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
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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!
Janet Street-Porter made an unexpected dig at Jeremy Clarkson on Tuesday’s episode of ITV hit chat show Loose Woman and everyone was shocked.
Loose Women’s Janet Street-Porter left everyone speechless as she made an unexpected dig at Jeremy Clarkson.
During Tuesday’s (December 24) episode of the festive special, Janet presented the ITV hit show alongside fellow panellists Charlene White, Coleen Nolan and Judi Love as they got viewers into the Christmas spirit just hours before the special day.
For one segment, the TV hosts were joined by former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz Marsland as they prepare to make a return to our TV screens for a second series of their reality show.
The actor, famed for his role as Andy Sugden in ITV hit soap, bid farewell to the Dales two years ago and has since embraced a new life as a sheep farmer on a 120-acre plot on the fringes of the Peak District.
Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz Marsland are set to return to our TV screens for a second series of their reality show(
Image: ITV)
Now, on season two fans will get a glimpse into their busy life as they tackle a highly anticipated lambing season, and take on the showering as Kelvin’s kids make their debut at the county fair.
It didn’t take long for the panelists to quiz the couple, who have been married for 14 years and have four children together, on their new life however things took a turn as Janet made a cheeky dig at fellow farmer Jeremy Clarkson.
Janet said: “I want to ask you about the farming. You’re not doing a Jeremy Clarkson and you haven’t got Kaleb lurking in the background running it all for you, I just want to clear that up.”
Janet Street-Porter left everyone speechless as she made an unexpected dig at Jeremy Clarkson(
Image: ITV)
As expected everyone was shocked as they burst out laughing after the remark. Kelvin explained: “It might be a bit easier if we did have him but we are not really at the size that would justify having workers so we are the workers.”
Elsewhere in the show, Kelvin opened up on feeling overwhelmed when it comes to juggling family life as he candidly admitted that ‘we’re doing our best’.
The actor said: “I don’t know how we are doing it and I don’t know if we are doing it successfully. We are just like any parent and you’re just doing your best and doing what you think is right and sometimes it’s a full time job.
“Three years in and it still feels like we are still doing that. Things don’t always pan out the way you want it and it can get overwhelming.”
Through the ages, the Royal Family has been responsible for setting many festive trends that have captured the public’s imagination. The Christmas tree is one iconic tradition that reportedly found its roots in the UK thanks to Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.
While it did not become the iconic sensation it is today until Queen Victoria’s reign, the Royal Family are often credited with making it an accessible trend. Even though the practice of bringing trees into the house and decorating them with candles and sweets is believed to date back to the 16th century, it was only because of the Royal Family’s German links that it became mainstream.
Despite not being updated since King Charles’ accession, The Royal Family website explains: “Queen Charlotte, consort of George III, is thought to have introduced the Christmas tree to the Royal Family.
“The later enthusiasm of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for the custom helped spread the popularity throughout the country. Today, The Queen and Members of her family, will usually put the final touches on their Christmas tree.”
Reflecting on her childhood, Queen Charlotte cherished memories of adorning single yew branches and exchanging gifts laid beneath them. This was a personal tradition she gladly transported over to England upon her marriage to King George III back in 1761.
Queen Charlotte is thought to have introduced the tradition from Germany(
Image: Getty)
It wasn’t until the Christmas of 1800 that Queen Charlotte is believed to have fully adorned a tree, setting up a yew at Queen’s Lodge for a children’s party at Windsor Castle. Initially, it was just the aristocracy who emulated the courtly Christmas display for their offspring, with the wider British populace remaining largely in the dark about the festive tree.
However, as fascination with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s family life grew, so did media coverage on Christmas trees, culminating in an 1848 Illustrated London News feature showing the Royal couple with their children around a tree. This spurred the middle classes to follow suit, and by the late 1850s, the Christmas tree had become a staple of seasonal celebrations.
The Royal pair were passionate about Christmas and actively promoted their holiday customs across the nation. Prince Albert made it a tradition to donate trees from Royal lands to schools and military barracks each year.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson told The Express in 2021 how this Germanic tradition persists, noting: “On Christmas Eve when all the clan are together, the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room.”
“Presents will be opened that day at tea time as the royals still keep to the German practice of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve. Gifts are laid out in the Red Drawing Room on a white linen-covered trestle table, with cards marking exactly where the piles of gifts should be put.”
“Once everyone has arrived, the Royal guests enjoy a traditional Christmas that includes putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree and the giving of cheap and humorous gifts.”
A woman was left in floods of tears at work after receiving a Secret Santa gift from a colleague which was mocked as the “worst” Secret Santa gift ever.
The Christmas calamity quickly gained traction online after the woman took to X to share a photo of her gift, which earned her an outpouring of sympathy from several apologetic social media users. The tradition of Secret Santa typically involves anonymous gift exchanges within a defined budget, yet it appears very little effort went into user @chonkychihuahua’s present.
She took to Twitter saying: “Having such a horrible day and my Secret Santa gift just arrived and it’s so terrible I burst into tears when I opened the package.” She later posted a picture of the flimsy A5 journal with just ‘Merry Christmas’ written on it and added: “I’m the lowest paid person here and I still put more effort than this.”
The gift was so bad the woman considered lodging a complaint(
Image: Getty Images)
As her story gained more attention, she considered whether to lodge a complaint, Manchester Evening News reports. She wrote: “Like I get it’s supposed to be about the sentiment but I’m feeling the wrong kind right now.”
Her disappointment with the skimpy journal, which reportedly didn’t even contain 40 pages, sparked a broader debate on the ethos of festive gifting, with one user commenting: “Not even 40 pages. I would’ve been so mad.”
Others took to the comments to share their own similar tales, revealing the disparity often felt between the intention and real impact of the gifts. One person said: “Girl I bought my Secret Santa my favourite book and wrote a hand written letter explaining why I liked it and why I think they’d like it. And I got a pair of socks…”
One user admitted feeling somewhat foolish for overspending on the tradition saying: “I feel incredibly stupid for dishing out £1k on a gift because I don’t know how much you’re supposed to spend.” The festive fail inspired others to share their own less-than-stellar Secret Santa experiences.
One unhappy participant said their Secret Santa “forgot” to buy something entirely, writing: “When we did secret Santa in 12th grade, I received frozen ready-to-cook cheese corn nuggets that my friend grabbed before leaving the house because he forgot that we were doing secret Santa.”
Another expressed some understanding, but was ultimately frustrated by poorly thought-out gifts, commenting: “Honestly I get that, receiving gifts with 0 thought put into them sucks worse than not receiving anything, like what do I do with this waste of space now”.
The tradition of using fir trees around Christmas dates back to Queen Charlotte – and the royal family has carried that on.
However, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularised using these trees and traditionally three were brought to the Marble Hall in Buckingham Palace each year. It is also said the royal children all play a role in decorating one of the trees. The late Queen referred to the children helping with decorating the trees in her 2015 Christmas speech.
She said: “One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree. And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun! The customary decorations have changed little in the years since that picture of Victoria and Albert’s tree first appeared, although, of course, electric lights have replaced the candles.”
As well as decorating their homes with their own trees, the royal family also gives Christmas trees each year to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, the royal family website reads. Furthermore, churches and schools in the Sandringham area will also receive a tree from He
Earlier this month, Princess Charlotte and her brother Prince George took part in the festive tradition at Windsor Great Park. They picked out a tree to decorate and keep in their home at Adelaide Cottage. A royal source told HELLO! : “It’s no surprise that Prince William and his family picked their tree from Windsor Great Park. The late Queen always sourced Windsor Castle’s Christmas trees there, and King Charles did so last year, too. He is keeping with the family tradition.”
The royals also participate in another fun tradition where they open gifts in a ‘free-for-all. On Christmas Eve every year, the royals gather inside Sandringham Estate’s red drawing room at 6pm following afternoon tea. Choosing to do the Christmas ritual on December 24 rather than 25, the Windsors are keeping in line with their German ancestry.
One of the best descriptions of the royals’ Christmas procedure came in Prince Harry’s explosive memoir, Spare. The prince said: “The whole family gathered to open gifts on Christmas Eve, as always, a German tradition that survived the anglicizing of the family surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor.
“We were at Sandringham in a big room with a long table covered with white cloth and white name cards. By custom, at the start of the night, each of us located our place and stood before our mound of presents. Then suddenly, everyone began opening at the same time. A free-for-all, with scores of family members talking at once and pulling at bows and tearing at wrapping paper.”
When they get to the room, they find their presents have been laid out in front of them. But despite the “mound” of presents, they are usually all cheeky, and cheap, ones. According to reports, the cheaper and cheekier the better. There was an additional rule when Prince Philip was alive that no one should open them until he gave the go-ahead as he supervised the free-for-all. In the same memoir, Harry wrote how one year his great-aunt Princess Margaret gifted him a fish biro. In 2020, Meghan gave her royal husband an ornament of his grandma, the Queen.
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford’s “significant” change this Christmas could still be a positive one, if they prioritise their 22-year-old son Jack’s needs, an expert has warned.
The former This Morning presenters are currently in the process of a divorce following 14 years of marriage.
Following reports that the pair are now only speaking through lawyers, Chloé Moreau, a relationship expert at ExpertsEnRencontres, believes their very different Christmas could actually “pave the way for a new sense of balance”.
“Spending the holidays apart, especially after 20 years together, is bound to bring up emotions for both Ruth and Eamonn,” she explains.
“For their son, Jack, this will also be a significant adjustment, as he navigates the reality of having his parents in separate households during such a family-centric time.”
To help those involved feel “connected”, Chloe suggests “small but meaningful gestures, like establishing new traditions or creating special moments individually” with their son.
The relationship expert goes on to urge the couple to focus on two key factors amid the shift; open communication and reassurance.
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford with their son Jack and his daughter Rebecca
“Although challenging, this Christmas could be an opportunity for Ruth, Eamonn, and Jack to redefine what the holiday season means to them,” she continues.
“With mutual respect and a focus on Jack’s happiness, this period can highlight their shared commitment as a family, even if the structure of that family has changed.”
Prioritising Jack’s well-being, she adds, will “demonstrate resilience and love” which could result in a “meaningful time for everyone”.
Ruth has seemingly remained single following their split, while Eamonn has started a new relationship with Katie Alexander.
Recent reports suggested that the new couple could already be engaged, after she was spotted wearing a diamond ring on her wedding finger.
Shutting down the rumours shortly after, Eamonn’s friend told The Daily Mail that while they are “very serious about each other”, they are “definitely not engaged”.
Another source says Eamonn and Ruth are aiming to “resolve their divorce as quickly as possible in the new year”.
“Ruth is keen to stay in their marital home as it is where she is settled,” they added to The Sun. “Eamonn on the other hand wants to get out and make a fresh start.”
