BBC remaking sci-fi classic The Day of the Triffids this Christmas

In case you don't fancy the third rate celebs in posh frocks or seeing Clarkson's mug in glorious high def this Christmas, we've news of more exciting HD programming from the BBC - a new version of sci-fi classic "The Day of the Triffids".

John Wyndham's best-selling, post-apocalyptic novel is being remade for BBC One this Yuletide following on from the Fifties and Sixties radio shows, and the 1981 TV series starring John Duttine as Bill Masen.

The up-to-date remake will feature Dougray Scott as Bill Masen, and will also star Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave and Eddie Izzard.

The Beeb describes it as an "epic, fast-paced, futuristic, two-part drama". It will be simulcast on the BBC HD channel - the BBC's high definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.