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A Good Christmas

Giles Coren and Sue Perkins step back to 1975 to learn some self-sufficient skills. Can the pair enjoy Christmas when they're strapped for cash?

In celebration of The Good Life's 35th birthday, Giles Coren and Sue Perkins step back in time to 1975 to find out what it takes to make the self-sufficient dream a reality. Based in an ordinary suburban street and inspiring themselves with archive clips of the comedy, Giles and Sue try to recreate the Goods' world - from growing vegetables in the garden to trying to generate their own power and making their own clothes.

It's the season to be jolly, but is it really possible to enjoy Christmas when you're strapped for cash? Giles and Sue set out to prove that by using a few old fashioned handicrafts and an awful lot of enthusiasm, you can still put the merry into Christmas.

They begin by making some very rudimentary home-made decorations, before calling in 70s Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves who tries to show them how to assemble the famous Blue Peter advent crown. They take delivery of two turkeys, one of which Giles is determined will end up on the table come Christmas day. And as they haven't got any cash, Sue joins a local knitting circle and knits Giles a very festive 70s inspired Christmas jumper. Celebrity cook Sophie Grigson pops over to help them with a spot of Christmas baking and Giles and Sue invite all the neighbours over for some carols.

Meanwhile, away from the frugality of Tom and Barbara's make-do Christmas, Margo and Jerry enjoy some intoxicating cocktails and plan their Christmas with military precision.

Giles and Sue wake up on Christmas Day to find it has snowed and, after a chilly spot of snowballing, they're delighted when famous cook Mary Berry turns up to prepare a scrumptious Christmas lunch.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 25 Jan 2011 00:25

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Giles Coren
Presenter Sue Perkins
Executive Producer Dan Adamson
Executive Producer Daisy Goodwin
Series Producer Lucy Hooper

Broadcasts