TV Guide GREAT! tv Thursday

Festive episode of the drama set in the Lancashire village of Ormston. Arthur gets into the yuletide spirit by playing pranks on son Tom, who is singularly unimpressed, while Deborah looks forward to the fresh start afforded by the new year, after the trauma of losing her baby. On a lighter note, news breaks that Santa and an elf have been on a crime spree, so local bobby Len and station-master Wilf set out to capture the dastardly duo, and decide the best way is to don disguise. After raiding Phyllis and Linda's wardrobes, the pair end up looking like Cinderella's ugly sisters. James Bolam, Michael French and Jenna Russell star, with John Henshaw, Peter Gunn, Maggie Steed and Naomi Radcliffe, plus guest appearances by Una Stubbs and Stephanie Cole

Arthur discovers that Phyllis's husband has arrived back on the scene and concocts all manner of ways to protect her from his charms. Meanwhile, Deborah is forced to make a difficult decision about a distant relative's unwanted baby. Medical drama, starring James Bolam and Michael French

When teacher Miss Beadle is deemed unable to control some of the older boys in her class, Mrs Oleson convinces the school board to replace her with a firmer, male hand. However, the new teacher falsely blames Laura for several problems, and tries to have her thrown out of school when test papers become damaged

Caroline and the girls think the worst when Charles begins to behave mysteriously and lies about the amount of time he has spent doing carpentry with an attractive neighbour

Dr Sloan investigates the death of a popular country singer murdered in his dressing room minutes before he was due to make an acceptance speech. Medical detective drama, starring Dick Van Dyke and Victoria Rowell

Arthur discovers that Phyllis's husband has arrived back on the scene and concocts all manner of ways to protect her from his charms. Meanwhile, Deborah is forced to make a difficult decision about a distant relative's unwanted baby. Medical drama, starring James Bolam and Michael French

Faith considers selling up after her husband's death but the children disagree, and finding a buyer proves more of a challenge than she first thought. Brian's cousin Matt lends a hand on the farm and impulsively decides to buy Silverdale - but it seems his wife Frankie and their children don't share his newfound enthusiasm