Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner

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Tony Higgins

Alastair Laurence

Simon Callow

Prue Leith

Jonathan Meades

Marguerite Patten

Timeshift: Series 7: Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner

Factual: Food & Drink

23/12/2007

Series 7

BBC Four - Timeshift, Series 7, Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner

Documentary looking at the history and tradition of the British Christmas dinner.

Documentary about the history and tradition of the British Christmas dinner and the role it still plays in a Britain of different faiths, food fads and health concerns.

It's the season of peace and goodwill to all, when we think of those less fortunate than ourselves. It's also the time of year when we stuff our faces and gorge and drink ourselves silly. Christmas dinner is served. Being the last great feast in the British culinary tradition, what role does it play today? 

With contributions from actor Simon Callow, cultural critic Jonathan Meades, food writers Paul Levy, Prue Leith and Diana Henry, and historians Kate Colquhoun and Kathryn Hughes, this fun documentary asks why the British remain so wedded to this meal? What does it say about us as a nation? Can it survive in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse Britain of different faiths, food fads and health concerns? 

For many, Christmas dinner means the anxiety and pressure to get it right, the endless advice from every celebrity chef reinventing the wheel and the bizarre traditions that must be maintained at all costs. For others it's a time to savour good food, dine with family and friends and connect with ancient customs and rituals. Either way, we end up completely stuffed.

Timeshift: Series 7

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A series of documentaries exploring British cultural history

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Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner

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