The Two Ronnies 1987 Christmas Special

1987 television special

This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: "The Two Ronnies 1987 Christmas Special" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Main article: The Two Ronnies The Two Ronnies 1987 Christmas Special was first broadcast on BBC1 on Christmas Day 1987 as part of the 12th series of the show starring Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, being also their last outing as Barker decided to retire from showbiz. Elton John was the show's musical guest, singing Candle In the Wind before its general release. The show climaxed with the Pinocchio II: Killer Doll sketch, a parody of the slasher films popular at the time; this sketch alone featured Lynda Baron (Barker's Open All Hours co-star), Sandra Dickinson, Alfred Marks, Denis Quilley, Frank Finlay and a cameo from American movie star Charlton Heston. At the time the special aired, no one except Corbett knew about Barker's decision to retire, mostly influenced by concerns over his own health: The deaths of fellow comedians Richard Beckinsale (with whom he starred in Porridge) in 1979 and Eric Morecambe in 1984 reportedly frightened him.

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Even after more than three decades, the 1987 Two Ronnies Christmas special offers a snapshot of 80s British comedy that still lands today. The blend of classic wordplay with a surprisingly dark parody – the Pinocchio II: Killer Doll sketch – mirrors the way modern sitcoms push boundaries while staying cosy. Audiences love the comfort of familiar faces like Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, but the special’s surprise guest spots, including a pre‑release Elton John, give it a gala‑event feel that feels less like a routine broadcast and more like a holiday programme you’d want to revisit each year. It’s this mix of nostalgia and timely edge that makes it a perennial favourite for families gathering around the telly.

If you’re planning a retro‑themed Christmas night, cue the Two Ronnies special on a streaming platform that offers a pause‑and‑rewind function. Start with the opening sketch to warm up the crowd, then let the Elton John performance flow as background music for the dessert table – the early version of “Candle In the Wind” adds a chic, historical touch. When the Pinocchio II parody begins, dim the lights and invite the kids to shout “Boo!” at the on‑screen slasher, turning an adult‑centric gag into interactive fun. Keep a short intermission for a tea‑break; the show’s pacing works well with a classic mince‑pie and a cup of strong black tea, preserving the original holiday ambience.

Most viewers remember the 1987 special as Ronnie Barker’s swansong, but they often overlook why his retirement mattered to the comedy landscape. Barker’s decision was driven by health anxieties after losing fellow comedians, a context that colours the show’s bittersweet tone. The special subtly nods to this with its darker sketch content, hinting at a man ready to step back from relentless performance. Recognising this adds depth to the laughter: each punchline becomes a gentle farewell rather than just a gag. Appreciating the personal stakes behind the jokes enriches the viewing experience, turning a festive comedy slot into a poignant piece of television history.