12 Days of Christmas: British Television
I’m not really big into patriotism. It’s nothing political or deep, I am just not fussed. But there is one aspect of British life that absolutely has my heart and this time of year only ever exacerbates that fondness - British television.
The warmth, the campness, the glitter, the critical, sarcastic humour, the unspoken sadness- there is a comfort I find in the entertainment we Brits watch through our boxes, and this year more than ever, I am particularly grateful for it.
I love Nordic crime series and American sit-coms as much as the next person, but there really is something about British television that consoles me like no other. Like sliding into well-worn slippers, ones that have a flattened fleece-lining but a warmth that never dwindles, the familiar faces of British TV welcomes me with the same trusty cosiness. This year, having friendly faces and theme tunes, anticipated competitions and Saturday night lives, is something that I am undoubtedly grateful for. Knowing Strictly is my Saturday night and Noel will be there to welcome me on Tuesday, has propelled me through weeks of Lockdowns and soothed me when things were just a bit too raw.
As we approach the festive season, my timeless favourites creep back into the mix, bringing the whole family around the telly for some good old entertainment. Typically, this time of year we see OG domestic goddess Nigella, welcoming us into her chilli-light peppered pantry, convincing us that fish-fingers really do work in salad. She knows us so well, she has shown us her front door and children’s birthday parties since 1999, so we always feel welcome in her kitchen- catching her eat that sneaky wedge of peanut butter cheesecake, (whole), as she slips down the stairs in her silk dressing gown, camera at the ready. It’s ridiculous, sumptuous and oddly sensual, and that is what she has always been and always will be, utterly worshipped for. For Nigella, I will always be grateful.
The dreary start to Winter has been softened by the bright pastels and fascinatingly efficient ovens of the Bake Off tent. It doesn't matter how exhausted the show format is, I will never tire of seeing the hopeful illustrations of the contestant’s bakes, the drama of a hot day and dairy based technical - there is a pattern of familiarity and wholesomeness that reminds me that we all do just love a cup of tea and a baked good, and sometimes isn’t it just that simple? From the darling chumminess of Mel and Sue, to the sheer oddity of Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding, this show still holds some of the best of Britishness at its heart. It has been my mid-week motivation and for that, I am grateful.
Knowing on Saturday night the rumble of the theme music means an implosion of Dave Arch’s band and 5 tonnes of glitter, fills my heart with utter joy. Claudia Winkleman’s doorstop fringe and Craig Revel Horwood’s ‘FAB-U-LUSS DARLINGS’ suffice for the camp and colourful part of all of us, that we can’t exercise in lockdown. Bill Bailey stomping out a tango is a tonic to this year’s stagnation and we should all be thankful for that. I will burst onto a Teams call on Monday and ask ‘ARE YOU WATCHING STRICTLY? It’s a common denominator, a shared language, a tool for connection that I will never take for granted again. For Oti and Anton, I am grateful.
Friday night holds the epitome of the shared warmth and community where my love for British television stems. Watching all corners of the nation with a huge mug of tea in front of their own tellies and watching a Welsh version of my response to the horrors of Naked Attraction, is the essence of what I love about British TV. Gogglebox is simple, sarcastic, softly judgemental; all things that make me feel connected to the nation around me when I couldn’t be further away from normal life. Chris criticising an awful haircut or Giles and Mary trying to imitate Nigella, are little moments of comedy that I anticipate seeing on a Friday night, of another nondescript week. For the Malone Family, Mary and Marina, I am grateful.
Never again, will I take the weekly line-up of British TV shows for granted. I will never sigh at the melodramatic Christmas specials of soaps. Never again will I belittle the cultural significance of Gavin & Stacey returning for one more show. It doesn’t matter how exhausted the format is, or how ridiculous the questions on University Challenge are, I will always love British TV for its character and embodiment of all the bizarre bits of this nation. When months are long and evenings hopelessly empty, to have the privilege of firstly watching TV, but to watch a canon so familiar, amusing, in-touch with its audience, is something that has filled my loneliness. We should never take for granted the access we have to immediate entertainment and information through television. Always be thankful for the Fred Sirieixes, Victoria Derbyshires, Nigel Slaters, Bruno Toniolis, Anna Richardsons, Andi Olivers, Adam Hills of the world. What would we do without them?
Written by Lydia Waller
Lydia is 21 year old Nigel Slater enthusiast. Lydia is a writer and literature graduate, with a particular passion for injecting the art of hosting into younger generations. You can find her sporting a constant bloat from all the food she cooks for her friends.