The Room in the Tower: BBC Revives Classic Ghost Story for Christmas Eve

25 December 2025 Television

A Festive Tradition Returns

BBC Two airs ‘A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower’ on Christmas Eve (24th December) at 10pm, continuing a beloved British tradition of supernatural tales during the festive season. This year’s adaptation is E.F. Benson’s The Room in the Tower, adapted for screen and directed by Mark Gatiss, the acclaimed writer and director behind Sherlock and The League of Gentlemen.

The tradition of ghost stories at Christmas has deep roots in British culture, with The Room in the Tower joining a long line of festive frights that includes Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the infamous 1989 adaptation of The Woman in Black.

A Nightmare Made Real

Adapted from the 1912 short story by E.F. Benson, the production features an impressive cast. Tobias Menzies’s Roger Winstanley is plagued by recurring visions of a grand country house and a sinister presence concealed within its tower. Roger eventually sees his nightmares become a terrifying reality as he is transported to the house – now a hospital – after being injured in an air raid.

Joanna Lumley plays the monstrous Mrs. Stone, with the transformation taking four hours, writer/director Mark Gatiss revealed at a BFI Southbank screening. The cast also includes Nancy Carroll, Ben Mansfield, and Polly Walker in this spine-chilling adaptation.

Why This Story Matters

This production represents the continuation of an important British broadcasting tradition whilst showcasing contemporary talent. The Room in the Tower is considered one of Benson’s best ghost stories, exploring themes of recurring nightmares and psychological terror that remain remarkably relevant today.

The 30-minute episode will also be available to stream live and on-demand on BBC iPlayer, ensuring this festive fright reaches audiences throughout the UK. Whether you’re a fan of classic horror or simply enjoy the tradition of Christmas ghost stories, this adaptation promises to deliver atmospheric chills for the holiday season.