Christmas and New Year 2014-15 on 大象传媒 Radio 2
Catch-up on the best Christmas and New Year shows by clicking the links below.
Friday 19 December 2014, 20:00-22:00
Jeremy Vine presents a festive spectacular of Christmas music, poetry and readings. The show will feature an all-star cast including actors Dervla Kirwan (Injustice; Ballykissangel) and David Harewood (Homeland); West End star singers Scarlett Strallen (Candide, A Chorus Line) and Michael Xavier (The Pajama Game, The Sound Of Music); together with a host of special guest stars.
Monday 22 December 2014, 22:00-23:00
Len Goodman investigates the mysterious phenomenon of Glenn Miller - the biggest selling recording artist in the world between 1939 and 1943, who, 70 years later, still remains one of the top sellers in the world.
What is it that gives him this enduring appeal? Is it because of his romantic music? Or does the mystery that still surrounds his mysterious disappearance on a foggy day 70 years ago in December 1944 draw us like a moth to a flame?
The facts surrounding his meteoric rise have been extremely well documented over the years. What’s more interesting is why his music achieved even greater popularity after World War II and has continued to attract new listeners around the world.
Tuesday 23 December 2014, 20:00-22:00
Mica Paris celebrates the music and enduring success of soul legend Barry White.
In the first hour of this two hour tribute she talks to family, colleagues and friends of this accidental pop star and unlikely sex symbol.
The second hour features a Top 20 of his greatest songs including Never Never Gonna Give Ya Up, Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe, You're The First, The Last, My Everything and What Am I Gonna Do With You.
Tuesday 23 December, 22:00-23:00
The astonishing story of the flawed showman who was loved by millions - Billy Cotton. The life of this pillar of British entertainment is uncovered and presented in this Christmas special, by his great-niece, Radio 1 presenter Fearne Cotton, who makes her presenting debut on Radio 2.
From humble beginnings, Billy became the conductor who “just waved his arms about” according to his son, and yet at the peak of his career more than 20 million people tuned in weekly to watch.
Tuesday 23 December 2014, 23:00-00:00
Celebrating the party season and sprinkling a little Caribbean sunshine over winter, David presents an hour of Christmas songs with a reggae vibe, and festive tunes from the island of Jamaica.
Christmas Eve, 12:00-14:00
In his radio debut, chef extraordinaire, Heston Blumenthal, presents a very special show, featuring unmissable tips, surprise guests and seasonal music with the help from some fellow Radio 2 presenters.
Christmas Eve, 22:00-23:00
John Hurt tells the story of the most famous ceasefire in history, through diaries, letters, newspaper reports and the voices of the soldiers themselves.
Christmas Day, 3am-6am
Continuing Radio 2's tradition of heralding in Christmas Day with Canon Roger Royle and a selection of traditional carols and festive favourites.
Christmas Day, 10:00-12:00
For Christmas morning Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart returns with a nostalgic Junior Choice playlist and listeners young and old will be able to get in touch with the show via text, email and social media.
Christmas Day, 18:00-19:00
Christopher Biggins presents an hysterical and historical look at the history of the pantomime dame.
As one of the most successful Dames of all, Biggins will look at the importance of the part of the dame to the pantomime, coupled with archive material from other famous Dames - Arthur Askey, Douglas Byng and Danny La Rue. The story jumps up to date with the first ever black Dame Clive Rowe, who is playing Mother Goose this year at the Hackney Empire. Includes interviews with Aberdeen’s queen of panto Elaine C Smith and panto legend Barbara Windsor.
More Christmas Treats
-
![]()
Challenge yourself with our seasonal selection of quiz questions.
-
![]()
Seasonal covers from Olly Murs, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, George Ezra and Gregory Porter.
-
![]()
A run down of the nibbles and nosh your favourite Radio 2 presenters need to have on their most festive day of the year!
Christmas Day, 20:00-22:00
Grammy-nominated and multi-million selling British singer-songwriter James Blunt makes his Radio 2 presenting debut by spending two hours playing music he loves and the songs that have influenced him. He’ll also have tracks from artists he’s worked with and the people he admires most.
Christmas Day, 22:00-00:00
The acclaimed 27 year-old violinist makes her Radio 2 presenting debut with a two-hour programme highlighting the very best of classical music, introduced and explained with an insider’s eye for detail and an expert teacher’s guiding hand.
Nicola will be talking about her favourite classical pieces, including the first she ever played in public, one written especially for her by the late Sir John Tavener and a Beethoven composition that may be her favourite ever.
French and Saunders
Once again Radio 2 plays host to Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders for two fun packed festive shows featuring fabulous guests, music, games and plenty of indiscretion.
Boxing Day, 22:00-00:00
Katie Puckrik sets sail once again through the classic pop-soul and soft rock of the 70s and 80s. Her own 1970s childhood in suburban Virginia was soundtracked by these slick, aspirational sounds, and in this programme she will welcome listeners to the luxury soundtrack of their imaginary millionaire lifestyle.
For too long derided as big-haired and overproduced, Yacht Rock is enjoying a reappraisal by a new generation of music lovers inspired by the genre’s sonic sophistication.
Saturday 27 December, 16:00-18:00
The story of how one man took on the seemingly impossible task of following his work in the most popular group of all time, and emerged as the leader of another multi-million-selling global sensation.
What Paul McCartney did after the Beatles was to retreat to Scotland, reshape his life and career, and form one of the biggest groups of the decade, Wings.
Johnnie Walker presents some Sounds of the 70s with a difference, richly illustrated with world exclusive interview material. This programme is based around a brand new, never-before-heard conversation with McCartney, all full of vivid recollections and poignant stories.
Monday 29 December 2014, 22:00-00:00
Award winning musician Seth Lakeman will take listeners on a fascinating journey through the folk year - looking at the songs that welcome, celebrate, observe and mourn the passing of the seasons. Performers include Barbara Dickson, Steeleye Span, Sting, Kate Rusby, John Martyn, Traffic, Lindisfarne and many more.
Craig Charles
Craig Charles steps into the Big Show hot seat and promises some festive entertainment for listeners – including great music and great fun for the Christmas / New Year limbo.
Tuesday 30 December, 20:00-22:00
To celebrate her 50 years in Rock’n’Roll, Radio 2 presents Suzi Quatro in a special version of her acclaimed one-woman show Unzipped.
Recorded live in the 大象传媒’s Radio Theatre in front of a full house, Unzipped combines music, speech, drama and a few laughs along the way to create a unique portrait of this trailblazing female rocker, right from her early bands in Detroit through to the present day. Also included in the programme are live versions of all Suzi’s iconic hits – Can The Can, Devilgate Drive, 48 Crash and more.
New Year’s Eve, 20:00-22:00
Sophie Ellis-Bexter presents two hours of great upbeat music to get New Year revellers across the nation in the party mood. She will be joined by some special guests as she plays her favourite dance tunes, including some 90s dance tracks and a few disco tunes thrown in for good measure.
New Year’s Day, 12:00-14:00
Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri makes her Radio 2 presenting debut by sharing her love of the Northern Soul tracks she danced to as a teenager in Glasgow.
Music fashions come and go, but the popularity of Northern Soul just keeps growing, with Elaine Constantine’s debut film Northern Soul being released in 2014 to critical acclaim.
The love affair with obscure, fast-paced 60s and 70s American soul songs emerged from the mod scene in the north of Britain, as fans discovered and shared rare singles from the scores of small labels that grew up in the wake of Tamla Motown. Northern Soul revolutionised British youth culture with its own fashions, language and dancing styles.
