Has Gary bitten off more than he can chew this Christmas?

With his neighbours (including Romesh Ranganathan) claiming they want to avoid putting up their lights so they can keep their electric bills low, Gary has to come up with a quick and clever way to raise some cash and turn the street into a festive wonderland. Easy-peasy, right? Don’t be so sure.

The King Gary Christmas Special looks set to give us a much-needed laugh this festive season, but before you settle down to tune in, we spoke exclusively with star Tom Davis to find out what he loves the most about this time of year…

Christmas film: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

I’d probably have to say Planes, Trains & Automobiles. I think that’s as close to a perfect movie as you can get. Two of the greatest ever comedy actors giving a tour de force. It’s got some of the funniest ever moments in film, but also full of such heart. It’s incredible.

Christmas TV: The Snowman

I’ll usually search out The Snowman, wherever he is. It’s not Christmas if you don’t have a little shindig with him. I also like the old Morecambe And Wise repeats. The Queen’s speech, too. I’m looking forward to it this year more than ever.

Christmas song: Fairytale Of New York

I personally love “Fairytale Of New York”. It’s come in for a bit of a kicking this year, but I enjoy it as a song! A lot of my family are Irish, so it takes me back to when it would come on at Christmas parties and everyone would be up singing and dancing. Some of those people aren’t here anymore so I have a special memory of that song.

Christmas game: Monopoly

I like a six or seven-day game of Monopoly. It’s the only time of year when it feels like you can get the most of that game. You can’t play it on your summer holidays. I’m very Scrooge when I’m playing Monopoly.

Christmas tradition: Cooking dinner

Everything centres around dinner, right? I’m a real traditionalist when it comes to Christmas dinner. I love cooking. I find it one of the most relaxing times of year. You stick on all your favourite songs, crack open a couple of beers, and cook this massive feast for everyone. I love it!

Christmas cheese: Stilton

I like a Stilton. I also like this strong cheese – I think it’s from Wiltshire – and it’s got cranberries in it. That’s really good. Try that, if you can find it!

Christmas dessert: Trifle

Trifle. I love a big Christmas trifle. Layers and layers of it.

Christmas chocolate: After Eights

Roses and Quality Street can do one, as far as I’m concerned. I’m an After Eight man. I think you have to travel far and wide to find someone who doesn’t like After Eights, and then you’d have to question their beliefs.

When is the King Gary Christmas Special on TV?

You can tune in to this one-off festive special at 10pm on Wednesday 23 December on BBC One HD (CH 101). Also available after broadcast in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer.

The first series of King Gary is also available in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer.

Let’s do Christmas

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