Coming to TV, the 'working' royals

A documentary showing the working lives of the royals is one of the highlights of the BBC's line-up for next year.

Working Monarchy will 'comprehensively' follow the Queen and other members of her family as they carry out their duties.

The BBC1 series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Family, documenting the year which saw the Queen celebrate her 80th birthday.

The documentary-makers had access to royal tours, investitures, and garden parties. Broadcast next year, it will also provide an insight into the family's relationship with the media.

The BBC first filmed the Queen and her household informally in 1969 for the groundbreaking documentary The Royal Family.

Working Monarchy was announced at BBC1' s launch of its winter-spring schedule yesterday.

Other highlights include news that Little Britain star Matt Lucas plans to play Friar Tuck in the next series of BBC1' s Robin Hood.

Next year's line-up will also see Doctor Who return, with Freema Agyeman replacing Billie Piper as the Time Lord's assistant.

At 81, George Cole - Arthur Daley in Minder - returns to screens in a drama that also stars former EastEnders' actress Jessie Wallace.

Nine years after they last worked together on television, Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse will be reunited for a BBC1 sketch show going out in the New Year.

Next year's Comic Relief will also see a celebrity version of The Apprentice as ten well-known faces build a business that raises money for a good cause.