A passenger plane thought to be carrying more than 100 people has crashed on Christmas Day.
The doomed Azerbaijan Airlines jet hit the ground and burst into a fireball in Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Embraer E190AR with registration number 4K-AZ65 had sent a distress signal following a collision with a bird as it had intended to reach Grozny in Russia.
Several people are feared dead, Kazakhstan Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova said. There are at least 28 survivors, though seven of these are said to be in critical conditions. Two of these are children, believed to be girls aged 11 and 16. Mr Alnazarova said 23 ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
Kazaeronavigatsiya, the Kazakhstan air navigation service, said: “An Embraer 190 AHY8243 aircraft travelling on the Baku-Grozny route declared an emergency situation due to collision with a bird and violation of steering control. The aircraft was carrying 105 passengers and five crew members.” Aktau residents have been asked to donate blood for the survivors.
The plane declared the emergency situation at an altitude of 2,125 feet over the Caspian Sea. It hit a bird – or several birds – and then came plummeting down, smashing to the ground at speed. An oxygen tank exploded onboard, it is reported.
The plane crashed in Kazakhstan(
Image: X)
It is understood heavy fog further impacted the plane’s emergency landing. Of those on board the plane, around 60 are believed to be Russians. The nationalities of the other tourists remain unclear at this stage. Aktau airport is open and operating normally, authorities said. The Mirror has contacted Azerbaijan Airlines for comment.
Grozny – the planned destination – is the capital of the Chechnya republic, a Russian region controlled by Vladimir Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov which regularly sends troops to fight in the war against Ukraine.
The tragedy follows the death of a man in his 50s this week after a light aircraft in which he was travelling crashed near Fife Airport in Scotland. Emergency services srambled to the crash at about 11.40am on Monday, after the plane plummeted shortly after taking off from the airport’s runway. Members of the public were urged to avoid the area as police locked the site down to carry out their enquiries.
Police Scotland later confirmed a man, thought to have been the pilot, died at the scene. Fife Airport is located three miles west of Glenrothes and offers light aircraft travel and skydives. The airfield is also used by Tayside Aviation to train pilots. Its runway sits just under 30 miles north of Edinburgh.
The Money Saving Expert and founder of the money saving website, has announced that he’s stepping away for a period of time as he signed off from social media with a ‘difficult’ message
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has decided to take a well-deserved break from the limelight, announcing his temporary departure from social media and work commitments as he shared a heartfelt Christmas message with his followers.
The financial guru, who has become a household name for his savvy saving tips, reached out to his 3.1 million fans on X to share his festive wishes and reveal his plans for a career hiatus that will extend into the New Year.
In his touching post, Martin expressed: “I’m signing off social media and work for the festive break now. I would like to wish all who celebrate a joyous, peaceful, and warm-hearted Christmas and a very happy New Year. Thank you all for your continued support.”
He also promised a return in 2025, full of energy and ready to help people save money, saying: “I’ll see you back in 2025 fit and raring to go, and hopefully I’ll save you some money next year too.”
Martin Lewis has issued a difficult message this Christmas(
Image: David M. Benett/Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Acknowledging that not everyone has a merry Christmas, Martin added a special note for those facing challenges during the holiday season: “For those who find this time of year difficult, or grief filled or lonely, may your passage through it be easy with more smiles than you’re expecting.”
Martin also highlighted important contact numbers for anyone in need of support over the festive period, reminding them that help is available every day of the year, including Christmas Day: “Age UK (England) 0800 678 1602. ageuk.org.uk. Age Cymru (Wales) 0300 303 44 98.
“Beat. 0808 801 0677 (England). Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) 0800 58 58 58. Combat Stress. 0800 1381 619. The Compassionate Friends. 0345 123 2304. Cruse Bereavement Support. 0808 808 1677, and the Samaritans: 116 123.
The Samaritans have put out a vital message, noting: “No matter how or if you celebrate, it is normal that this time of year can affect your mental health. You may be feeling like you aren’t enjoying the things you usually do this time of year. You may be worried about friends and family or other things happening in the world. You are not alone. There are all sorts of reasons you might find this time of year difficult and that’s OK.”
The charity adds: “At Samaritans, we’re committed to helping you, however we can. If you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, our volunteers are here for you. Call free, day or night, on 116 123 or email [email protected].”
Ruth Langsford has shared a heartfelt update on her 93-year-old mother, Joan, who is recovering in hospital after a fall that fractured her pelvis. Ruth’s ex husband, Eamonn Holmes, joined fans and friends in sending well-wishes during this challenging time.
Ruth Langsford, 64, has provided an update on her mother, Joan, who is currently in the hospital after a serious fall.
The 93-year-old fractured her pelvis in the accident, which has disrupted their Christmas plans. Ruth, who is best known for her role as a presenter on Loose Women, had previously shared the news of her mother’s injury with fans, expressing concern over the impact it would have on their holiday celebrations.
In an Instagram post today, Ruth updated fans with a video of Joan in her hospital bed, watching films on an iPad. Ruth captioned the post: “Hospital visiting.” She added: “She chose Dad’s Army again today.”
Earlier this month, Ruth shared footage of her mother’s agonising injuries after her fall. Ruth has been giving regular updates on the condition of her 94-year-old mother, Joan, who fractured her pelvis after losing her footing. Ruth has been at her mother’s side as she continues to receive treatment – and has been doing her best to aid her recovery herself.
Ruth Langsford has shared a heartfelt update on her 93-year-old mother, Joan, who is recovering in hospital after a fall that fractured her pelvis(
Image: Instagram)
Taking to Instagram Stories over the weekend, Ruth gave fans a close look at some of the injuries Joan sustained – uploading a video of her rubbing some cream onto a large purple bruise that is on her head. She wrote in an accompanying caption: “Mum’s got a right shiner after her fall! Trying to soothe it with Arnica cream.”
But looking for some positivity among the misery, Ruth pointed out that Joan has an impressive natural colour of hair despite being in her ninth decade of life. The TV star commented: “94 yrs old and hardly a grey hair… I’m hoping I’ve inherited the gene!”
Last weekend, Ruth revealed that the tragic fall – has put their Christmas plans on hold. She revealed in a social media post: “No dancing in my kitchen peeling the veg for my darling Mum this Christmas…. She’s had a fall and fractured her pelvis! She’s ok…ish, no surgery required thank goodness but she needs rest and time to heal now. She’s in hospital at the moment but I’m hoping to get her home soon.
Ruth’s mum seems to be in brighter spirits as she enjoyed watching films on an iPad from her hospital bed
Ruth previously gave fans a close look at some of the injuries Joan sustained
“This time last year she fell and broke her hip but recovered well…she’s a very strong woman so I’m sure she’ll recover from this too. Put’s life and what’s important into perspective eh? Happy Christmas!” Fans, followers and celebrity friends were quick to rally around Ruth to share support. Lizzie Cundy was among the first to express her support at the time, writing: “Sending you so much love . Hoping Mum will be back dancing very soon .Sending huge hugs my darling.”Upon hearing the news, ex Eamonn Holmes has extended an olive branch. Eamonn, 65, who is now in a new relationship and rumoured to be planning a wedding with his new younger partner, joined thousands of others in liking his ex’s Instagram update. Stars like Cat Deeley and Loose Women’s Nadia Sawalha joined Eamonn in wishing his former mother-in-law a quick recovery.
Loose Women star Gloria Hunniford has opened up on how she is marking her first Christmas without her husband Stephen Way, who passed away in August after a long illness
TV legend Gloria Hunniford is lighting up her home like “Blackpool Illuminations” this Christmas, the first without her beloved husband Stephen Way. The Loose Women star, who recently took a break from the show following Stephen’s passing in August after a long illness, has found comfort in festive decorations.
Speaking to Best magazine, she revealed: “My house is already like Blackpool Illuminations. There is a gardener at Hever Castle called Michael, who came round to help me. It’s all done and up. ” She also expressed her determination, saying, “I’m glad that I did it. I’m the first in the road to do it.”
The 84 year old presenter fondly recalled past Christmases, including those since losing her daughter Caron Keating, the former Blue Peter host, to breast cancer in 2004 at just 41. One year, they even had “six trees” in their home.
Now, her son Michael Keating is organising “three days of celebrating” to unite the family, including Caron’s sons Gabriel and Charlie. Looking back on her time with Stephen, Gloria reflected on the “Thirty Christmases with Stevie.”
Gloria has found solace in her family’s presence, sharing, “He always stayed with me. You can imagine what a difference it will be but my son Michael has organised three days of celebrating, and both of Caron’s boys will be with me – when a door closes, a window opens. I saw them being born. Caron asked me – that is very special.”
Gloria will continue to celebrate Christmas with her two sons
The TV presenter also spoke about continuing life amidst grief, reminiscing about the “joyous” celebrations of Charlie’s wedding that occurred ten days after her husband’s death: “I was determined it would be a joyous day. I loved that day, so that is a lesson. I must remember I can go to events and be happy.”
Gloria had been married to her husband since 1998, and his death has left a profound gap in their lives. She touched upon this loss by saying, “Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life but our entire family. “.
Reflecting on the kind-hearted nature of her late husband, she lovingly recalled: “He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end.”
Gloria says a ‘light has dimmed’ since Stephen’s passing earlier this year
Gloria treasured the memories of their 25-year marriage, stating: “We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish.” She expressed her deep sorrow, saying: “It’s a great shock and words cannot express my sadness at this time. A bright shining light has dimmed, and he shall be missed at every turn.”
Kaye Adams has opened up on ITV’s Loose Women about ‘sleep walking’ through her first Christmas after losing her dad and how she has had to ‘reinvent’ the festive period to cope
Loose Women panelist Kaye Adams has spoken about having to “reinvent” Christmas after her parents passed away. During an emotional moment on ITV’s Loose Women, which she co-hosts with celebs Frankie Bridge, Kelly Brook, and Kéllé Bryan, the discussion turned towards managing grief during the festive period.
In the episode aired on Wednesday (December 4), Kaye, 61, revealed she felt like she was “sleep walking” through her first Christmas following her father’s death. She explained: “I think you kind of have to reinvent it. Like similar to you, I’ve lost both my mum and my dad, and Christmas was always, always at their house. The first one after my dad died, we just kind of slept walked through it.”
Kaye Adams opened up about losing her dad on Loose Women earlier this month(
Image: ITV)
Kaye confided more deeply, saying: “We went through the motions. We were kind of anaesthetised to the whole thing. You did it, because it felt like a big thing to ignore it, but like I say, we were sleep walking. But in the years since, you’ve just got to reinvent it. Because it was so much associated with them. For us, we just had to have a different thing.”
To lighten the mood after the touching discourse, the Loose Women welcomed the ever-entertaining Gino D’Acampo onto the set. The charming TV chef added some spice with lively banter about his latest cookbook and even dropped an ‘awkward’ comment on the ‘kiss rules’ for on-air, capturing the attention of Mirror reporters.
Gino D’Acampo left quite the impression during his recent stint on the panel, defying advice to forgo the cheek kisses, and joked, “They told me ‘please don’t kiss the ladies on the table’ but what kind of Italian would come on the show without kissing the ladies. The rules are rubbish.” Tackling the situation with humour, Kelly even hinted that Gino’s on-screen smooches could have cost him his job, prompting a bewildered comeback from the Italian chef: “What, for a kiss?”
Kaye Adams admitted that she has been “sleepwalking” through her first Christmas since the death of her father(
Image: ITV)
Social media lit up post-show, with one viewer pointing out on X (previously Twitter): “That was very awkward…. #loosewomen Frankie looked uncomfortable.” Others chipped in on Gino’s tactful handling of any double entendres: “#loosewomen Gino being so careful with his innuendo today.”
Whilst some fans expressed worry over potential backlash at Gino with tweets like: “Careful Gino they’ll be wanting to cancel you. #loosewomen,” there were those that raised eyebrows at the claim of a no-kissing guideline, “Do you really think they told him not to kiss them? #Loosewomen.”
Danny Jones won the latest series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! credit:Bang Showbiz
Danny Jones “never thought” he would be so open about himself on ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’
The 38-year-old pop star emerged as the winner of this year’s edition of the ITV1 jungle reality survival show and upon arriving back from Australia, admitted that he was “so thankful” to the public for crowning him as champion after he showcased his natural self.
Speaking on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, he said: “It was amazing, everyone was so lovely. they had good hearts and were good people. When you were down, they comforted you, and everyone was up for a laugh as well. I had that guitar in there, because I play guitar every day, and that was the highlight for me just seeing people’s reactions.
“For people to vote for me, probably hungry and tired, I am so thankful because you’ve got no perspective of how you’re doing in there. It’s really real in there, we talk about deep stuff.
“You have the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, and I never thought that it would be like that. I was vulnerable.
“As men, we say we’re going for a pint and we go ‘Good man, yeah!’ talk about the football or the rugby or whatever but we don’t get that quality time to go down to a deeper level.
“And that’s what we did in the jungle because we had no distraction of phones or anything. It was just a beautiful stream, an amazing jungle, campmates to talk to, And you get deep.”
Danny is best known as part of McFly alongside Tom Fletcher, Harry Judd, and Dougie Poynter – who was crowned King of the Jungle himself in 2011 – and admitted that he is “so humbled” that viewers accepted him for himself away from the band.
He said: “I didn’t have the band to hide behind, I didn’t have the voice to hide behind. They were voting for just me, and that’s a different thing. Just me being me. And I am so thankful for that, because I’m normally hiding behind the guitar and all of that. Even 21 years later, to have that, I feel so humbled.”
Gregg Wallace stepped back from his role on MasterChef following allegations of misconduct
The BBC received several complaints after they confirmed it would air the final of MasterChef: The Professionals, despite growing calls to pull the broadcast following the Gregg Wallace scandal.
The broadcaster decided to air the rest of MasterChef, which concluded on December 12, and the two Christmas editions, while they await the conclusion of the investigation into Wallace by production company Banijay.
He is facing claims from at least 13 women who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour and making jokes of a sexual nature. Wallace has denied the allegations.
The BBC came under mounting pressure to consider pausing the show while Wallace is investigated and the broadcaster has since responsded to the complaints about airing MasterChef: The Professionals while allegations of historical misconduct are being investigated.
In a statement released on December 18, a BBC spokesperson said: “MasterChef: The Professionals continued as planned, as this show is life-changing for the chefs.
BBC flooded with complaints after airing MasterChef: The Professionals (Image: ITV)
“We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.”
Earlier this month, it was believed that two festive specials of MasterChef would air on the BBC.
However, in a change of position, bosses revealed that the Christmas specials will now no longer be aired.
It comes after Wallace apologised for suggesting allegations against him came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.
The TV host had said there had been “13 complaints” from “over 4,000 contestants” he had worked with in 20 years on the BBC cookery show.
His comments caused a backlash, with a Downing Street spokesperson describing them as “inappropriate and misogynistic”.
In another video Wallace said: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday, and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.
“I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it.”
He concluded: “It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology.”
Radio icon Zoe Ball was over the moon to be spending time with son Woody and daughter Nelly in New York City for Christmas
Zoe Ball was beaming with joy as she shared a glimpse of her ‘fairytale’ Christmas in New York City with her daughter Nelly and son Woody.
The Strictly Come Dancing alum put her all into her final show last week, and immediately jetted off to see her son in America. Zoe shares two children with her ex-husband Fatboy Slim – real name Norman Cook – Woody, 24, and Nelly, 14. Grown up Woody lives in the United States, and Zoe flew over with Nelly to join him overseas, with Zoe arriving only hours after she said goodbye to her fans on live radio.
In pictures shared on her social media page, Zoe had a ball as she went ice skating with her two children in Central Park. She also posted snaps of the kids in a restaurants smiling for the camera. Zoe wrapped up warm in black trousers, a cream-coloured sweat, a thick overcoat and a green scarf. She completed the cosy look with a beanie.
She captioned the post: “Fairytale of New York.” Fans rushed to the comment section to compliment the star, with many revealing they miss her being on the radio. One user said: “Already missing morning commute listening to you,” and another posted: “Enjoy every minute. Especially tomorrow when you don’t have to do anything work related.”
Zoe and her daughter quickly jetted off to New York City(
Image: instagram.com/zoetheball)
“Aww enjoy the time with the family. You got me through the morning commute, especially Mondays.. miss you already, but don’t blame you one bit, for realising family and yourself come first. Peace and love,” one fan commented as they wished her a Merry Christmas.
In her leaving speech on radio last week, Zoe hinted that while she’s stepping back from her daily duties, she’ll still make appearances on Radio 2. “Thank you for tuning in, whether as a lone listener, as family, as a work Gang on your morning jogs, dog walks, truck drives, train commutes, or hiding in bed, it’s been a real privilege to keep you company through your morning manoeuvres. You’re just there and I’m just here having a chat with a mate. It’s such a special, intimate relationship,” she said.
The star looked over the moon to be spending time with her family(
Image: instagram.com/zoetheball)
“It’s never lost on me that we’ve been through life’s little highs and little lows together. I really do hope that we’ve managed to bring some sunshine and light when you’ve most needed it. A daft distraction from the hardest stuff. I’ve been bowled over by your messages, texts, emails, cards and letters across the years. Thank you for sharing with me your stories of love and loss, your baby news, your kids leaving home. Together, listeners, there’s been much laughter, some silliness, a few tears, lots of singing, and there has been dancing. May there always be dancing.”
Zoe then teased: “Dear Scott will look after you in the new year. He’s one of the good ones. You can have a lot of fun together. I’ll see you in the spring, popping up here on Radio 2 for new adventures.” By Scott, Zoe was referring to her replacement, Scott Mills. She added: “Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me. He’s been a close friend for years, and I’m beyond thrilled it’s him taking over the Breakfast Show.
“Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he’s had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam. He’s not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can’t wait to tune in on the school run.”
Carol Kirkwood was left gobsmacked – as well as lip-smacked – as a man leapt in front of the cameras to plant a kiss on her while broadcasting live from central London
BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood was left gasping when she was unexpectedly kissed while live on air.
The 62-year-old weather expert has offered her insights and expertise on low pressure, sunny spells, et all on BBC Breakfast since 1997, and has a warm rapport with the various hosts that helm the show. On Christmas Eve, the married star was left in shock when one of her colleagues planted a kiss, smack on her lips.
Carol was providing a weather update live from London’s Covent Garden where she was standing underneath falling fake snow. Impressing hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, the weather expert explained that the fake flakes were harmless and gave a playful illusion of a festive weather storm.
She told the stars back in the studio: “It’s fab – and non-toxic as well, so you can stand under it like this, quite easily.” She then pointed to a small sprig of mistletoe that she had attached to the front of her coat and complained: “But my mistletoe has not really done the trick, this morning, has it?”
Carol giggled after the sudden kiss(
Image: BBC)
A man suddenly burst into the screen and grabbed Carol in his arms, bending her backwards, and kissing her passionately in front of the camera. As he pulled away, and dashed back off-screen, Carol struggled to compose herself as she giggled and laughed like a schoolgirl.
In the wake of stunned silence from Jon and Sally in the studio, she explained: “Oh, I say! That’s Tim, who’s our sound engineer. We’re good friends. I wasn’t expecting that!” And she continued to smile and laugh.
Carol has been happily married to police officer Steve Randall since December 2023 – with their first anniversary due on Friday. The couple met in 2017 at a work function, and it appeared to be love at first sight – with the romance beginning almost a decade after Carol’s first marriage to property developer Jimmy Kirkwood collapsed in 2008 after 18 years.
Earlier this year, Carol shared an insight into the romantic home life that she shares with Steve. She told The Sunday Times in August: “I get up at 2.45am. Steve, who’s a police officer, gets up too and makes me a cup of tea. I get to Broadcasting House, which is the headquarters of BBC in London, by 4am.”
And back in July, Carol reflected on the chance encounter with Steve that she had in 2017 that set them on their path towards marriage. She told The Daily Mail’s You Magazine: “I met Steve at a work function about seven years ago. I was drinking an espresso martini, and Steve very sensibly wasn’t drinking because he’s a policeman and had work the next day.
“We went on our first lunch date shortly after and had sandwiches and tea. It’s strange to think that neither of us had planned on going to the function, but we changed our minds at the last minute, and if one of us hadn’t, we’d never have met. It was a real sliding doors moment.”
Christmas Day boasts the best telly of the year and we’re in for a treat tomorrow with the return of corkers, including Gavin and Stacey, Doctor Who – as well as a new outing for Wallace and Gromit
The countdown to Christmas Day TV is on and we’re in for a treat this year!
For weeks we’ve been looking forward to a whole host of festive shows, including the last ever Gavin and Stacey and Gail Platt’s final farewell in Coronation Street. There’s a busy schedule tomorrow, jam-packed with all your festive favourites, including a new outing for loveable duo, Wallace and Gromit as well as return to Nonnatus House for an annual dose of Call the Midwife. So, as we get ready to crack open the Celebrations and wear our ill-fitting cracker hats with pride, here’s a full round-up of the best Christmas Day telly tomorrow – including some sizzling spoilers…
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special – BBC One, 3.55pm
Fresh from the success of its series finale in which Chris McCausland was declared victorious, Strictly is back with a star-studded Christmas special. While last year saw the triumph of EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and professional dancer Nancy Xu, all eyes are on the dancefloor this time round to see who will be wowing us with their waltz. The full line-up for this year’s Christmas special includes the likes of comedian Josh Widdicombe, EastEnders legend Tamzin Outhwaite, presenter Vogue Williams, drag artist Tayce, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Formula 3 racing driver Billy Monger.
Doctor Who – BBC One, 5.10pm
The time-travelling doctor returns for this festive special, which is titled Joy to the World.Doctor Who returns for a special edition ahead of its brand new 15th season next year and this time, Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor will be joined by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan as Joy. The new episode’s exact plot points remain under wraps, but we do know that the episode has been penned by former show-runner, Steven Moffat, who has teased what’s in store.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan stars as Joy in the Doctor Who Christmas treat(
Image: BBC)
Previously speaking to BBC South East, he said: “Imagine in the far, far future that a hotel chain got hold of the idea of time travel. What’s the first thing a hotel chain would do if they had time travel? They’d realise they had an opportunity to sell all the unsold nights in their own hotels in history.”
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl – BBC One, 6.10pm
Motley FoolCEO says this is worth 23 Nvidias
Taonga: The Island Farm
The most relaxing Farm Game. No Install
by Taboola
Loveable duo, Wallace and Gromit are back for another hilarious helping of the animated comedy franchise. The stop-motion pair are back better than ever with Peter Kay returning as Chief Inspector Macintosh, as well as cameos from Diane Morgan (Motherland), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Muzz Khan (Brassic) and Sir Lenny Henry (Three Little Birds). Gromit is growing concerned at Wallace’s over-dependence on his inventions in the festive flick, which is borne out when the cheese-lover creates a ‘smart gnome’ that seems to develop an evil mind of its own.
Wallace and Gromit are back in Vengeance Most Fowl(
Image: 1989 NFTS / AARDMAN ANIMATIONS LTD)
The Radio Times gave the film a five-star review, revealing: “Wallace and Gromit are just as loveable as ever, despite all the time that’s passed since we saw them last, and on the flip side of that, Feathers McGraw has lost none of his unpleasantness either, reminding us exactly why he was so scary to kids back in the day.”
Emmerdale – ITV, 6.30pm
Emmerdale promises to deliver a bombshell on Christmas Day with an epic return, dark discoveries and a shocking storyline teased for one family. A revenge plan could be about to backfire, while there’s grief, a new romance, Coira drama and a character vanishes. It starts when Piper returns to the show, the beloved dog of Belle Dingle. Actress Eden-Taylor Draper has spilled all on the epic comeback to The Mirror, and now spoilers have teased what unfolds.
Emmerdale promises to dig up a secret on Christmas Day with Belle Dingle(
Image: ITV)Belle was led to believe Piper had died after being run over, when she was deliberately injured by Belle’s abusive husband Tom King. It seems Belle’s always been suspicious though, and next week she finally realises Piper never really died. After digging up her casket and finding only a brick in there, the mission is on to track Piper down. Soon enough there’s a Christmas miracle, and Piper and Belle are reunited.
Elsewhere, Marlon Dingle finds his relationship with troubled teen daughter April “on a knife’s edge” as she continues to spiral. But when Christmas Day arrives, Marlon is in for an almighty shock. The first of multiple flash-forwards will air at Christmas too, with Kim Tate in danger, it seems. As Will Taylor continues his plan to destroy her, with Peter encouraging him to go through with their plan, there’s a mystery character pulling the strings.
Coronation Street – ITV, 7pm
A dramatic Christmas Day is in store for the Platt gang in Corrie as Gail Rodwell (Helen Worth) bids farewell after 50 years. The ITV soap released a new trailer last week, which teases an emotional time, with the matriarch making a huge decision about her future. Actress Helen told fans she was leaving the show back in June before Gail found new love with Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson). After suffering a near-fatal heart attack, Gail realised life was too short and the two decided to wed. Sadly, she doesn’t realise that secrets and lies are brewing beneath the surface that could threaten to ruin her big day – and in true Weatherfield style, we’d say that’s a given!
A dramatic Christmas Day is in store for the Platt gang in Corrie as Gail Rodwell (Helen Worth) bids farewell after 50 years
With so much stacked against Gail and the family as a whole, her happy ending looks set to be ruined – especially if her mum Audrey (Sue Nicholls) has anything to do with it! “If you decide to marry that man, you’ll never see me again” she threatens in the trailer. Knowing that this will be the sixth (yes, sixth!) man her daughter’s walked down the aisle with, Audrey resorts to desperate measures, which look set to leave fans reeling.
EastEnders – BBC One, 7.30pm and 10.35pm
It’s going to be another barrel of laughs in Albert Square this Christmas – as the truth about Cindy Beale’s cheating in EastEnders is exposed in spectacular fashion. The incriminating evidence – captured on tape – will reveal Cindy’s true love for ex-husband George Knight (Colin Salmon) and her scandalous affair with his son, Junior (Micah Balfour).
It’s going to be another barrel of laughs in Albert Square this Christmas(
Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Cindy, who is engaged to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), realises she has nowhere to hide as all hell breaks loose in both the Beale and Knight families. Actress Michelle Collins promised: “You’ll certainly be on the edge of your seats, but I would say it’s dramatic, powerful and moving. A classic EastEnders.”
Call The Midwife – BBC One, 8pm
It’s time to return to Nonnatus House for an annual dose of Call the Midwife, but unlike previous years, the BBC drama will be giving fans a double-episode. Instead of one 90-minute episode, viewers we’ll be treated to two 60-minute episodes, with the second airing on Boxing Day.
It’s time to return to Nonnatus House for an annual dose of Call the Midwife,(
Image: BBC)
The episodes will see Poplar preparing for a carol concert, but the joyful festivities soon go south when the neighbourhood learns of the news of an escaped prisoner. Could he be the one to blame for the rise in local break-ins? There’s also set to be some cases of influenza and the Hong Kong flu to contend with, but the cast has promised that amid the darkness there will be light with the show’s signature humour.
Gavin and Stacey: The Finale – BBC One, 9pm
Viewers can’t wait to catch up with gang in Barry Island in the Christmas special tomorrow night, which, sadly, marks the end of the road for BAFTA-winning programme. Fans are going wild after the BBC finally dropped the trailer for the Gavin and Stacey, which picks up from the 2019 cliffhanger, which left viewers reeling as Nessa got down on one knee to propose to Smithy, played by James Corden.
Gavin and Stacey fans will find out if Nessa has finally tied the knot with Smithy(
Image: BBC/Toffee International Ltd./Tom Jackson)
In the trailer, fans see Stacey, played by Joanna Page, tell husband, Gavin – Matt Horne: “Oh, I’m absolutely buzzing, I am. A whole weekend away, just me and you!” Gavin mysteriously replies: “Well, yeah, except it’s not just me and you, is it?” as all the other familiar faces pop up one by one.
Smithy rocks up calling Gavin ‘Gaviscon’ while Pam and Mick (Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb) can be seen getting the table ready for Christmas dinner. Pam’s is sporting her signature rollers before Neil the Baby is warned to behave by his mum Nessa. Gwen brings up ‘that’ fishing trip with Bryn, hilariously accusing them of “tearing the family apart” as fans wait with baited breath to see if the mystery is finally revealed. The blended families can then be seen having a drunken party at Pam and Mick’s house as Nessa and Smithy are shown looking extremely close and flirtatious. Is this a sign that the pair actually got together? We’ll have to wait until Christmas Day to find out.
Outnumbered – BBC One, 9.40pm, Boxing Day
Despite not showing on Christmas Day, Outnumbered is returning to the Beeb for a one-off festive special on Boxing Day – and we’re so excited, we had to include it in this list.
The Brockman family – Pete, Sue, and their now-adult children Jake, Ben, and Karen – will reunite for the eagerly-awaited episode and news which has delighted fans. In a spoiler for the show, Pete and Sue have downsized to a smaller home, and the family is navigating new dynamics, including grandparenthood.
Outnumbered is returning to the Beeb for a one-off festive special(
Image: (Image: BBC))
Ahead of the episode, Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner, and their on-screen children Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche, and Ramona Marquez all made an appearance on The One Show. Much changed since their childhood days, they hinted at some major developments for the beloved family.
Claire, who portrays mum Sue, teased: “Well we find that they’ve downsized, they’re now living in a smaller house because the kids have moved out. However, they are grandparents so we find them at Christmas welcoming their family back and an extra member of the family.”
On last week’s Morning Live show, BBC audiences were treated to an exclusive first look at the holiday special, which sees one of the characters facing a significant choice. The preview features an adult Karen (Ramona Marquez) contemplating a name change due to its stereotypical connotations. She tells her parents: “Karen is the archetypal name for an entitled middle-aged woman.”
Her father, Pete (Hugh Dennis) responds with wry humour, commenting: “I’m sorry, we’d meant to teleport into the future to check on that when we christened you.” Elsewhere in the teaser, viewers see Pete, Karen, and their son Ben (Daniel Roche) getting into the Christmas spirit as they deck out their tree. But it’s not all tinsel and baubles as usual as the family’s choice of decoration raises some eyebrows.
Mrs Brown has a Christmas miracle to perform in the first of two festive visits to Finglas(
Image: BBC Studios / Elaine Livingston) Mrs Brown’s Boys – BBC One, 11.05pm
Mrs Brown has a Christmas miracle to perform in the first of two festive visits to Finglas. Can Agnes convince her nearest and dearest that she’s not grumpy?! Elsewhere, the Dublin matriarch’s daughter Cathy pulls the community together for a good cause, and expects the unexpected from Buster, as he sources a sustainable tree.
Teasing the Christmas Day episode, titled, Ding Dong Mammy, star and creator Brendan O’Carroll said: “First of all, we have a stunning Christmas tree that can be recycled. Then we’ve Cathy trying to solve the homeless problem in Finglas and the surrounding area!” The show returns on New Year’s Day for more hi-jinks as Agnes turns her spare room into a bed and breakfast, but she can forget about tucking into the Celebrations as there’s an escaped dangerous criminal on the loose!
