Del Boy and Rodney are back for another Christmas special

The classic comedy Only Fools and Horses will return to television screens on Christmas Day for another special episode, the BBC confirmed yesterday.

In the latest one-off programme from the popular sitcom, Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) go on a day trip to France. The show is likely to be the last outing of the 21-year-old series, although the final curtain has been threatened before.

Another favourite comedy to be revived for a Christmas special is Absolutely Fabulous. The outrageous Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley) take on New York Fashion Week and attempt to track down Eddy's long-lost son, Serge. The programme features special guest stars Whoopi Goldberg, Debbie Harry and Graham Norton.

The Christmas period will also include a tribute, hosted by Michael Parkinson, to the comedian Billy Connolly. Guests will include Judi Dench and Robin Williams.

Films receiving their terrestrial premieres on the BBC include Chicken Run, The Mummy, The Parent Trap and American Beauty.

Angus Deayton, removed from Have I Got News For You because of revelations about his private life, will be back with the corporation on Boxing Day to host Before They Were Famous.

ITV also released its Christmas schedule. Among the highlights is a remake of the classic story Goodbye Mr Chips, with Martin Clunes in the title role. Other programmes on ITV include Mary Poppins, West Side Story and The Muppets' Christmas Carol, and film premières of Grumpier Old Men, Richie Rich's Christmas Wish and Space Jam.

On New Year's Day, Amanda Burton heads an all-star cast in a film adaptation of Pollyanna. Among ITV1's Christmas specials, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Big Brother's Alex Sibley will join Cilla Black for Christmas Celebrity Blind Date. Des Lynam, Mary Nightingale and Betty Boothroyd will join Chris Tarrant for Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.