There's a chance to see the world's least successful replacement for the doorbell, a game show from after the apocalypse, and Queen Victoria's unusual objection to a tree. Plus Santa's ne'er-do-well brother Russ returns to the North Pole.

This programme reveals the true purpose of the Giant Death Ray, presents a gangland villain made of wood, and offers dating advice from a man who is almost Gary Rhodes. Plus a look back at the careers of Ted and Peter, Britain's least successful professional snooker players, in Screw Back in Anger, and an introduction to the world's least politically correct superhero.

Mr Darcy demonstrates his prowess to Miss Bennett at Freestyle Disco; there's an introduction to Glucozade Port, the world's first alcoholic isotonic drink; and a carnivorous man at a vegetarian dinner party points out that the cat looks lean and gamey. Plus a new adventure for drunken super-sleuth Sir Digby Chicken-Caesar; an unnecessarily honest best man; and David and Rob find themselves in an awkward situation with the Queen.

Comedy sketches, featuring the secret of the universe being revealed in a melon, a butler who has had a 30-year misunderstanding with his employer, and the wise words of a soothsayer in Pompeii. Plus, long-suffering Hennimore deals with a giant wasp.

Comedy sketches, featuring a pair of cellists who want to build an airport, some bad news about toast, and the secret behind the futuristic cult of Vectron. Plus, an instalment of police drama Bussman and Christmas, starring an old-school cop with a sherry problem.

Features some unusual telephone services, including all of Wagner's operas by text; some people have a bit of a problem with a giant evil robot; and Rob gives David a less-than-relaxing massage. Plus Barbieri, the 15th century's finest inventor comes up with the tin opener, just 500 years before the invention of the tin; and two Victorian brothers find their final farewell doesn't take as long as they expected.