Brits have voted for their favourite Christmas TV moments of all time – with the “Batman and Robin” episode of classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses topping the list. The hilarious episode, which aired in 1996, saw Del Boy and Rodney unknowingly prevent a crime while dressed as the dynamic superhero duo.
And the poll of 2,000 adults also saw Only Fools and Horses taking second spot on the Christmas TV list – with an episode that aired just four days later, in which Del Boy finally becomes a millionaire. Nearly half of those polled (48 per cent) said that Christmas TV is one of their favourite things about the festive season – and they will watch 10 hours of TV between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Other memorable festive moments from the small screen include The Snowman's “Walking In The Air” scene, Geraldine's sprouts ordeal from The Vicar of Dibley, and more recently, Nessa proposing to Smithy in Gavin & Stacey.
The study was commissioned by Samsung Electronics, whose TV/AV spokeswoman, Zeena Hill, said: “We've been fortunate to experience many amazing Christmas TV moments over the years. And this year is no different, with particular stand-outs including The Great Snowman and a Ghosts Christmas special, expected to appear on our screens this festive season. We know the viewing experience is just as important as the content itself.”
Other noteworthy moments include the train chase scene in Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, and Dawn and Tim getting together in The Office. The priests getting trapped in the lingerie section in Father Ted, Den giving Angie divorce papers in EastEnders, and Denise going into labour in The Royle Family, are also remembered fondly.
As are Santa’s Little Helper joining the family in the first ever episode of The Simpsons, the revolving Christmas Tree from Mrs Brown’s Boys, and Gary’s proposal in Miranda. When it comes to new TV, King Charles’ Christmas Day message is the programme those polled are most looking forward to this year – just ahead of Strictly Come Dancing and Call the Midwife.
More than half (55 per cent) intend to watch the King’s first TV address – with 59 per cent eager to do so because it’s an “historic moment”, and 52 per cent because “it’s tradition”. But while festive telly is an integral part of the holidays for many families, 30 per cent admit agreeing what to watch tends to lead to arguments – such is the extensive choice.
And, on average, 5:05pm on Christmas Day is the time such disputes tend to start. The study, carried out via OnePoll for Samsung, makers of Neo QLED 8K, 4Ks, and QD-OLED TVs powered by Quantum Dot Technology, found 27 per cent like watching Christmas television – because it’s a chance to bond with loved ones. And 41 per cent said telly of this kind makes them feel nostalgic, while 41 per cent said it leaves them feeling cosy.
TOP 30 CHRISTMAS TV MOMENTS:
- Only Fools and Horses – Batman and Robin
- Only Fools and Horses – Del finally becomes a millionaire
- The Snowman – “Walking in the Air” flying segment
- The Vicar of Dibley – Geraldine’s sprouts ordeal
- The Morecambe & Wise Show – Andre Previn plays “all the right notes”
- Gavin & Stacey – Nessa proposes to Smithy
- Father Ted – Priests in the lingerie section
- The Vicar of Dibley – Marriage proposal
- The Morecambe & Wise Show – “Singin’ in the Rain” sketch
- Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers – Train chase scene
- The Morecambe & Wise Show – “Let's Face the Music and Dance” with newsreader, Angela Rippon
- EastEnders – Den gives Angie divorce papers
- The Good Life – Tom and Barbara make their own Xmas decorations and gifts
- Downton Abbey – Matthew proposes to Lady Mary
- The Royle Family – Denise goes into labour
- Gavin & Stacey – Smithy’s tinfoil wrapping
- Bing Crosby Christmas Special – David Bowie and Bing Crosby sing “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”
- The Two Ronnies – Pub chat sketch
- Mrs Brown's Boys – Revolving Christmas Tree
- EastEnders – Max and Stacey’s affair reveal
- The Office – Dawn and Tim get together
- Porridge – “No Way Out” – Fletcher falls into a tunnel and gets Xmas lunch in the infirmary
- Miranda – Gary proposes to Miranda
- Bottom – A baby turns up on Eddie and Ritchie’s doorstep and they conclude one of them must be Mary, the mother of Christ
- Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death – Puppy Love
- Doctor Who – David Tennant regenerates
- The Simpsons – Santa’s Little Helper joins the family
- Sherlock – Rooftop finale
- Coronation Street – Hilda Ogden leaves Coronation Street
- The Catherine Tate Show – Nan’s Christmas Carol
