Table of contents for Issue 1376 in Heat

MARIAH TOOK OVER FROM RUDOLPH AS LEADER OF MY SLEIGH I WENT FULL GREASE LIGHTNIN’ AND MY CHILLS WERE MULTIPLYIN’ THE WRIGHT FAMILY’S XMAS GOSS WAS WILD! I TOOK MY PAL TO VISIT KATE FERDINAND AND HER FRIENDS IN DUBAI KEVIN HART WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE CHEEKIEST OF ALL MY ELVES LANCE BASS AND I GOT TOTALLY NSYNC AGAIN I TOLD CHLOE SIMS I HADN’T SEEN ANYTHING AS WHITE AS HER TEETH SINCE THE FIRST SNOW TAYLOR LET ME JINGLE MY BELL FOR HER BOYFRIEND SAM THOMPSON MADE A BID TO BE TOP OF THE NICE LIST…

It’s been a difficult year for Davina McCall, but the TV star is ending it on a high after secretly marrying her long-term partner Michael Douglas in a low-key ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall in central London. Davina opted for a twist on bridal white in a fluffy coat and lace hat, with a source saying, ‘The wedding was perfect, exactly what they wanted. They chose a small venue close to home and invited 10 of their friends and relatives. It was so intimate. Everyone who attended is very special in their lives. The source added, ‘The next day, they just carried on with life as normal – and as coincidence would have it, they were guests at another friend’s wedding.’ The couple confirmed their engagement back in September, with…

After travelling around Central America with her dad Balvinder on Celebrity Race Across The World, TV presenter Anita Rani, 48, is looking forward to a festive feast at home this year… What does Christmas look like in your household? Last year, I was in India for three weeks, but this year, it’ll be Christmassy. It’s my ‘waifs and strays Christmas’ this year, and friends who have nowhere to go are coming to me. There’s going to be a feast, drinks, shoes off, lie on the sofa. Do what you want, you’re with me, and I’m gonna look after you. Do you have any family traditions? I’ve somehow managed to have a box of Christmas decorations that I’ve kept, but not really. Christmas was really about watching telly for me and…

It has been an unquestionably painful few years for Cheryl, who has been navigating grief at losing ex-partner Liam Payne while raising their eight-year-old son Bear. But as the new year approaches, an insider tells heat that the singer is determined to move on with her life. ‘This is going to be the year that Cheryl fully puts herself back out there again,’ the source says. ‘She’s saying she’s ready to get her spark le back and she wants it to be a comeback that her son Bear will one day grow up to be proud of.’ The singer, 42, has endured her fair share of heartbreak in recent years. As well as the shock loss of Liam in October 2024 after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos…

Engaged? Cher & Alexander ‘AE' Edwards The singer is reportedly preparing to walk down the aisle with Alexander, 39, ahead of her 80th birthday in May. ‘She doesn't give a hoot about their age difference and they're both ready to commit to each other,’ a source said. Baby! Sophie Kasaei & Jordan Brook TOWIE’s Sophie, 36, and Jordan, 30, are expecting their first child. The couple have previously spoken about their fertility struggles, and sharing the news in a sweet Instagram video, they gushed, ‘The most magical gift!’ Name change! Lauren Silverman & Simon Cowell Despite not being married, Lauren, 48 – who shares 11-year-old son Eric with Simon, 66 – has officially changed her last name. ‘I am Mrs Cowell,’ she said. ‘We have a child together, we are…

CHARLOTTE DAWSON When we saw this pic of the Ex On The Beach star standing next to her mahoosive tree, being guarded by a ginormous nutcracker, we had only one question: ‘How big are the nuts this woman’s planning to crack?’ From bows stolen from a giant to baby berets, Charl’s gone wild. CARDI B You know the expression, ‘Three’s a crowd’? Well, Cardi doesn’t – and that’s how she ended up with trio of flowery pink tree-shaped things in her hallway. Now, we don’t want to get all ‘elf and safety’, but those 17,000 candles directly underneath are one serious fire hazard. J.LO When Jennifer Lopez gathered her minions this year, she made a big announcement: she would like to personally add one more bauble to the tree they…

BIANCA'S SHEER BRAVADO We’re used to provocative outfits at awards ceremonies, but Bianca Censori’s ‘naked dress’ at the Grammys took it to a whole new level. Walking the red carpet with her rapper husband Kanye West, 47, the Australian model, 30, dropped her black fur coat to reveal a see-through slip that revealed, well, everything. While the apparently body confident Bianca is no stranger to barely-there outfits, her unsmiling appearance coupled with Ye’s alleged instructions to ‘make a scene’ and ‘drop it behind you and then turn’ concerned many. The fact Kanye himself was fully dressed made the scene all the more unsettling. BEYONCE'S BIG GRAMMY WIN You’d be forgiven for thinking Beyoncé had already won a Grammy for Album of the Year because, you know, she’s Beyoncé. But in…

DANNY AND MAURA'S SCANDALOUS SNOG You’d think celebs would know not to misbehave at industry events where camera phones are everywhere. Alas, I’m A Celebrity… jungle mates Danny Jones from McFly and former Love Islander Maura Higgins, 34, didn’t get the memo when they were filmed seemingly kissing at a BRITs afterparty. After staying tight-lipped (something they maybe should’ve tried sooner), the 39-year-old musician took to Instagram to say sorry to wife Georgia, writing, ‘I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much and we’ll continue to deal with this privately.’ Oh dear. MARK & MICHELLE'S BABY BLISS On 6 March, Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan welcomed baby Palma Elizabeth Wright to the world. Announcing her birth on…

LILY'S MICDROP ALBUM Lily Allen cemented her reputation as the queen of unfiltered pop with her outstanding album West End Girl. Across 14 tracks, the 40-year-old documented the painful disintegration of her marriage to Stranger Things actor David Harbour, 50, amid his alleged betrayal and toxic behaviour. Packed with headline-grabbing lyrics, Pussy Palace addressed him using his NYC apartment for hook-ups, while Madeline revealed how he broke his promise to only sleep with strangers. Raw, painful, and hugely empowering, we’ve had it on a constant loop. JENNIFER & JIM'S HARD LAUNCH Our hearts burst with joy when Jennifer Aniston went Instagram-official with her special Friend, Jim Curtis. Posting an adorable shot of her cosying up to the wellness coach and hypnotherapist, Jen-An, 56, wrote, ‘Happy birthday, my love. Cherished’ with…

PEARLY POWDER Give cheekbones and collarbones an iridescent sheen. Nars Aura Illuminating Face & Body Powder Sky Rocket, £44 GLITZY KNIT Staying cosy doesn’t mean having to compromise on looking sparkly. New Look, £36.99 STUN IN SEQUINS Looking for the ultimate statement-making sequin dress? We’ve found it! Zara, £49.99 ICE QUEEN From frosty silvers to spark ling nudes, this palette seriously delivers. Huda Beauty Icy Nude Eyeshadow Palette, £62 BALLET BABE Fancy shoes don’t always have to include a stiletto. These ballet flats are top our wish list. Charles & Keith, £59 EAR PARTY Elevate a simple look with diamanté-drop earrings. & Other Stories, £24 IT TAKES TWO A sequin co-ord with a faux-fur trim? That’s our Christmas Day outfit sorted. Top, £27.99; Trousers, £39.99, both Zara GLOW HO HO…

Amadeus SKY ATLANTIC/NOW, 9PM For many, the 1984 film version of Peter Shaffer’s stage play Amadeus is one of the greatest movies of all time. So, it’s bold of Sky to commission this five-part reimagining of the story about the bitter relationship between hasbeen composer Salieri (Paul Bettany) and the genius upstart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Will Sharpe) in 18th-century Vienna. And yet, adapted by the super-smart Joe Barton (Black Doves, The Lazarus Project), the series turns out to be a delicious treat, with a great supporting turn from Gabrielle Creevey (In My Skin) as Mozart’s future wife Constanze Weber. BOYD HILTON Stop showing off The War Between The Land And The Sea BBC1, 8.05PM The finale of Russell T Davies’ epic sci-fi drama reaches new heights as the relationship between…

The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special BBC1, 7.25PM Funny lady Sophie Willan hosts this festive spesh. Sewing this year are Strictly judge Anton Du Beke; comic Lucy Beaumont; actress Susan Wokoma, and Gladiator Tom ‘Hammer’ Wilson. Patrick Grant and Esme Young will keep a close eye on things. In the pattern challenge, the sewers must put their own twist on a festive present sack, and then transform a secondhand party outfit into a Yule-themed garment. Finally, they must create an outfit for a real-life model inspired by their favourite Christmas treat. KAY RIBEIRO Sew, this is Christmas Finding Father Christmas CHANNEL 4, 7.30PM This mouthwatering one-off comedy drama stars Lenny Rush as Chris, a 16-year-old dude who still believes in Santa. His dad, played by The Inbetweeners’ James…

Biggest Night Of Musicals By The National Lottery BBC1, 6.45PM Get your jazz hands ready because Jason Manford is hosting a celebration of stage musicals for the National Lottery. We’ll get to see show-stopping tunes from some of the UK’s biggest shows, including Wicked, Les Mis, Mary Poppins, The Bodyguard, Matilda The Musical, Phantom Of The Opera and Back To The Future: The Musical. Among the stars taking part are Alfie Boe and Beverley Knight, and other highlights include a spectacular circusthemed number from The Greatest Showman, and musical legend Michael Ball performing with Our Dementia Choir. BOYD HILTON The jazziest hands in town Ant & Dec's Limitless Win Christmas Special ITV1, 8.30PM For this Christmas ep of their addictive quiz show, Ant & Dec get two audience members to…

Ricky Gervais: Mortality NETFLIX Ricky Gervais has only just completed a sell-out tour of over 80 arena shows across the planet, from LA’s Hollywood Bowl, NYC’s Radio City Music Hall, to a 14-night run at the London Palladium, and now we get to see the show in this new Special, which follows on from his previous Netflix specials Humanity, Supernature, and Armageddon. The show was filmed earlier this year at the London Palladium, and features Ricky taking on his own mortality in a brilliantly honest and blunt series of observations about his life, death and the state of the world. BOYD HILTON Life, eh? DIY SOS: Gladiators Special BBC1, 8PM In East Yorkshire, Nick Knowles and his trusty DIY SOS team step in to help The Cherry Tree Community Centre,…

The Night Manager BBC1, 9.05PM It’s nine years since the first riveting series of this espionage thriller aired on BBC1. Adapted from the book by John le Carré, Tom Hiddleston played Jonathan Pine, an undercover operative put in life-threatening situations with a psycho arms dealer called Roper. Now, Pine and colleague Angela (Olivia Colman) are back in this six-parter. He’s working as a lowlevel MI6 officer, but one night he sees an old Roper mercenary, which leads to a violent encounter with scary Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva). Soon, Pine has infiltrated Teddy’s arms operation. Absolute thrills ensue. BOYD HILTON What kept you, hun? The Traitors BBC1, 8PM After the extraordinary success and all-round brilliance of The Celebrity Traitors in 2025, we’re pretty sure this new run of…

The quickfire round 1 The Life Of A Showgirl was released by Taylor Swift in October. How many albums has she now released? 2 Critically acclaimed author Harlan Coben collaborated with Reese Witherspoon on a novel named what? 3 Which UK pop star’s self-titled debut album reached number three in the UK album chart? 4 A former One Direction star made headlines when he finished the Berlin marathon in under three hours. Who? 5 Following her split from husband David Harbour, Lily Allen released her first album in seven years. What’s it called? 6 Which UK singer has been cast in Tom Ford’s adaptation of Cry To Heaven? 7 Beyoncé and Jay Z are said to be moving to which celebfilled region of England? Back to ours for tea and scones?…

‘I'VE GOT TO THAT AGE WHERE I'M LIKE, “NO, I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE”’ JANE MCDONALD will not be cooking the Christmas dinner ‘WE LIKE TO GET THE DECS UP THE DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN’ KRISTIN BELL likes a looooong festive season ‘I GENUINELY ENJOY RECEIVING BOXERS AND SOCKS’ JB GILL just can’t be bothered going to M&S ‘IF I COULD HIBERNATE FROM THE FIRST OF DECEMBER UNTIL JANUARY, I WOULD’ Merry Christmas from PETE WICKS ‘WE’LL BE LEAVING OUT A PINT OF GUINNESS AND MAYBE A GLASS OF WINE FOR SANTA’ Is LAURA WHITMORE trying to get the big man tipsy? ‘I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO COOKING THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH TOMMY’S MUM’ MOLLY-MAE HAGUE cannot be telling the truth, can she?…

They were once known to have a very close relationship, but the Princess of Wales and her brother-in-law Prince Harry have grown apart in recent years, with the pair having not been seen together in public since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. But this could all be set to change, as sources tell heat that Harry, 41, is planning another trip to the UK to help heal the rift with his family – and his sister-in-law, 43, is going to finally reunite with him. Kate is also reportedly keen for Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10, to see their estranged uncle, and for seven-year-old Prince Louis to build a relationship with him. ‘Even though it’s been several years since the kids have seen Harry, they still ask about…

For the Beck ham family, this Christmas will be a very different affair compared to last year. The 2024 festive season saw the famous family celebrate in Miami, including eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz. The glitzy occasion was the last time they were all pictured together, and as the family feud continues, insiders say it’s likely the estranged couple will spend Christmas with Nicola’s billionaire parents in the US. And, while there’s obviously sadness for Victoria, we’re told she won’t let it spoil Christmas. ‘Normally, Vic can’t wait for Christmas. But this year, she can’t help feeling sad about the situation – it’s been a whole year since they were all together as a family,’ an insider tells heat. ‘That being said, she’s determined not to let…

As social media royalty, it’s no surprise that Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo shared news of their new arrival via a meme. In a video showing Jamie leaving the hospital carrying newborn son Ziggy in a car seat with the caption, ‘Next level unlocked’, the reality star couple announced the news that their first child had been born. And after taking Ziggy home to their recently renovated house – rumoured to be worth £12million – just in time for Christmas, we’re told the pair have been revelling in their baby bubble. ‘Jamie and Sophie are absolutely glowing,’ an insider tells heat. ‘They can’t stop staring at Ziggy. Jamie is overwhelmed with love. Everyone said he’d be a brilliant dad, but even he didn’t realise how deeply it would hit him.…

Katy Perry has gone Instagram official with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – less than six months after her split from longtime partner Orlando Bloom. Sharing a cosy selfie of them in Japan, as well as a video of them eating sushi, Katy captioned the Instagram album, ‘Tokyo times on tour and more’. Fans were quick to offer their opinions of the pair. ‘The way he’s looking at her,’ one commented, while another seemed to take a swipe at Orlando, writing, ‘An upgrade.’ Now, a source close to Katy, 41, tells us, ‘Justin is extremely guarded about his public persona – he’s the opposite of Orlando and all the other guys she’s been with. Katy ’s said she finds that refreshing after being with so many attention seekers. Justin…

Christmas is traditionally a time for celebrating with family, but this year, things couldn’t be more different for Jeff Brazier. After a difficult 2025 – which has included splitting from wife Kate, falling out with son Freddy, and eldest son Bobby ma king plans to move to India – we’re told he’s feeling more alone than ever. ‘What should’ve been a joyful family Christmas has become one of the most difficult periods the family have ever faced,’ an insider tells heat. ‘Tensions are high and everyone is very emotional – the family feels fractured. Everyone is dealing with their own problems and is hurting in different ways. But instead of coming together and talking about it, they’ve all retreated into their own worlds. Friends say Jeff is juggling too much,…

What we WATCHED VICTORIA BECKHAM We’d been counting down the days to the Victoria Beckham Netflix documentary – and devoured it in one go. Told through the Brand Beckham lens and heavily focused on VB’s fashion endeavours, we lapped up all the Spice Girls content and glimpses of the Beckhams’ family life, plus Posh’s legendary dry humour. THE CELEBRITY TRAITORS From Celia Imrie’s gassy emissions to Katie Garraway’s perpetual confusion and the shambolic roundtables, we were obsessed by the brilliant inaugural celebrity series. The epic failure of the Faithfuls to expose top Traitor Alan Carr in the mega-tense final – and the emotional scenes that followed – was reality TV gold. WHAT heat DID… THE RICH LIST We once again stuck our beaks into the estimated earnings and extravagant expenses…

SUPERMODEL BLOWOUT Nothing says party hair like a full bouncy blowout, so start by misting sea salt spray through damp roots to build instant lift. Blow-dry in oversized sections, pulling upward to create that airy, supermodel bounce. Then, curl two-inch pieces toward your face, keeping the front tighter to get that curved, face-framing swoosh. Once cool, brush every thing out, add powder dry shampoo for fluff, and finish with hairspray. RETRO HALF PONY If you want a hairstyle that looks polished but still playful, the half pony is unbeatable. Start by boosting root volume with a round-brush blow-dry, then sweep the top half of your hair back into a lifted pony tail that sits just high enough to give that crown-height shape. A clip-in ponytail adds instant drama, while flicking…

Amanda & Alan's Spanish Christmas BBC1, 9PM There’s not a tool belt or power drill in sight in Amanda Holden and Alan Carr’s Mediterranean adventure, which sees them revisit the gorgeous village of Moclín in southern Spain. As fans will recall, this was the location of their summer renovation and now the besties are back to throw a party to thank the locals for helping with their endeavour. Embracing Spanish culture and traditions, they bake seasonal treats, sample delicious delicacies and embrace local customs to throw the ultimate fiesta. Expect much merriment and festive spirit (quite literally). KAY RIBEIRO Feliz navidad *hic* Celebrity MasterChef: Christmas Cook Off BBC1, 8PM Grace Dent and John Torode welcome reality star GK Barry, actor Kola Bokinni, BBC Disability Correspondent and TV presenter Nikki Fox,…

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special BBC1, 5.30PM As fans know, the Christmas special is Strictly lite – but it’s entertaining enough as six stars perform in front of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, before the studio audience ultimately decide who is crowned the Christmas Champion. But who is stepping into Grinch Craig’s grotto? We have presenter Scarlett Moffatt paired with Vito Coppola; singer Melanie Blatt dancing with Kai Widdrington; rugby player Jodie Ounsley teaming up with Neil Jones; actor Nicholas Bailey stepping out with Luba Mushtuk; comedian Babatunde Aléshé bringing the fun with Nancy Xu; and singer Brian McFadden coupled with Michelle Tsiakkas. KAY RIBEIRO OK, we’re still here Gladiators Celebrity Special BBC1, 3.35PM Four bold famouses take on the toughest game show…

Death In Paradise Christmas Special BBC1, 8.30PM Be thankful you just had a hangover after your office party because when four co-workers head to Saint-Marie for the Christmas-party-ofalifetime, they awake to a stranger’s dead body in their pool! Mervin (Don Gilet) and the team get to work, but are stopped in their tracks by the discovery that the murder weapon is found in a locked drawer in Swindon, of all places! Meanwhile, a tense Mervin is still waiting for his newly discovered brother to call, which is stopping him from fully entering into Saint Marie’s Christmas celebrations. KAY RIBEIRO Just call me Santa Claws Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor BBC1, 11.35AM Based on the book by Adam Kay, of This Is Going To Hurt fame, this comedy follows the escapades…

FAKE ENGAGEMENTS What do you do when you want to promote your new comedy movie? Well, if you’re Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, you fake your engagement on Instagram. The pair did just that to announce their new film The Drama, which is out in April. GROWING UP Both Kate Winslet and Gwyneth Paltrow have been hitting the red carpets with some extra-special guests – their sons, Joe Anders and Noah Martin. The actresses were pictured with their plus-ones, who both towered over their famous mums, at the premieres of their new films. BALD HEADS Peter Kay has lifted the lid on his plans for a Phoenix Nights movie reboot. Over 20 years since the sitcom was released, the comedian now wants to use de-aging AI to put hair back onto…

Split rumours have been swirling for weeks now, but Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet put them to rest with a very public display of affection at the LA premiere of his new film Marty Supreme. And now insiders tell heat that friends fear the actor is using his girlfriend of nearly three years for photo opportunities in the wake of his Oscars buzz. ‘Kylie gets him in the headlines’ ‘Kylie and Timothée never officially broke up, but it ’s common knowledge he was keeping her at arm’s length for a while,’ we’re told. ‘She struggled with the time apart when he was filming in Budapest recently and he found her neediness hard to deal with. But she hung on in there. ‘He’s still really attracted to her and is also…

As a mum to two small daughters, you’d think Christmas would be an exciting time of year for Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, 35. Alas, the magic of the festive season is utterly lost on her… What are the best and worst Christmas present you’ve bought? I don’t do Christmas presents at all. This sounds really bad, but I can’t remember the last time I bought my mum, dad or little brother one. We used to have a thing where it was one year on, one year off, but it’s been no presents for the last three years. Obviously, with the girls [Alba, three, and 10-month-old Pixi, with fiancé Jake Ankers], I can’t do that because they’re tiny, so I have to get them something to open. Why don’t you…

Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall has tied the knot with her longterm beau, sound engineer Russell Thomas. The couple, who have been together for nine years, said ‘I do’ in an intimate ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London earlier this month. Forgoing an elaborate celebration, the couple kept things low-key with just 12 guests in attendance, and instead of a grand reveal on social media, Kim simply posted a classic black-and-white photo of her kissing the groom. Kim, 69, also chose not to wear a traditional dress and instead opted for a timeless cream Dior cropped blazer and pleated skirt, while Russell, 55, looked dapper in a sleek black suit. The pair met in back 2016 after Kim appeared on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, where Russell…

Star OF THE YEAR You’ve done so many incredible things this year – what’s been your proudest moment? This year’s been really mind-blowing. I’d say being at the Emmys was a pretty big deal. That was quite surreal, and to be there with everyone who made Adolescence and to celebrate that as a team, I was quite proud to be a little part of that. To celebrate that night with everyone was really special. Has the show changed your life? I think so, and to even be a part of something that’s hit the stratosphere like this was quite discombobulating at first. My instinct was quite stereotypical of me – to go into my little hole and run away from it – but after a while, you have to leave…

Star OF THE YEAR How would you describe your Strictly journey? It was a really good thing to do, what an experience! I loved the hair and make-up, and all of my costumes. And I liked dancing with Vito, all the spray tans – everything! What was your favourite costume? My best I think has to be my gold one [a metallic, tasselled outfit she wore for her iconic Couples’ Choice dance] and my Argentine Tango and my Cha Cha Cha. How did it feel representing the Down syndrome community? Inclusion and diversity should be out there [Ellie made history as the first ever Down syndrome contestant on the show], and I was able to show the world who I am and be inspirational to others. Have you seen your…

Kate Garraway AS CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN 'I hope Claudia sees this as a homage to her fabulousness and doesn’t now think, “Now I’ve got to change my look because of how ridiculous Kate looks!” She’s iconic and BBC’s The Traitors is iconic. The reaction to our version was amazing. I was genuinely flabbergasted by the whole thing. It showed me the benefit of playing, laughing and having fun. This Christmas, we’ll be at mine without Derek for the first time, after spending last year at my brother’s. I’m sure it will be emotional, but Christmas is like that, isn’t it? You think about the people you’ve lost and make the most of who’s around you.' PSSST!! Kate was so committed to perfecting Claudia’s look, she applied the iconic eyeliner herself and…

If Christmas were a romcom, Tyler West and Molly Rainford would be the loved-up leads. They ’re the type of couple who can turn untangling a string of fairy lights into a charming double act, and their undeniable chemistry makes every thing feel like a team effort… until food opinions get involved. As we soon discovered, their harmony has its limits – stollen-shaped ones, to be exact. When heat sat them down at the festive taste test table, they dug in, all smiles. But there was one Christmas-sized question hanging in the air: who’s on dinner duty this year? Tyler: Me, obviously. I’ve got this unreal BBQ and I’m obsessed with doing every thing on it. It’s my signature Christmas move. Molly: Be honest. T: I am being honest. M:…

Tell us about your character, Aunt Joan… Joan is Amanda’s aunt. Joanna [Lumley] plays my older sister, and we are entirely different people. Joan has decided that she will be the life and soul of the party. She lives in an ever-so-slightly shabby country house, and always hosted the family Christmases that Amanda remembers and wants to recreate. Joan herself is fairly shabby, but terribly kind and probably farts a lot. Do you have any similarities with your character? I am fairly shabby and I fart a lot. Why did you want to join the cast of Amandaland for a Christmas special? I remember watching Amandaland when it first came on TV and absolutely loved it. I knew I would love it, because even the trailer made me laugh. It’s…

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final BBC1, 7PM As we head towards the 21st Strictly final and reflect on what a great run it’s been, it’s notable that one of the biggest dramas from this series (amid all the injuries) has come from the two non-dancers, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daley, as they announced their departure. While it shocked us to our core, it made us appreciate them even more – especially Claudia’s fun antics. They, of course, will be central to the climactic final, along with judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, but as for who lifts the iconic glitterball trophy? You decide! KAY RIBEIRO Keeeep dancing… Oh Westlife 25: Live At The Royal Albert Hall ITV1, 5.30PM Westlife are celebrating their 25th anniversary…

Stuffed BBC1, 9PM In this one-off comedy, Guz Khan stars as Arslan Farooqi, who receives an £8,000 Christmas bonus at work and decides to take his multi-faith family off to Lapland. His wife Hannah (Morgana Robinson), his two daughters, and brother-in-law Jamie (Theo Barklem-Biggs) are thrilled by the prospect of this festive adventure. Then Arslan realises the bonus was a mistake and must be repaid immediately, but he inevitably tries to carry on as if everything is fine. And together with new holiday friend Lily (Sue Johnston), he needs to find a way to keep his job and look after the family. BOYD HILTON Computer says what now? The Madam Blanc Mysteries 5, 8PM This special episode is set on Christmas Eve, and boldly unfolds in real time as Jeremy…

The Masked Singer Christmas Special ITV1, 7.30PM As everyone knows, the best bit in The Masked Singer is when a celeb gets unmasked and everyone starts yelling, ‘Take. It. Off! Take. It.Off!!’ In a regular ep, we only get one or two such moments, but on this Christmas special, we’ll see four famous faces take to the stage and compete in elaborate costumes, before they all get exposed, so to speak. Joel Dommett is back as host, joined by panellists Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan, plus some pantomime stars – Su Pollard, Christopher Biggins, Basil Brush and Lesley Joseph – with extra clues for the panel. BOYD HILTON Get’em off! Get ’em off! Stranger Things NETFLIX Season five part two – comprised of chapters five, six…

The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas Special BBC1, 9PM There’s a distinct lack of new TV scripted shows this festive season, and instead it feels like the BBC has stepped up its factual entertainment. Hence this first new celeb version of The Apprentice for years, which is a two-part special. Those facing Alan and his terrible comic timing are AJ Odudu, Angela Scanlon, Charlie Hedges, Eddie Kadi, Jake Wood, JB Gill, Kadeena Cox, Matt Morsia (aka Legend from Gladiators), Rob Rinder, Sarah Hadland, Shazia Mirza and Tom Skinner. They’re sent to Lapland to develop gingerbread biscuits. BOYD HILTON I’m seeing Santa in a mankini… EastEnders BBC1, 7.30PM It’s been a traumatic Christmas on the Square, and goodwill to all men is still in short supply as the Beales and the Brannings gather…

The Graham Norton New Year's Eve Show BBC1, 10.30PM Graham Norton returns with his annual gathering to entertain those of us who can’t be arsed to go out on New Year’s Eve. Tom Hiddleston talks about series two of The Night Manager, which arrives on New Year’s Day on BBC1; Laura Dern and Will Arnett chat about their film Is This Thing On?, based on John Bishop’s life story; Owen Cooper discusses his break-out role in Adolescence; and Carey Mulligan and Tim Key discuss 2025’s glorious feelgood film The Ballad Of Wallis Island. Plus, Alison Limerick performs her classic dance hit. KAY RIBEIRO I’d stay in too if I could The Weakest Link: Party Special BBC1, 6.40PM While host Romesh Ranganathan is not known for his bubbly demeanour, this ‘party’…

Taskmaster's New Year Treat CHANNEL 4, 9PM Not only is the New Year Treat back, but it comes with a double serving! Once again five famous faces from different corners of the entertainment world go to battle in the hope of impressing host Greg Davies and winning the Golden Eyebrows trophy. But who’s putting their pride and ego on the line? We have chef, TV presenter and musician Big Zuu; former footballer and current broadcaster Jill Scott; actor Rose Ayling-Ellis; singer Sam Ryder; and dictionaryloving presenter Susie Dent. The challenges involve a dangerous animal and a foot pump. KAY RIBEIRO This is a nervous laugh 2025: The Year From Space CHANNEL 4, 7.30PM An eye-opening way of looking back on the past year, this 90-min one-off shows footage filmed by…

■ ARIES 20 MAR-19 APR A dazzling Christmas wish may come true with the Sun, Mars and Venus in your own house of highest aspirations. Time to visualise fresh work goals. Travel-wise, the last New Moon of 2025 in your 9th house suggests a riveting trip a head. LUCKY STOCKING: Full of goodies ■ TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY Festive frissons are in store, as your potent 8th house makes you a magnet. This transit sprinkles dealings in love and work with magic. Meanwhile, Christmas Eve’s mar vellous Mars/ Venus aspect suggests plans being hatched for a thrilling holiday. LUCKY PREDICTION: Love at frost sight ■ GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN Magical Mars, the Sun and Venus in your sultry 8th house bring you a super-steamy Christmas. Coupled up? Deeper passion plus…