Nothing marks the festive season quite like a Christmas special and there have been some crackers down the years. (Pun very much intended).
There's nothing many of us love more than putting our feet up and watching some telly of a Christmas Day, usually with a selection box or two in hand. Thankfully the TV Gods have provided for us in this hour(s) of need and delivered some quality and memorable TV moments.
Here are our favourites;
5 - Extras
The first of two appearances Ricky Gervais's work will make on this list. Whatever you want to say about him, the man writes a good Christmas Special. 'Extras' featured an array of famous faces throughout the series from Samuel L. Jackson to Ben Stiller and Kate Winslet. The Christmas special, which aired in December 2007, sees main character Andy (played by Gervais) trying to cope with his fall from fame by featuring on 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
4 - Only Fools and Horses
The 'Only Fools and Horses Christmas Special' of 1993 garnered over 19 million viewers and is still repeated again and again. This next clip from that episode proves why the show still has as much of a cult following as it does and is up there in the hilarious stakes with that time Del Boy fell through the pub counter.... also worth a watch!
3 - The Royle Family
Ahh 'The Royle Family Christmas Special'. It was a staple for many a year and always made us feel better about wiling away our time plonked in front of the TV over the festive season. Here's a little piece from the 2008 special where Denise makes plans for the Christmas dinner.
R.I.P to the fantastic Caroline Aherne.
2 - The UK Office
For fans of 'The UK Office' there was no greater love story than that of Tim and Dawn. The 'will they, wont they' friendship had fans glued to the TV back in 2003 waiting for this special moment to happen. And it was worth the wait.
1 - Father Ted
It would almost be unpatriotic to not give the number one Christmas Special show to 'Father Ted', so lucky it actually happens to be the best. Here is that famous lingerie section scene - we'll leave the last words with Ted...
