IT’S the time of year when the TV world goes mad.
Or perhaps that should be, just a little madder than usual.
For the last month or so, the channels have been hosting launches and interviews for this year’s Christmas programmes.
At the same time, there are dozens of interviews and screenings linked to new series coming to a TV near you in January.
My notebook and digital recorder are full to bursting.
And there’s plenty more to come over the next fortnight.
There’s a lot to look forward to in the first few weeks of 2008.
But, for now, we’ll stick to Christmas.
Today is the day the BBC release their official programme information for the period from Dec 22 to Jan 4.

Not that it contains any surprises.

Almost all of the shows have been trailed in advance.
We’ll have to wait just a little longer for exact details of the finalised Christmas and New Year schedules.
Even so, it’s a safe bet that Christmas night on BBC1 will include Doctor Who’s Titanic adventure with Kylie.
Ten new festive pics were released today by the BBC.
They include Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles reunited in a one-off return of Seventies hit sitcom To The Manor Born.
Harry Potter star Emma Watson appears with Victoria Wood and Emilia Fox in a feature-length adaptation of Ballet Shoes.
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have written that last ever episode of Extras, with cameos from George Michael and others.

Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly present Strictly Come Dancing Sequins, a festive edition of the Saturday night hit.
Catherine Tate takes time off from her new series return to Doctor Who to host a special edition of The Catherine Tate Show.
Over on BBC2, Richard Hammond Meets Evel Knieval sees the Top Gear presenter face-to-face with the American stunt legend.
And BBC3 has the already announced Liverpool Nativity starring Geoffrey Hughes – the long-awaited follow up to Manchester Passion.
Over on ITV1 – and as already discussed here – there’s a Christmas night Midsomer Murders.
Other ITV highlights over the festive period include a new adapation of The Old Curiosity Shop, plus the one-off drama Christmas At The Riviera.
Not to mention a dramatic Christmas night in Weatherfield…