The political dimension of the Nativity story, drawing on the themes of immigration and asylum, is to be screened by the BBC in the run up to Christmas.

The BBC's production of the Manchester Passion, featuring the dramatisation of the last hours of the life of Christ with the lyrics of bands such as Oasis, the Happy Mondays, and The Smiths, gave Easter a huge boost according to the Bishop of Manchester.

An alternative Passion this Easter in which pop performers will dramatise the last hours of the life of Christ with the misery-laden lyrics of bands from Oasis to The Smiths, is being produced by the BBC.