BBC Four is to broadcast a high-definition remaster of a classic One Foot in the Grave Christmas Special. It was confirmed to be the new version by Richard Latto, someone involved in the project, on X.
One Foot in the Grave first began in 1990, and starred Richard Wilson as grumpy Victor Meldrew. Annette Crosbie and Doreen Mantle also star. It ran for 42 episodes over six series until 2000. These included seven Christmas specials. The feature-length One Foot in the Algarve was first broadcast on 26th December 1993. It saw Victor, Margaret, and Mrs Warboys take a trip to Portugal to meet her pen-friend. The beloved and expected shenanigans ensue. The special also features comedy legend Peter Cook in one of his final roles.
In late 2022, a new high-definition version was screened to a cinema audience in aid of BBC Children in Need. Originally shot on film, the new version improves on the original with expanded detail and colour. The screening was organized by BBC Radio Solent, which the late Doreen Mantle (Mrs Warboys) attended. The broadcast on BBC4 will be the first time the new version has been seen by a wider public. One Foot in the Algarve will be broadcast on BBC4 on Christmas Eve at 9:30 pm.
