Sky unveils the trailer for the 2024 Christmas special, Bad Tidings.
- Lee Mack and Chris McCausland play feuding Stockport neighbors.
- The special is penned by BAFTA winners Laurence Rickard & Martha Howe-Douglas.
- Neil, played by Mack, clashes with his blind neighbor, Scott.
- A local crime plot forces the rivals to become allies on Christmas Eve.
Sky has released the official trailer for its upcoming Christmas special, Bad Tidings. This festive comedy stars North West comedians Lee Mack and Chris McCausland, alongside Welsh actress Rebekah Staton. The special is creatively driven by the BAFTA-winning writing team, Laurence Rickard and Martha Howe-Douglas, known for their work on productions like Ghosts and Horrible Histories. McCausland, contributing to the writing process, and Mack lead the cast as neighboring residents caught in a holiday turmoil.
The storyline unfolds in Stockport, where Mack portrays Neil, a home security expert at odds with his neighbor, Scott, played by McCausland. Scott’s antics infuriate Neil: he swaps their bins, grumbles about a project car lingering on Neil’s driveway, and keeps Christmas lights shining into Neil’s workspace all year long. However, Scott’s congenial reputation on the street contrasts sharply with Neil’s perception. The neighborhood’s proposal to appoint Scott as the head of the neighborhood watch strains Neil’s patience, leading him to question Scott’s capabilities, exclaiming, “It’s Neighbourhood Watch!”
A fierce dispute escalates between the two, culminating in Neil inadvertently causing a power outage across the entire street on Christmas Eve. The mishap forces fellow residents, including Neil’s family, to abandon their homes and festive plans, leaving Neil and Scott behind. Despite their differences, when the notorious local crime family, “The Brennans,” targets the street with plans for a grand theft—described as “like Santa in reverse”—the two adversaries must unite.
Without the advantages of modern security—no lights, cameras, or alarms—the pair rely on their wits and Scott’s unique perspective to confront the criminal threat. In an ironic twist, Scott’s blindness might just serve as a crucial element in thwarting the planned heist.
This upcoming feature on Sky and streaming service NOW promises to fuse humor with the spirit of unity, emphasizing how differences can be set aside when faced with common challenges.
Bad Tidings showcases a comedic yet heartwarming narrative of unlikely teamwork against adversity.
