The BBC's festive schedule has been gifted a genuinely heartwarming and hilarious treat in the form of Guz Khan's one-off Christmas special, 'Stuffed'. This 58-minute comedy, now available on iPlayer, perfectly captures the spirit of a traditional family Christmas viewing experience, blending quality jokes with a surprisingly sweet core.
A Festive Recipe for Success
True to the hallowed formula of a classic Christmas special, 'Stuffed' incorporates all the essential ingredients. It features a grumpy character in need of softening, played by Khan himself as Arslan Farooqi, a loving but financially stressed husband and father. The action is whisked away to a snowy Lapland landscape, fulfilling the mandatory festive backdrop. And it is brought to life by a cast of great actors committing wholeheartedly to a preposterous yet ultimately cosy plot.
The inciting incident arrives when Arslan, played by the co-creator of 'Man Like Mobeen', receives an unexpected Christmas bonus of £8,000 from work—ten times more than his colleagues. Ignoring the logical voice that might label it an administrative error, the family seizes the chance for a dream holiday to see the Northern Lights, escaping the prospect of a GB News-filled Christmas with Uncle Colin.
Lapland Hopes and Crypto Schemes
Joined by Hannah's brother Jamie (Theo Barklem-Biggs), Arslan and his wife Hannah—a superb Morgana Robinson—along with their daughters Layla and Fern (Sophia Hussain and Eloide Bains), embark on their Lapland adventure. There, they befriend a lonely elderly woman, Lily, portrayed by the ever-brilliant Sue Johnston, who is scattering her husband's ashes.
The festive fantasy soon encounters a stark reality check. Arslan discovers the £8,000 bonus was indeed a mistake, and his employers demand its immediate return. With the money already spent, a crisis ensues. The family's resourceful daughters devise a plan to win the hotel's dance competition and invest the $1,000 prize in cryptocurrency to make up the shortfall. Their success, however, is complicated by a rival team's unfortunate bout of diarrhoea and Hannah's compassionate decision to give their winnings to Lily.
A Sweet and Inclusive Festive Treat
Without spoiling the ending, 'Stuffed' delivers on its promise of a satisfying and warm conclusion. It balances genuine moments of melancholy, particularly around Hannah grieving her late mother, with a consistent stream of quality jokes. The special stands out for its authentic and unembarrassed portrayal of a Muslim-Christian family navigating the Christmas season together, offering a refreshing and inclusive perspective on festive traditions.
Ultimately, Guz Khan and the team have crafted a charming hour of television that feels both timeless and timely. It's filled with enough laughter to keep spirits high and just enough poignant reflection to resonate, making it a perfect candidate for that cherished post-dinner family viewing slot. 'Stuffed' aired on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
