Sitcom · 1970s
Porridge
The Desperate Hours
Fletch's home-brewed Christmas spirit could land him in solitary.
- Family-safe
Content note: Dated language and attitudes, mild prison-sitcom peril
BBC One
1976
First shown 24 Dec 1976
- First shown
- 24 December 1976
- Channel
- BBC One
- Runtime
- 44 mins
- Genre
- Sitcom
Where to watch
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Fletch is determined to bring a bit of Christmas spirit to Slade Prison, preferably in a bottle and preferably home-made. Sadly, when Mr Mackay and Mr Barrowclough sniff out his stash of 'Chateau Slade', it starts to look as if Fletch could be spending the festive season in solitary, and Christmas at Slade only gets more eventful from there. Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale are a joy as ever, and the longer Christmas Eve special gives the whole gang room to breathe. A cracking slice of 1970s telly, best enjoyed with a small sherry and a clear conscience.
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Checked 9 Nov 2026