ABC1's blog

7:30pm – Sunday, January 6 on ABC1

Historic houses, both humble and grand, have all played their part in the story of the UK.

Today, many are at risk and some in danger of being lost forever.

Caroline Quentin follows the fortunes of six properties, all facing their own struggle for survival, all with committed new owners wanting to turn them into their dream homes.

In the first episode of this new series of Restoration Home, Caroline visits Coldbrook Farm – a 17th century Grade II-listed Welsh farmhouse. Run-down, off-the-beaten track, surrounded by working farm buildings in a muddy yard, its lavish-carved Tudor timberwork is a clue that there’s more to this farmhouse than meets the eye.

As owners Bill and Kim grapple with the challenges of mixing old and modern, architectural expert Kieran Long and historian Kate Williams dig deep into the archive uncovering evidence that points towards Coldbrook’s possible links with one of the most powerful lords in Britain.

8:30pm – Monday, December 31 on ABC1

From the unique setting of the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, the 2012 Tattoo celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen.

A host of acts from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth are joined by a variety of top performers from Europe and the United States of America.

Highlights include dynamic drill from HM The Kings’ Guard from Norway, precision percussion from Basel’s Top Secret Drum Corps and the unforgettable sight and sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums.

10:15pm – Sunday, December 30 on ABC1

Said to be cursed, for over 80 years the immense ‘Gothic Symphony’ has remained unperformed in its entirety. At over two hours long and requiring two orchestras, four brass bands and five full choirs singing 42 parts, this is perhaps not surprising.

Written by obscure British composer Havergal Brian between 1919 and 1927 it has been officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records (1974) as the largest, longest and most technically difficult symphony ever composed and is widely regarded as the ‘Mt Everest’ of classical music.

Filmed over five years, this documentary follows the journey of a brave and committed group of Brisbane enthusiasts who attempt to break the curse and stage this epic event. Despite constant setbacks and endless drama – they struggle, and struggle on. And what an eclectic bunch they are.

At the core of this odyssey is Gary Thorpe who has been pitching the symphony to practically anyone who would listen for over 28 years. Then there is John Curro the beloved conductor from Queensland Youth Orchestra who likes big works and wanted to have a crack at the curse. Alison Rogers, a local choral master wanted to challenge herself to see if she could do it – despite there not being enough choristers in Brisbane.

And then there’s Veronica Fury, the film’s producer who crossed the line and got completely caught up in the struggle.

This is a colourful and quirky story exploring the passion and obsession it takes to stage a world-first event against all odds – it is the ‘extreme sport’ of classical music.

9:00pm – Thursday, January 3 on ABC1

November 1957. A year has passed since The Hour was unceremoniously taken off air, and much has changed. Freddie (Ben Whishaw) has been fired and gone travelling, while Bel (Romola Garai) stayed to try to keep The Hour afloat. Enter new Head of News, Randall Brown (Peter Capaldi) – all eyes are on him as a force for change.

Hector (Dominic West) has become a national celebrity and – ignoring his marital problems – is drawn to the seductive glamour of Soho nightclub El Paradis. El Paradis is run by Raphael Cilenti (Vincent Riotta), charming but ruthless. His lead showgirl is Kiki Delaine (Hannah Tointon) – beautiful, talented and utterly beguiling. Hector finds her hard to resist.

In the newsroom, nuclear hysteria is growing around the Soviet launch of Sputnik 2. During a heated team meeting, Freddie appears – he’s Randall’s new addition, designed to stir up the team. Bel feels undermined because she wasn’t told of his return, but is also pleased to have back the friend she has missed. Hector is also angry when he discovers that Freddie will be co-host of The Hour. And it seems foreign reporter Lix (Anna Chancellor) and Randall have a shared past…

Despite the friction, the old team are reunited. Bel harnesses Freddie’s maverick enthusiasm to cover a crime story and, when Hector brings them an unexpected tip off, the trio find themselves with a potential scoop which could outdo new ITV rival program, Uncovered.

8:30pm – Thursday, January 3 on ABC1

The essence of Italian food, like Nigella’s style of cooking, is simplicity and informality.

In her new series, NIGELLISSIMA, Nigella shows how easy it is to bring the spirit of Italy into the kitchen and onto the plate using ingredients available in any supermarket.

With a passion for Italy and Italian cooking, Nigella lived and worked in Florence before reading Italian at Oxford University. Her mouth-watering dishes have their roots in tradition but take us into fresh territory; light of touch but bursting full of taste.

While NIGELLISSIMA is true to the spirit of Italian cooking, the recipes are always quick and easy, designed to elevate everyday eating into no-fuss feasts for those days when supper needs to be on the table pronto.

In the first episode, Nigella introduces us to her love of Italian food through a spectacular yet simple Sicilian pasta with tomatoes, garlic and almonds. There’s a mid-week family feast of tagliata – a juicy steak cut into thin slices – served with crisp, fluffy Tuscan fries. Plus Nigella’s ‘eggs in purgatory’ – a late night fiery dish inspired by her early party days in Florence.

8:30pm – Tuesday, January 1 on ABC1

Charles Dickens died before he completed The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

In this bold take on the novel, acclaimed screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes imagines how the story might have ended.

It is 1842 and John Jasper is a choirmaster in the cathedral town of Cloisterham. He hates everything about his life – his only respite comes from an addiction to his opium pipe.

For Jasper hides a dark secret – he is obsessed with one of his pupils, the beautiful Rosa. An orphan who lives at the local Seminary for Young Ladies, Rosa senses the intensity of his feelings and fears and loathes her teacher.

Jasper also knows he can never declare how he feels because Rosa will soon be married to his orphan nephew Edwin Drood. At night, under the influence of opium, Jasper dreams of murdering Edwin so Rosa can be his.

The arrival of Helena and Neville Landless, orphan twins from Ceylon, marks a turning point in all of their lives.

Smitten by Rosa and instantly disliking Edwin, the hot-tempered Neville struggles to hide his feelings and the pair quarrel.

In a drug-fuelled moment, Jasper sees an opportunity to make his dreams reality. He can murder Edwin, blame Neville and claim Rosa for himself. The next morning Edwin is missing and Neville is under suspicion. Did Jasper go through with his plan.

A mystery ensues which travels from the small town to the gloom of London’s streets, as Neville runs from Jasper’s accusations, Helena fights to protect her brother and Rosa tries to escape the advances of Jasper.

8:30pm – Sunday, December 30 on ABC1

Exiled after giving birth to Jack’s illegitimate son, Aliena takes the child to France in the hope of finding Jack. Miraculously she finds her lover and tells him of the collapse of Kingsbridge Cathedral. Having learned more about his real father, Jack returns home to complete Tom’s work.

Under Jack’s supervision, Kingsbridge Cathedral nears completion.

Returning from the Crusades, Richard petitions the King for his Earldom one last time. Elizabeth Hamleigh joins forces with Aliena, and they jointly plan an attack on Shiring Castle in the hope it can fall to Richard.

Meanwhile Cardinal Waleran is plotting Alfred’s death at Jack’s hands so that William Hamleigh, now merely district sheriff, can execute him. But can it finally become known the part Waleran played in Jack’s father’s death? And can he and William meet justice at last.

Cast includes: Ian McShane (Waleran Bigod), Matthew Macfadyen (Prior Philip), Natalia W�rner (Ellen), Eddie Redmayne (Jack), Sam Claflin (Richard), Hayley Atwell (Aliena), Sarah Parrish (Regan Hamleigh) and David Oakes (William Hamleigh).

7:30pm – Sunday, December 30 on ABC1

The final part of this 4-part series presented by Penelope Keith and Paul Martin on the reinvention of Avebury Manor in the UK, sees designer Russell Sage and the historical experts rush to get the house finished for opening day.

But with the wallpaper held up in customs, a Queen Anne bed that is too big for the room and a last minute dash for furnishings, how can it possibly come together in time? Will the National Trust accept the outlandish schemes and what will the public make of it all?

8:00pm – Thursday, December 27 on ABC1

A half-hour six-part entertainment series that serves up a delectable combination of political discussion and good food. Each week one of Australia’s most respected political commentators – Annabel Crabb – takes a plate and leads us into the homes and hearts of some of our most notable and engaging politicians.

In the season final, Labor backbencher Dick Adams welcomes Annabel into his historically-notorious home to talk salmon, mutton birds, cheese, wine, and custom-built cookware. A former shearer, Adams explains how he made the journey through various trades, illiterate until well into his twenties, and ultimately became a member of parliament. While a prodigiously-sized salmon simmers away on the stove, Dick shares the secrets of egg mayonnaise while recounting some of the challenges of his political career, involving his definitive clash with former leader Mark Latham over Tasmanian forestry, in which he defied his own party’s election policy.

6:00pm – Monday, December 24 on ABC1

In the Christmas musical tradition long established by the Kings College Choir of Cambridge, join one of Australia’s finest cathedral choirs and celebrate Christmas in friendly and magnificent family style.

From Adelaide and its very fine St Peter’s Cathedral and choir, tune into ABC1 and recall a little popular carolling and uplifting choral music.

Popular and lustily sung carols like Away in a Manger, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful are lavishly covered by your ABC. You might even like to sing along as you toast a very special season…