Radio 2 lines up Kenny Everett show for Christmas schedule

BBC Radio 2 will attempt the impossible on Christmas Day with a "new" Kenny Everett show 15 years after his death. Kenny Everett's Christmas Selection Box will feature archive clips of Everett's jingles, "fiddly bits" and comedy characters including Captain Kremmen, Chris P Bacon and Rock Salmon, interspersed with classic and current chart hits. Introduced by Paul Gambaccini, the station said songs had been chosen for the show that Everett "would have liked for their jolliness and tunefulness". It will also feature Everett's interviews with the Beatles and a duet with Harry Nilsson. Gambaccini will also present a documentary about Everett and his hugely influential radio work for Radio 2 on Christmas Eve. Gambaccini said: "Kenny Everett was the best of us. It was no surprise that the entire profession turned out for his funeral. All the radio stars of his time recognised his genius. "Kenny was a master of both preparation and spontaneity. He had both wit and technical skill. He loved both music and comedy. He was the only one of us who used the studio instead of just tolerating it. He was a wonderful one-off, a great presenter and a fine friend." Everett, who was born on Christmas Day 1944, died in 1995. Both shows are being made by independent producer Howlett Media. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".