Gavin and Stacey returns to TV on Saturday nights as BBC announce schedule of programmes including old favourites and new series to entertain the nation during coronavirus lockdown
The BBC have announced plans to bring back classic TV comedies during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK.
Gavin and Stacey is making a comeback to BBC One on Saturday nights, following its record breaking viewing figures for its Christmas special last year.
In a statement BBC director-general Tony Hall announced Wednesday that other TV favourites including Outnumbered and Peter Kay’s Car Share will also return while a host of new series will air over the next few months.
Comeback: The BBC have announced plans to bring back classic TV comedies including Gavin and Stacey during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK
On Saturday nights BBC One will play host to a comedy takeover kicking off with Gavin and Stacey and Outnumbered from Saturday 4 April, with more classic titles to be announced soon.
On BBC Two new comedy series starting soon include There She Goes, The Other One, First Team and Alma’s Not Normal, while Peter Kay’s Car Share will also air on Friday nights across the summer.
Director-general Tony Hall said: ‘The BBC is determined to do all it can to raise a smile and keep the country entertained during these testing times.
‘We have lots of great shows already recorded, but we have also found ways to keep many other shows going so that the familiar faces people love will still be in their living rooms in the weeks and months ahead. I think that is incredibly important.’
Iconic: Gavin and Stacey is making a comeback to BBC One on Saturday nights, following its record breaking viewing figures for its Christmas special last year
He added: ‘The BBC will also deliver a range of virtual events to replace some of those that have now had to be cancelled.
‘We can all still have a Eurovision moment, even if it is different from the past. Our pledge is offer the best escapism, fun and distraction we can, alongside the news and information everyone needs.’
BBC favourites like The Graham Norton Show and Have I Got News For You have announced they will be filming new episodes live each week as scheduled.
New series to enjoy include Killing Eve alongside dramas Normal People, Devs, The Luminaries, Twin, Miss America, and Us.
The One Show will continue to broadcast daily while new shows comminsioned include stargazing with Dara Ó Briain in his back garden and Chris Packham will be finding out what is happening to our wildlife.
Tim Peake will be chatting about how to keep your mind active in period of self-isolation and Saturday Kitchen Live continues at the weekend.
The BBC also announced plans to help educate children as millions began home-schooling this week.
‘A selection of some of our finest classic drama adaptations on the current exam syllabus including King Lear starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thomspon directed by Sir Richard Eyre; Russell T Davies’ adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Tess Of The D’Urbevilles starring Gemma Arterton; Pride And Prejudice; Great Expectations starring Gillian Anderson and Ray Winstone; Jane Austen’s Emma and JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls,’ the broadcaster announced.