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Christmas is a busy time for many of us, with meals to plan, presents to buy and wrap, and decorations to put up. The holiday can be exhausting. So spare a thought for Andy Park, who has celebrated Christmas every single day for the past 31 years.

Andy, known internationally as “Mr Christmas” for his devotion to the festive season, has become such a holiday icon that even presidents and royals know his name. He exclusively told the Daily Express that Queen Camilla had proudly declared that she knew him after the subject of “Mr Christmas” came up at a royal reception.

He explains that Donald Trump is the next celebrity that he wants to invite to Christmas dinner. “He’d be funny, he’d have some amazing ideas,” Andy says.

Joey Essex is just one of Andy’s many celebrity guests (Image: Andy Park)

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Word of Andy’s incredible exploits has apprently reached the ears of America’s next president. “I’m in touch with Camilla Parker-Bowles,” Andy claims. “She’s very local to me now.

“She often talks about me, and she did say that it was mentioned, when Donald Trump met [the late Queen Elizabeth II]. They were talking about me, and [Camilla] put her hand up and said ‘I know the guy!’”

Andy cooks a full Christmas diner every day, and toasts the season with a bottle of Champagne. He explains that he finances his unique lifestyle by working as an electrician: “I work on domestic appliances, refurbish them and sell them on.”

The moment before the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed into the ground has been caught on camera. The tragic jet crash killed 38 people as the aircraft erupted into a ball of flames.

The plane was carrying 67 passengers and five crew members before crashing near Aktau in Western Kazakhstan. The flight departed from Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, as it attempted to make its way to Grozny in Russia.

Known as the Embraer 190, the plane was instructed to reroute due to the official reason of “fog”.

The plane then made an emergency landing around three kilometres from Aktau, an oil and gas hub on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea, as a distress signal was sent out.

Heart-wrenching footage has emerged of a passenger onboard sending his wife a video moments before the plane crashed.

Meanwhile, footage showed the pilot saying the following just moments before the crash: “I can’t execute, control is lost.”

The clip also shows the other distressed people on the flight as oxygen masks drop from the ceiling. Life jackets issued by the aircraft have also been captured around the passengers necks as they brace themselves for what is yet to come.

It is understood that 29 people are reported to have miraculously survived the crash. They were found in the rear section of the aircraft, with the front being badly destroyed by fire.

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Footage of the crash showed the plane making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball.

Injured passengers were later seen stumbling out of the wreckage as others were dragged out of the only intact part of the plane.

38 people were killed in the plane crash. (Image: Getty)

People were heard screaming and speaking to loved ones (Image: X/yo2thok)

“They are receiving all the necessary medical care in hospitals in the region,” said the Ministry of Health. “23 ambulance teams were mobilised to the scene of the incident.”

Authorities in Kazakhstan have said a government commission had been set up to investigate what had happened. Officials had reportedly been ordered to fly to the site as well, to ensure that the families of the dead and injured were getting the help they needed.

Taylor Swift was not present to witness her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s historic performance during the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day but she still showed her support for his record-breaking achievement.

With less than 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a 12-yard pass to an unguarded Kelce in the endzone, marking the tight end’s 77th touchdown catch – surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez’s record for the most in Chiefs franchise history.

After the Chiefs’ decisive 29-10 win, Kelce ended the day with eight catches from 11 targets for 84 yards, bringing his season total to 97 receptions. According to OptaStats, he is the first player in NFL history to have seven consecutive seasons with at least 90 catches.

Following the game, Swift took to social media to subtly congratulate Kelce on his impressive performance.

Despite not travelling to Acrisure Stadium – unsurprising given she has only attended Chiefs home games during the 2024-25 campaign – Swift ‘liked’ three separate posts from the Chiefs, NFL and ‘New Heights’ social media teams that all celebrated Kelce’s touchdown achievement.

Following his record-breaking performance, Kelce spoke to Netflix’s Stacey Dales, saying: “It’s everything to me. Tony’s been a mentor to me, he’s been there right there for me [with] any questions I’ve ever had.

“I feel like I’m still trying to fill that guy’s shoes. He’s such an unbelievable competitor and I’ve got so much love for him. It’s an honour to be in conversations with him.”

Travis Kelce made history during Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers (Image: Getty Images)

Mahomes also praised Kelce, stating: “I was extremely excited, I’ve been trying to get him a touchdown for the last few weeks and I wanted to do it at Arrowhead [Stadium]. He’s done so much for this organization, on and off the field. For him to have the career that he’s had is special.

“I know at the end of the day he wants to win the ring more than anything, but it’s awesome that he can have that accomplishment.”

The result of Wednesday’s game was a welcome one for Kelce and the Chiefs, who were upset 20-14 by the Las Vegas Raiders last Christmas Day. Swift attended that game at Arrowhead Stadium with her parents, Scott and Andrea Swift, and her brother, Austin Swift.

Despite the defeat being hard for Kelce to take, his Christmas was quickly improved when Austin dressed up as Santa to distribute gifts at home.

Kelce expressed immense appreciation for Austin Swift’s dedication to gift-giving on the ‘New Heights’ podcast last December, saying: “It was a full commit. He killed it.

“He actually made me feel like a child because his gift to me was straight out of the bag. [He] handed me a VHS of my favourite football movie of all time … Little Giants.

“It ended well with good Christmas cheer and great people. That’s always going to save Christmas no matter if you lose to the Raiders or not.”

Last night’s Gavin and Stacey Christmas Day special had viewers in tears, delivering what many are calling the “perfect ending” to the beloved BBC comedy.

The much-awaited finale had fans perched on the edge of their seats, with the return of the show after a five-year hiatus. The question on everyone’s lips was whether Smithy (James Corden) would accept Nessa Jenkins’ (Ruth Jones) marriage proposal.

Despite the 2019 special leaving audiences hanging, it was soon revealed in the latest episode that Smithy had turned down Nessa’s proposal, opting instead to get engaged to Sonia (Laura Aikman). However, as wedding preparations unfolded, it became apparent that Smithy and Nessa, who share a child, still harboured deep feelings for each other.

The wedding day brought high drama, with Gavin Shipman (Matthew Horne) stepping in to halt Smithy’s nuptials, convincing him he shouldn’t marry Sonia.

In a heart-stopping turn of events, Smithy ended up marrying Nessa, much to the delight of fans who were ecstatic about the couple’s surprise reunion.

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, was abuzz with reactions from the audience, with one elated fan exclaiming: “This ending is perfect,” reports Devon Live.

One fan was besotted, proclaiming: “Gavin and Stacey may actually be the best show on television. not a single blunder in the whole show, good from start to finish, perfect finale. this is the most emotional I have ever felt.”

Another viewer praised the series conclusion, stating: “The perfect ending. Stories tied off perfectly. Characters where they should be. Plenty of humour. Overflowing with heart. And a handful of iconic lines and scenes.”

Adding to the praise, another said: “For an hour and half the whole of Britain went on that journey. Shock, drama, tears and a happy ending. A staple of British heritage.”

Another commented: “I literally just bawled my eyes out at that. the fact we’ll never have another episode of this beautiful, beautiful show saddens me, but my God, what a show it’s been. The best eve.”

Call The Midwife fans were stunned during the Christmas special to see The Traitors star Maddy Smedley take on a starring role in the long running BBC period drama. Maddy was one of the original cast in the very first series back in 2022.

They took to X to express their surprise at seeing the series one contestant in Poplar. “Not Maddy from The Traitors being in Call the Midwife’s Christmas Special #CallTheMidwife,” one exclaimed.

“OMG Maddy from #TheTraitors is actually acting in the #CallTheMidwife Christmas special,” another added. A third was so excited to spot her they posted in al capitals: “MADDY FROM THE TRAITORS ADDING ‘EVICTED WOMAN’ TO HER RESUME! #CallTheMidwife.”

“There she is there’s Maddy @MadelynSmedley #CallTheMidwife,” a fourth chimed in.

Meanwhile others couldn’t believe their eyes and questioned if it was indeed her. “Is that Maddy from Traitors? #callthemidwife,” one enquired. “Was that Maddy in #callthemidwife,” another asked.

For her part Maddy admitted she was feeling the nerves ahead of her debut on the show. “Here we go …gone all nervoussss #callthemidwife,” she posted on X.

Maddy was working as a receptionist when she appeared on the Traitors but decided to pursue her acting dreams following her time on the show.

She quit her job and has had roles in Hollyoaks and the sitcom Big Boys as well as this latest part.

She took on the role of a heavily pregnant woman named Dilys whose family found themselves evicted just before Christmas.

Within minutes of the show opening an elderly woman had been found dead at home. There were also escaped prisoners hiding out in Poplar which raised safety concerns for the residents.

And highly contageous influenza and the Hong Kong flu were spreading throughout the area causing issues for the residents and medical staff.

Carol Kirkwood was left blushing after her colleague almost took the weather presenter down for a cheeky on-air kiss. The meteorologist delivered her latest forecast on Monday’s edition of BBC Breakfast before the show was abruptly halted.

The 62-year-old, who tied the knot with her husband Steve last year, was left in shock when what, at first appeared to be a passerby, leaned in to grab the forecaster for a cheeky on-screen kiss.

Carol delivered her latest forecast in Covent Garden in London where fake snow fell as she spoke directly to Jon Kay and Sally Nugent who were live in the BBC studios.

She commented, “It’s really falling now… It’s fabulous.”

Sally replied, “How did you manage that? I always knew you had special powers but that is another level.”

Carol, who had been wearing mistletoe, admitted she had not had much luck with it before a passerby came on screen and grabbed the weather presenter.

She commented: “My mistletoe… it hasn’t done any tricks this morning.”

The man in question suddenly appeared as he pulled Carol into his arms for a cheeky on-air kiss as she yelped.

A flustered Carol commented, “Oh, I say… Tim.”

Sally and Jon chuckled following the on-air interruption as Carol confirmed to viewers the man in question was her colleague.

She said: “That’s Tim our science engineer. We’re good friends. I wasn’t expecting that.”

Jon chuckled: “She’s blushing.”

Sally cheekily remarked: “No she’s not. Although, I’m sure they’re really good friends now.”

Viewers reacted to the cheeky on-air moment on X as one person wrote: “OMG!” While another added: “That was hilarious.”

Queen Camilla has revealed what Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis rush to do when they get to Balmoral for their summer holidays.

In the documentary Charles III: The Coronation Year, which aired on BBC One last December, King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family allow the cameras an intimate glimpse into their inner life.

During one moment from the documentary, the King and Queen can be seen walking their dog around the Balmoral estate, with them crossing a footbridge over a river.

Camilla, 77, turns to the cameras and says: “It’s lovely to bounce on, that bridge. Every child, when they come here, they rush there and bounce about on the bridge for hours.”

Kate and William are known to enjoy taking their children to the secluded estate each summer, with George, Charlotte and Louis getting to spend some quality time there with their paternal grandfather and cousins.

As well as Kate and William’s children, other young members of the family also enjoy spending time at Balmoral – which was previously known as one of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite royal residences.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are currently spending time at another one of the royal’s beloved estates, Sandringham.

The Gavin and Stacey Christmas finale featured shocking romances and unexpected splits while wrapping up long-running storylines, including Nessa and Smithy’s wedding

Gavin and Stacey fans have been left divided as the finale featured shocking romances and splits.

The episode aired on Christmas Day from 9pm to 10:35pm on the BBC, marking the conclusion of the story after the 2019 festive special, which ended on a cliffhanger when Vanessa ‘Nessa’ Jenkins, portrayed by Ruth, proposed to James’ character Neil ‘Smithy’ Smith.

The special got off to a strong start as viewers went wild when Nessa lit up one of her trademark cigarettes AND a vape at the same time. Fans of the hit comedy loved seeing the BBC bend the rules ton promoting smoking in order to pay homage to Nessa’s long-standing nicotine habit.

One fan wrote: “Gavin and Stacey fans were stunned Not me wondering if they’d sensor Nessa’s smoking in the big old year of 2024, only for them to have her swinging between a vape AND a cigarette #GavinAndStacey.” Another typed: “PLEASE Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time she’s literally just a girl #GavinAndStacey.”

Nessa is a smoker and a vaper these days ( 
Image:
BBC)

Another laughed: “Nessa was always going to be smoking a cig and vape at the same time #GavinAndStacey.” While another fan remarked that they felt Ruth’s character had become iconic for her behaviour. One wrote: “Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time. my queen forever. #GavinAndStacey.”

One surprising romance revealed in the finale was that Stacey’s mother, Gwen West, who had previously struggled with love, had secretly been dating Dave Coaches for six months. This news shocked her family, particularly Bryn, who initially disapproved but eventually accepted their relationship.

Another unexpected moment came when Smithy proposed to Nessa, bringing closure to the cliffhanger from the 2019 special and leading to their wedding. That came after Smithy’s pal Gavin, played by Mathew Horne, stopped Smithy marrying his girlfriend Sonia – a match-up that had initially left fans devastated.

.The 90-minute festive episode also featured Sheridan Smith returning as Smithy’s sister Rudi, while Adrian Scarborough and Julia Davis reprised their roles as the newly divorced Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe.

The Gavin and Stacey Christmas finale left fans divided, featuring shocking romances and unexpected splits
Adrian Scarborough and Julia Davis reprised their roles as Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe in the special, but this time, they were depicted as a newly divorced couple. The show concluded with Nessa and Smithy tying the knot. Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on the gripping episode. One user happy with the way the finale ended penned: “There will never be a better show than Gavin and Stacey. thanks for all the laughs and happy memories, you’ll be missed!”

Whilst another wrote: “That was the most perfect way to end Gavin + Stacey. Tonight I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. And everything in between. Ruth Jones, Nessa, and James Corden, Smithy, said at the premiere that the show’s all about the emotions of love and everything in between – tonight showed that.” A third penned: “SOBBING at gavin and stacey it’s about bloody time nessa and smithy ffs heart is healed finally.” And a fourth wrote: “GAVIN AND STACEY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL YOU WERE EVERYTHING I WANTED AND MORE.”

Some disapproving fans also took to X, with one penning: “Gavin and Stacey finale was proper average.” A second wrote: “Gavin and Stacey was predictable, “while a third penned: “Sorry but that Gavin & Stacey ep was cr*p.” And a fourth added: “Question those that enjoy Gavin and Stacey. That felt rushed and a out dragged obvious ending..”

Sheridan Smith made a brief return ( 
Image:
BBC)
This may not be the end, as Ruth Jones and James Corden announced a 2025 project following the Gavin and Stacey finale. Ruth and James have announced that they are writing a new book together, titled When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story Of Love And Friendship. The pair’s literary offering with hit book shops in Autumn 2025 and will detail their journey to creating a comedy that touched the hearts of a nations.

Speaking in the wake of the book deal being announced, Ruth, 48, and James, 46, told fans: “We’re so excited to be sharing the story behind the story of Gavin and Stacey. The show has played a huge part in our twenty-five-year friendship and we hope this book will give readers a fresh insight into how it all came about.”

“Gavin and Stacey is a TV series like no other. Now, for the first time, its creators James and Ruth tell the full extraordinary story of how they turned their little show into a full-on cultural phenomenon,” the book’s publisher Penguin added in its description of the upcoming book.

The 90-minute special wrapped up long-running storylines, including Nessa and Smithy’s wedding, while hinting at future projects from the creators

“As they recount the rejection, obstacles and challenges they faced on the way to giving birth to their beloved comedy creation, James and Ruth also explore the flourishing of their own real-life friendship. While their now legendary on- screen characters Nessa and Smithy had a profound awkwardness to negotiate, culminating in that marriage proposal in the 2019 Christmas special, Ruth and James forged a magical relationship of mutual support based also on a deep, shared sense of subversive fun.

“Here, from their tentative initial pitch to the emotionally overwhelming final day of filming, the duo detail what’s occurred every step of the way, bouncing off each other in inimitable style. Full of revelations and never-before-heard stories, this is a one-of-a-kind book about a show that’s already gone down in history.”

Ruth Langsford is fronting a new campaign on dementia (Image: ITV)

Loose Women presenter Ruth Langsford will be spreading awareness on dementia in homes across the UK as she joins a new campaign.

Alzheimer’s Society has partnered with ITV to run a special campaign, which will run around some of their show announcements, from 23-31 December.

Throughout Christmas, ITV viewers will notice a change in the messages between shows, as Alzheimer’s Society has partnered with the network to broadcast the campaign.

Ruth, 64, who is an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society, expressed her support for the cause, saying: “I’m delighted to be voicing the important messages for this year’s campaign.

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“Christmas should be a happy time filled with loved ones, laughter and memories. But sadly, for around one million people in the UK, dementia will strip these precious moments away.”

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Ruth’s mother Joan has dementia (Image: @ruthlangsford/Instagram)

Ruth has a personal connection to dementia, having lost her father, Dennis, who died in 2012 after living with Alzheimer’s for over a decade.

In a devastating blow to her family, Ruth now cares for her mother, Joan, who also lives with the condition.

She understands the pain and challenges that this time of year can bring for those affected by dementia, saying: “Having lost my dad Dennis, and currently seeing my mum Joan live with dementia, I know how this time of year can often heighten the heartbreak and loss we feel, coupled with added challenges to manage ongoing caring responsibilities.

“With one in three people born today developing dementia, it has never been more crucial to shine a light on the condition and bring it from behind closed doors.”

Ruth concluded by urging viewers not to be startled by the unusual images and sounds between ITV programmes during the Christmas period but to share the aired messages with family and friends.

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Ruth’s father lived with Alzheimer’s for over a decade (Image: ITV)

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Alzheimer’s Society provides assistance to those impacted by dementia, offering practical advice, emotional support and guidance for the best next step.

Ruth’s new campaign comes after her mother suffered a serious fall which landed her in hospital with a fractured pelvis.

Despite Ruth’s hopes that Joan, 94, would be out of hospital before Christmas, she is still being monitored by doctors whilst she recovers.