership, dressed up as Santa. This predictably blows up in Alan’s face when Tony Hayers catches on to what’s happening, forcing a last minute change of plan for a Christmas cracker joke (“What make of car goes ‘woof woof’? It’s not a Rover. It’s a Vauxhall Labrador.”) The show’s crowning glory comes in the final five minutes. Exasperated at the failure of the show’s big production number (a massive burning Christmas cracker puts paid to that) and humiliated by the quick-witted Fanny, Alan, hand stuffed far up a turkey, loses his patience and ruins his career by punching Tony Hayers in the face, first accidentally, quite on purpose the second time. Just as you’re still reeling from that masterstroke, Alan’s brought to his senses with a slap from Mrs Heron and then, shaking directly to camera comes the moment of realisation (“Aaaaargh. I will never work in broadcasting again.”). Too true Alan. Too true. Ah-Ho-Ho-Ho My favourite xmas film: Batman ReturnsMy favourite xmas film: Home AloneMy favourite xmas film: Trading PlacesMy favourite xmas film: Die HardMy favourite xmas film: It’s A Wonderful LifeMy favourite xmas film: Elf 24 December 2008
