LET’S face it, not many men are going to buy a novel called Ballet Shoes.
And, yes, I’ve taken into account the success of Billy Elliot – both the film and stage musical.
So I sat down to watch Ballet Shoes (BBC1, Boxing Day, 8.30pm) not really knowing what to expect.
Some 90 minutes later I couldn’t wait to rush off and praise it in print.
From the programmes I’ve already seen, there’s a lot to look forward to in among this year’s Christmas telly.
There are also, sadly, a few real TV turkeys.
Ballet Shoes is one of my very favourite things – and a drama I’ll watch again when it is screened.
It’s got one of the best casts assembled in 2007 and a screenplay by Cranford’s Heidi Thomas.

VISIT a film set and you soon learn just how many people it takes to bring a TV drama to the screen.
The stars of the show get the headlines.
But most of them are keen to give credit to the unsung heroes behind the camera.
Actor Toby Jones gave a small taste of the teamwork involved at the launch of a new ITV1 adaptation of The Old Curiosity Shop.
He plays evil loan shark Daniel Quilp, alongside Sir Derek Jacobi, in the Boxing Day drama based on the classic Charles Dickens’ novel.
At one stage Quilp is trapped in icy water, a scene which Toby filmed himself.
“One of the great privileges of working on a film or a piece of telly is that you’re surrounded by remarkably practical people who, between a crew, could solve most problems you’d ever come across,” he said.
“Resourceful people who’ve been in a lot of situations.

WILL Robbie Coltrane ever star again in Cracker?
Manchester criminal psychologist Fitz returned to mixed reviews in a one-off ITV1 film screened in October 2006.
Some, including me, loved it.
Others questioned whether writer Jimmy McGovern’s script was one of his best.
Actress Barbara Flynn, seen last night in the final episode of Cranford, plays Robbie’s screen wife Judith.
I met up with her recently at the launch of festive film Christmas At The Riviera.
She plays another long-suffering wife in the ITV1 comedy, this time called Rita, married to retired policeman Maurice (Warren Clarke).
Does she think there will be any more Cracker?

THE Thin Blue Line and Gimme Gimme Gimme star James Dreyfus is a fan of Manchester drama Cold Blood.
He also wants to play serious roles – like a certain former Stars In Their Eyes host.
“It’s very shocking to see Matthew Kelly play that Hannibal Lecter type of character,” James told me when we met recently.
“And he was brilliant. I think it’s so interesting to see people that we’re used to seeing in one vein play completely against type.
“Actors are actors for a reason. You don’t just do one part for the rest of your life.
“Well, some do, and some do it very well. But that’s not me.
“They should take risks in casting people because it sometimes pays off.”
James is back on screen on New Year’s Eve in ITV1 comedy drama Double Time.
He plays two roles – a struggling actor and lookalike jailed Scottish gangster.

TICKETS this way for the Chatsworth Express.
The Gallaghers return on New Year’s Day for a new expanded series of 16 episodes.
David Threlfall says fans shouldn’t worry about any dilution of their anarchic favourite.
One of the aims in doubling the number of episodes was to make the series even better than before.
The opening episode poses the question: “What is the point of Frank Gallagher?”
Later in the series, Frank wins the Lottery.
Or so residents of the Chatsworth Estate believe when they see it on the local news.
And is estranged wife Monica (Anabelle Apsion) set to make Frank a father-of-nine?

YOU’ll need the tissues handy for the last two episodes of Cranford.
Not us blokes, of course. We never blub, do we?
Well, aside from the unfortunate incident at the 1982 press screening for ET, when the cinema lights went up just a few seconds into the closing credits.
No, I’m thinking of those viewers who possess a more delicate countenance and may be prone to a nervous eclipse, as they say in Cranford.
Or as a surprised Mr Carter comments this Sunday: “Lady!”
Philip Glenister fans will be pleased to know that Lady Ludlow’s estate manager has several important scenes in the final two episodes.
Astride his horse, Mr Carter this week shows young Harry (Alex Etel) the site being prepared for the incoming Manchester railway.
“This is how it begins. A mark on a map, a double line of tape,” he says.
“Those are just surveyors. As the railway comes closer, it will devour every acre in its path.”

AN interview with Amanda Holden is never dull.
She’s still as open, funny and occasionally indiscreet as the first time I met her in 1999 at the launch of a new series called The Grimleys.
All of which does her credit after what she’s been through at the hands of certain sections of the press.
This week Amanda gave a behind the scenes glimpse from this year’s Royal Variety Performance – and her thoughts on Simon Cowell’s teeth (pictured).

THE name’s Fry. Stephen Fry.
He picked up a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards last night.
And earlier this week Stephen revealed how he’s lost weight, with a little help from James Bond.
A group of us hacks were in a room in London, with Stephen on screen via a live satellite link to Miami.
The actor, presenter, writer and comedy star is in America filming a new BBC documentary series in which he will visit all 50 states.
During the course of a very entertaining 45-minute interview he talked about a wide range of subjects.
That included plans to spend Christmas with House star Hugh Laurie and his family.
Stephen and Hugh are, of course, very old friends.
“It’s brilliant that he’s had this success and I’m, obviously, very proud,” remarked the ever-generous Mr Fry.

A blowfish driving a sports car.
It’s certainly one way to grab an audience’s attention at the start of a second series of Torchwood.
John Barrowman (Captain Jack) and other cast members turned up for a London screening of the opening episode this morning.
Aside from a big scary fish, it also features James Marsters as Captain John.
He starred as punk-goth vampire Spike in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Creator Russell T Davies was also there today to talk about Torchwood’s arrival on BBC2 next month.
The opener has its fair share of violence, including a fight scene between former partners Jack and John (pictured).
There’s also some full on lip action between the two characters.

RAQUELLE Gracie was in good spirits today after Hope’s X Factor exit last night.
“We knew it was our time to go,” she told me.
The girl band were up until 4am today, packing their bags at The X Factor house in north London.
They’re spending tonight in a hotel before appearing on GMTV tomorrow morning.
“The future is wide open for us now,” maintained Raquelle.
“We were pretty sure we’d be going this week, so we made sure that we enjoyed every minute.
“I’ve had an amazing time with these girls. It’s been an incredible journey – and we’re sticking together.”
She accepted the other four acts were just too strong for Hope last night.