A heart-warming comedy drama, co-written by Ruth Jones of Gavin and Stacey fame, and a powerful Christmas Day film about Welsh comedy icons Ryan Davies and Ronnie Williams headline a packed Christmas schedule on S4C.
Ar y Tracs, written by Ruth and young Welsh author Catrin Dafydd, sees a stellar cast play a colourful array of characters who work and travel on the Swansea-London train line. The film is broadcast on S4C at 9.00pm on 20 December.
The TV premiere of Ryan a Ronnie, at 9.00pm on Christmas Day, takes viewers on a journey of a different kind, back to the 1970s as Meic Povey’s compelling drama recreates the last days of the legendary comedy partnership. The film features memorable performances from Aled Pugh as Ryan Davies and Rhys ap Hywel as Ronnie Williams.
S4C’s festive schedule also includes top musical entertainment, with concerts featuring Only Men Aloud, the X Factor’s Rhydian Roberts, Ysgol Glanaethwy and Bryn Terfel, while there’s plenty of sport in the form of top class rugby and soccer derbies.
Weather presenter Siân Lloyd and Wedi 7 anchor, Angharad Mair, are just two of the well-known faces taking part in a two-part celebrity cook-off with chef Dudley Newbery, broadcast on 27 and 29 December. There’s more entertainment with comedian Tudur Owen’s chat show and a festive edition of the comedy programme presented by Tudur’s alter ego, spoof policeman PC Leslie Wynne.
For younger viewers there’s a Christmas Day film starring children’s character Cyw, as well as festive editions of many favourites.
Weeks of preparation in the Carmarthenshire community of Bethlehem reach a climax in Seren Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, with a special performance of the Nativity Play staged by local residents.
The Wedi 7 team bring in the New Year, while looking ahead to 2010 there are a number of new series. Ras yn Erbyn Amser follows the heroic efforts of adventure-loving TV presenter Lowri Morgan to complete the world’s hardest endurance race, the Jungle Marathon. There’s a new series, Tir Cymru, looking at the Welsh landscape with Iolo Williams, while Tocyn visits the Celtic countries in the company of Aled Samuel and Alex Jones.
S4C’s Director of Commissioning, Rhian Gibson, said, “There’s something for everyone on S4C this Christmas, with a packed schedule of top-quality drama, comedy, cookery, music, children’s and sports programmes showcasing the best of Welsh talent.”
English subtitles are available on S4C programmes while most shows are also available to view live and on-demand, online at s4c.co.uk/clic.
