Christmas Lights

Date: 2004
Director: Paul Seed
Production Company: Granada Television

Stars: Robson Green, Mark Benton, Nicola Stephenson, Maxine Peake
Location(s): Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire

Region(s):

Storyline:

For two inseparable friends, life gets complicated when one is promoted.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Phil Wilkinson

Originally produced as a one-off Christmas special, the television film spawned two spin-off series ‘Northern Lights’ and ‘City Lights’ as well as a second Christmas special ‘Clash of the Santas’.

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

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The story opens on an estate road in Manchester. Summerer Grove, Weeton Barracks near Weeton, Lancashire.

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Holding baby Leyton (Finlay Lowry), Jackie Armstrong (Nicola Stephenson) stands with her children Liam (Lee Worswick) and Brooke (Nicola Headle) as her husband Colin (Robson Green) gets into their recently bought second-hand car. Summerer Grove at Weeton Barracks to the east of Blackpool.

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Once off the drive, Colin reverses to pick up his life-long pal Howard Scott (Mark Benton) as he leaves the house with his wife Pauline (Maxine Peake). Summerer Grove at Weeton Barracks.

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A few doors away on the same estate road, Colin and Howie's father-in-law Eric (Keith Clifford) waves. Summerer Grove, Weeton Barracks in Lancashire.

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With his best mate in the passenger seat and having picked up Eric, Colin drives to the parcel delivery company where they all work.

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The camera pans to follow the Volkswagen to a corner.

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On the way, Colin asks what everyone thinks about the "fully-loaded" car before pointing out the walnut trim, electric sun-roof and leather seats.

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Braking suddenly, Colin gets out when Howie mentions that one of the back doors doesn't match.

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Colin examines the suspect door, explaining that it's the way a "certain light" affects the metallic paint.

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Getting back into the Golf GTI, Colin accelerates away towards the depot.

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At Sherpa Freight, June makes a collection for Eric as the vans are loaded ready for the day's deliveries.

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Working towards retirement the following week, foreman Eric claps his hands and urges his drivers to "Let's get these vans out shall we."

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Howie approaches his first call.

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Holding a large package, Colin waits outside a house after ringing the doorbell.

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As Colin chats and drinks tea at his first drop, Howie gets on with another delivery.

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Colin turns into the yard outside Marglois Lighting & Electrical.

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Carrying a parcel through the door, Colin stares in wonder at the range and variety of Christmas decorations inside.

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Howie nears the Motor Chef where Colin's van is already parked. The disguised Little Chef stands on the A556 Chester Road at Oakmere in Cheshire and was recognised by John R.

Looking south-west in the direction of Oakmere at what is now The Lounge & Kitchen at Oakmere. SJ

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As Christmas approaches, Colin switches on the lights that he bought from Mr. Margolis. Outside number 31 Summerer Grove.

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After Howie is called in to see Mr. Guthrie the depot manager, Gibbo (Steve Edge) and Colin wonder if he's been caught taking afternoon tea breaks in the Motor Chef.

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Following her husband's promotion, Pauline looks across at a Mother and Child while waiting for her sister Jackie in a coffee bar.

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In the market, Colin shops around before returning to a particular stall. Outside the Victorian Market Hall on Market Place in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The Market Hall can also be seen in 'Yanks'.

Known as the 'Glass Umbrella', the Grade II listed Market Hall dates from 1861. NW

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Colin asks a Stall Holder (Margaret Henshaw) if he can have a couple of white stars before being caught by Jackie as a box of lights is added to the purchase. Market Place, Stockport with the Boar's Head Hotel at the corner of Vernon Street and Castle Yard in the background.

Still selling bags. NW

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The Armstrong's return home to find that Howie has decorated his house with Christmas lights too . . . . better ones than Colin's. Facing 33 Summerer Grove, Weeton Barracks, Weeton-with-Preese.

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One year later, Colin outdoes Howie's display. Summerer Grove off Singleton Road at Weeton Barracks.

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Mr. Guthrie (Russell Dixon) and Martin Buchanan (Ian Kershaw) read through Howie's alternative to redundancies at the depot.

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Pauline consoles her husband after he and Colin fall out over the proposals that he worked hard on.

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Woken during the night by a noise outside, Colin makes his way to the front garden where he finds Howie putting the finishing touches onto his Christmas light display. Summerer Grove, Weeton Barracks near Weeton, Lancashire.

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Not to be outdone, Colin makes plans for an even better Christmas lights display while sitting with Gibbo in the Motor Chef. The Little Chef, formerly a Happy Eater, on Chester Road in Oakmere, Cheshire as recognised by John R. Founded in 1958, Little Chef roadside restaurants were a common sight on Britain's roads until 2018.

It's a different season but very recognisable. SJ

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After Christmas, Howie and Pauline return early from their trip to Lanzarote to show off their lights to a group of invited Children. Facing west along Terminal Road North at Manchester Airport in Ringway M90 with the Skylink passing overhead.

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Howie suggests moving to a detached house as the taxi heads back to the estate. Above Manchester Airport railway station on Outwood Lane in Greater Manchester.

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The taxi turns into the road where small fairground rides have joined the Christmas lights at Colin's house. Summerer Grove at Weeton Barracks in Lancashire.

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Telling him that he's at the wrong house, Howie urges David Draper (Eric Potts) to look at his display before the Children arrive. Summerer Grove, Weeton Barracks.

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Colin's lights continue to dazzle as a TV Reporter (Alison Hammond) gets ready to broadcast when the Children's minibus arrives. Summerer Grove, Weeton Barracks.

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In October of the following year, Colin watches Howie leave work before asking June if there are any other storage facilities or empty warehouses that she knows about.

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Tony (Stuart Wolfenden) gets into his Transit after Colin signs the invoice for the lights and cables that have just been delivered. Summerer Grove at Weeton Barracks near Weeton.

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At the hospital, Howie and Pauline wait for the results of a test to find out why they haven't conceived a child.

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June leaves work one evening before Colin comes out of hiding to search the offices for clues as to where he may be storing his Christmas lights.

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On Christmas Eve, walking ahead of Howie, Pauline and Jackie, Colin carries his friend's bag from the hospital following his treatment for cancer.

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The two couples arrive home to find Eric and a small crowd waiting. Summerer Grove, Weeton Barracks.

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Colin switches on the Christmas lights covering his house where across the roof is emblazoned "Peace On Earth". Summerer Grove at Weeton Barracks near Weeton, Lancashire.

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A line of lights trace a route to Howie's house which sparkles into life with "Good Will To All Men" illuminated across the roof.