New 'Dibley' leads BBC Christmas lineup

New episodes of The Vicar Of Dibley and the premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone are the cornerpieces of the BBC's programming lineup this Christmas.

Dawn French will reprise her role as Geraldine Grainger after five years in two new episodes of the ecclesiastical comedy, likely to air in primetime on Christmas Day and December 26.

The premiere of the first Harry Potter movie, meanwhile, is likely to occupy the early evening spot on Christmas Day. Other premieres over the festive period include Shrek, AI, Bend It Like Beckham and 102 Dalmations.

Dramas include Sherlock Homes And The Deadly Season, the final Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and a new adaptation of PD James' Murder Rooms.

Seasonal specials are also planned for What Not To Wear, Absolutely Fabulous, My Family, The Big Impression and My Dad's The Prime Minister. Shane Richie will play host for the now annual EastEnders Christmas Party and Graham Norton will make his BBC One debut in The Sound Of Music 40th Anniversary.

A spinoff of Strictly Come Dancing featuring celebrity contestants on ice also features.

The New Year celebrations will be hosted by Breakfast presenter Natasha Kaplinksy, anchoring the run up to midnight and on into 2005.

Jana Bennett, the BBC's director of television, said: "This Christmas, BBC TV will take viewers on a magical journey to discover a world of heart-warming, funny and spine-tingling programmes featuring the home-grown talent they love.

"I can't think of a better way of wishing our viewers Happy Christmas than through the creative genius of the programme-makers behind these schedules."