BBC hopes big-hitting films will win Christmas ratings

The BBC is banking on a slate of big-name movie premières including Chicken Run, Billy Elliot and American Beauty to win the television ratings war this Christmas.

But it has also turned to comedy stars such as Ricky Gervais of The Office and Steve Coogan to bolster its seasonal schedule. Although the full line-up will not be confirmed until next month, BBC1 will aim for the children's audience with Chicken Run, from the Oscar-winning team at Aardman Animations, and another animation, A Bug's Life.

Older audiences will be offered Billy Elliot, the heart-warming story of a young dancer in a mining community; The Mummy; the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, with Pierce Brosnan, and Sam Mendes' Oscar-winning American Beauty.

BBC2 will première Fight Club, the controversial Brad Pitt movie; Mike Leigh's homage to Gilbert and Sullivan, Topsy Turvy, and An Ideal Husband with Rupert Everett.

While BBC1 will rely on favourites such as the impressionist Alistair McGowan and an Absolutely Fabulous special to keep the family happy, BBC2 will provide a touch of culture, comedy and history.

Rob Brydon stars with Steve Coogan in Cruise of the Gods about a former hero of a cult futuristic television show. Ricky Gervais is training to take on Grant Bovey, Anthea Turner's husband, in the boxing ring for a charity bout. And there will be Christmas episodes of The Kumars at No 42, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Shooting Stars.