Sitcom · 2010s
The Royle Family
Barbara's Old Ring
Scratch cards, pound-shop presents and a lonely hearts ad. It must be Christmas.
Content note: Strong language and adult innuendo (BBC guidance applies)
BBC One
2012
First shown 25 Dec 2012
- First shown
- 25 December 2012
- Channel
- BBC One
- Runtime
- 59 mins
- Genre
- Sitcom
Where to watch
Checked 6 Nov 2026Spotted a broken link? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Barbara has gone completely overboard on presents, having spent a whole two hours in a pound shop, because if you cannot spoil your family at Christmas, when can you? A glamorous new neighbour moves onto the street and the sofa wonders whether she will be welcome. Dave has a Dragons' Den idea he is sure will make them rich, Jim is pinning his hopes on a scratch card, and next door Joe has placed a lonely hearts advert asking for a Vacant Lady. A busy, cheerful hour with a comfortable amount of gentle chaos.
Stay on the sofa
Watch next
The Royle Family
Joe's Crackers
Cracker jokes, a family under one roof and not a lot of moving.
The Royle Family
Christmas with the Royle Family
The most honest Christmas on telly, mostly spent on the sofa.
The Royle Family
The New Sofa
Denise plays Nigella; Jim plays reluctant host with strangers at the table.