The BBC revived the tradition with a new adaptation of James' A View From a Hill in 2005 and followed up with Number 13 in 2006. But since then nothing.

Although it isn't billed (at least yet) as A Ghost Story for Christmas, BBC2 have announced a new James adaptation to be broadcast at Christmas 2010. The BBC first tackled M R James' story Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad in 1968 with Jonathan Miller's atmospheric production Whistle and I'll Come to You starring Michael Hordern. Although this was in fact part of Omnibus, the BBC's arts documentary series, rather than A Ghost Story for Christmas, it set the tone for what was to follow. The 2010 version, under the same truncated title, is going to be a more modern adaptation however, similar perhaps to Yorkshire TV's modern day take on Casting the Runes.

The BBC say:

"Whistle And I'll Come To You, written by Neil Cross, is the thoroughly modern re-working of the evocative Edwardian ghost story "Oh, Whistle and I'll come to You, My Lad" by M.R. James.

Cross's adaptation delves into themes of ageing, hubris and the supernatural, adding a terrifying psychological twist in the tale to this family hearthside favourite.

Directed by Andy de Emmony, it will be a cinematic, moody, poignant and unsettlingly spooky addition to the Christmas schedules, taking its lead from L'Orfanto, The Shining and Japanese horror movies.

The story focuses on one man's encounter with an apparition on a desolate British beach - and how this haunting begins to hound him."

There aren't many details available at the moment, but as soon as I hear more, I'll post them here.