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Coronation Street is lining up some major storylines for the next year, with the ITV soap’s new boss Kate Brooks detailing a cancer plot, a stabbing storyline, a new family and some big returns

There’s some huge storylines about to hit Coronation Street in the new year, from health twists, to big returns and some unexpected departures.

There’s some hard-hitting plots on the way involving several characters, with a devastating knife crime plot amongst them. Current storylines escalate with “serious consequences”, while new plots form too – as well as the arrival of some new faces.

There are some unannounced returning characters set to cause trouble, amid the confirmed return of Rob Donovan. More than one Weatherfield family face huge scenes ahead too as we move into 2025.

Corrie boss Kate Brooks told The Mirror all about what’s to come on the ITV soap, with so much to unpack. She teased: “Coming up in 2025, there’s loads of really exciting stuff. There’s loads of shocks coming up. Just when you think a story is going in one direction, we do a complete 360 and it goes in a completely different direction.

I think bold, innovative storytelling is key. Exciting, thrilling drama that really keeps the audience captivated. Compelling drama, but at the heart of it there needs to be a truth, and I always seek to find the truth in those stories.

“I am genuinely, not just as a producer but as a fan, excited about what’s coming up, because all the stories are on fire! It feels like we’ve got all the big plans in place. The Platts are going to feature really heavily. We’ve got the Websters, building that clan and seeing those dynamics.

Corrie is lining up health twists, big returns and some unexpected departures ( 
Image:
ITV)
“The Connors, with Lisa and Carla and Betsy and Ryan. Building that family and building the factory. We’ve got lots coming up that is going to be really exciting. My vision is making sure that we keep people engaged, keep people entertained and keep people guessing!

“We don’t want them to become complacent, we want to pull the rug from underneath them sometimes. We want them to be sat at home with a cup of tea and a biscuit and have something happen that they did not expect. So, expect the unexpected in 2025!”

Massive stunt

Kate teased a huge stunt was on the way and it could be thanks to David Platt, as he’s exposed for stealing Damon Hay and Harvey Gaskell’s money. With the plot set to “escalate massively”, Kate told us: “The story we’re telling is one of a very desperate David, trying to protect his family and keep Harvey and his goons at bay.

“He is struggling to navigate that, and struggling to pay back this big debt he has. He’s struggling to protect his family. It all comes to a massive head in early February, when we play a massive stunt that has huge consequences for David.

“So, in trying to protect everyone and do the right thing, he ends up losing quite a few things that he holds dear. So, a real journey for David. He’s well-intentioned, but he fails, messes up and makes mistakes, and there’s massive consequences not only for his own family, but for the wider community as well. Somebody does get embroiled in David’s downfall, which is quite unexpected.”

Coronation Street is lining up some major storylines for the next year ( 
Image:
ITV)

Drama for the Platts

Stunt drama and David’s downfall aside, the Platts as a whole are struggling it seems in the wake of Gail Platt’s exit this Christmas. Kate spilled: “So, lots of Platt drama. I love the Platts, for many reasons. They’re funny, they’re brilliant and they feel like a real family. What I’m keen to show is that this is Corrie.

“David’s a hairdresser, and he’s not used to being embroiled with drug barons and gangsters. That’s not his world. But what happens if you take a guy who’s very ordinary and put him in a world where people are acting and reacting without any thought or consequence.

“They don’t care about David, or that he’s got a dog – which might be a bit of a spoiler! He doesn’t die! The dog doesn’t die! But they don’t care because they don’t know David like we do. It’s really important to show how a normal fella reacts to all of this.

“There’s masses of stuff for the Platts going forward. They are such a fabulous family. I love David and Shona, they are so strong. They get everything and more thrown at them in 2025 – can they survive it?

“I’m not going to say, but it’s a lot, and they will struggle with the enormity of what’s going on. I also love David, Sarah and Nick. Now that their mum has left, they’re left to fend for themselves, and we realise that they do need Gail sometimes to steer them in the right direction, and she’s kept them on the straight and narrow.

“You’ve also got Max thrown into that mix, who is just as reckless as David is sometimes, and it’s a recipe for disaster. The Platts are going to be very busy indeed.”

Big returns

It’s been confirmed Carla Connor’s brother Rob Donovan is returning to the show, but it seems he isn’t the only familiar face coming back. Kate teased: “A big Rob Donovan return! There are other familiar faces coming back in 2025 which I will not disclose, but a few people will be returning to the street to cause their own forms of chaos.

“First up is Rob. We last left Rob languishing in prison. He made mistakes. He comes back to the show and we think he might be a reformed character who has seen the error of his ways, but whether that’s the case or not, I don’t know!”

On how long he will be sticking around, she went on: “It’s not just a couple of episodes – it’s a good chunk. He killed Tina, but we can get over that. Michelle’s fine on Netflix! It’s really exciting.”

Trouble for Carla and Lisa

With Rob’s return brings trouble for Carla and her girlfriend Lisa Swain! Kate told us: “He definitely comes back and causes a lot of trouble for Carla and Lisa. Just when Carla and Lisa think it’s safe to sit down and watch Netflix, Rob Donovan comes along and scuppers all of that.

“So, it’s a big story for them and a big story for Rob. Lots of twists and turns. It’s a big story for Betsy as well, who is fabulous and will be right at the centre of that.

“I love Rob and Carla. I love tapping into their history together, and we really explore that through this story. There’s so many twists and turns along the way, it’s really exciting. It’s going to be eventful for Carla and Lisa.”

“What I like about this story in particular is that Carla and Lisa are finally together and united. Everyone knows about them and they’re moving on with their lives, and then this drops on them, and they’re like, “How did that happen? Are we not meant to be relaxing and enjoying being with each other?”. So, it’s a real test for their relationship in the early stages, but a good test.”

Kevin’s cancer diagnosis

Amid reports that Debbie Webster will sadly be diagnosed with dementia in upcoming scenes, producer Kate has now confirmed that Debbie’s brother Kevin Webster has a health diagnosis of his own. Kevin is set to be diagnosed with testicular cancer in upcoming scenes, with the illness set to come between him and wife Abi Franklin.

Kate revealed: “The Websters are brilliant. Kevin and Sally are at the heart of it, then you’ve got Tim and you’ve got Abi. They’re a great character group. As we go into the new year, Kevin will discover that he’s got testicular cancer, which causes a massive strain on his relationship.

“Abi is a really strong character, but she’s going through her own turmoil at the same time. We want to tell this really truthfully. We’ve been working closely with Macmillan to make sure that we tell the story right.

“Ultimately, it’s about their relationship and testing that relationship. It was really important that we don’t show Kevin being embarrassed or being reticent to talk to his friends about it. He’s quite open about it, which I thought was quite refreshing.

“He talks to Tim and Steve about it, and they all have their own way of handling it, but ultimately it’s about his relationship with Abi, and that is going to be truly tested. As I alluded to, Abi is going through her own situation as she struggles with the aftermath of a big event that happens in January. She loves Kevin and he loves her, but temptation comes Abi’s way…”

There’s some hard-hitting plots on the way involving several characters, with a devastating knife crime plot amongst them ( 
Image:
ITV)

Horror stabbing storyline

Kate revealed the ITV soap would be tackling the story of knife crime in upcoming episodes, working with a charity to share an important message. She revealed: “Just when you think it is safe to relax, we start the year with a big knife crime story.

“It’s a really important story to tackle, because the statistics are so alarming. I think knife crime has gone up by 80% in the last ten years. We work really closely with the Ben Kinsella Foundation to make sure we’re telling the story right, and that the message is to not carry a knife out of fear, because that escalates everything.

“We know we’re tackling a sensitive storyline, and it’s going to be very hard-hitting. We have Mason at the centre of it and Dylan and Betsy are involved. It has massive ramifications for Abi, and for Tim and Sally going forward.

“We just felt like it was a subject that we couldn’t ignore. It has big consequences for people going forward, and it isn’t a subject matter that we tackle lightly. It’s an important one to talk about and let young people know that carrying a bladed article is not the way.

“It’s a real community story and a shocking story. I love the shock storytelling tactics. I think they work and they keep people guessing. And it is definitely a shock! We’re telling the story in a very interesting way. It’s not your usual linear storytelling. It’s different and it’s bold, but I think it’s really impactful how we’re telling it.”

New family with Weatherfield links

Kate has revealed there’s new characters joining the show, and they may be known to some existing residents. She teased: “We’ve got some great characters coming in. They are Mick and Lou. They’re coming to live at the back of Chesney, on Maudsley Street, across the ginnell.

“They are live wires, they are ruffians, they are going to cause a lot of damage and a lot of chaos. There is a link to Chesney initially, but they are coming to stir up a lot of trouble, and open up the floodgates and unpack the past of one of our big characters, which is Kit.

“So, really interesting, wonderful and dynamic stuff that’s going to be fantastic. We’re really excited, they come in with oodles of drama. They are shaking things up. They’re neighbours from hell. They’re overfamiliar, likeable and they’ve got kids. Initially they develop a friendship with Chesney and Gemma, but there are other things to unpack.

“I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of them, especially Mick! They are brilliant actors. They are coming to cause some chaos on the street, and they will leave a trail of devastation… They’re coming on the street all guns blazing and will land on screen around February time. Really chaotic but really enjoyable.

“They have a charm to them, but they do and say things that you shouldn’t!” A character previously mentioned but never seen is also set to debut. Kate said: “We’ve got Carl Webster coming into the show, who is Debbie and Kevin’s brother, to build up that Webster clan.

“We’ve got big stories coming up for Debbie and Kevin. It’s about building that clan up. For me, the Websters, Barlows and Platts are the big clans.”

Unexpected exits

As well as some new faces and some big returns, Kate has also confirmed more than one exit is planned for the coming months. Kate teased that some of them will be a shock, and will be “unexpected”.

She said: “There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves. People might not expect the exits, but there are a few.”

Corrie boss Kate Brooks told The Mirror all about what’s to come on the ITV soap ( 
Image:
ITV)

Romance and other twists

Kate has also revealed what’s on the horizon or Corrie romances, and what else fans can expect. She told us: “Alya and Adam is definitely a slow burn. I think they’re really interesting to have in the solicitor’s office.

“We obviously have Dee-Dee as well in 2025. Just when you thought the Joel story had come to an end, there is another chapter that happens that is going to completely upend Dee-Dee’s life. There are a couple of infidelities here and there in 2025, but ultimately the relationships of the Platts, Carla and Lisa, these are all relationships that are going to be at the forefront of the show.

“There might be a new man for Todd coming… He’s been single for donkey’s years, and he’s fantastic. The Grimshaws are another big clan I am eager to explore. So, there might be a new man coming for Todd, which will come with its own tests and trials.”

Cassie and Ken plot

Amid Cassie Plummer being after Ken Barlow’s money, it seems, that plot is set to continue with new twists ahead. Cassie drugged Ken recently and pinned it on his daughter Tracy, but what exactly does she have planned for the soap legend?

Kate told us: “That will continue. Cassie is great to have with the Barlows, she causes such fun, and I love her relationship with Ken, which is just wonderful. There will be a lot more of that.

“The friendship is genuine and real, but Cassie has had a bad life. She’s had a terrible upbringing. She’s made mistakes in the past and it’s sometimes hard to shake off that persona. That’s what we’ll see with Cassie. She’ll be struggling with the good angel and the bad angel on her shoulder, and which way is she going to go?

“She does stir up a lot of trouble and a lot of bother, not just with the Barlows but within No.9 as well. So, Cassie and Ken, keep your eyes on them because it’s going to get good!”

EastEnders viewers were on the edge of their seats on Christmas Day as Lauren Branning tore both the Knight and Beale family apart as she uncovered Cindy and Junior’s affair

Cindy Beale’s attacker has been uncovered after her brutal EastEnders Christmas Day attack.

The love rat was left horrified when daughter-in-law Lauren Branning revealed to the whole of Albert Square that Cindy had been sleeping with her ex-husband, George Knight’s son, Junior – behind her fiancé, Ian Beale’s back. As the drama continued to unfold, Cindy unleashed hell as she lashed out at her family including son Peter Beale and daughters, Gina and Anna Knight.

But the drama was far from over, after the affair was revealed in a dramatic way, Cindy pleaded with Ian to take her back and hoped the pair could make a new life in France. But Ian had a crafty trick up his sleeve, the local businessman had played Cindy at her own game and rejected her when she went in for a kiss.

He later launched her out of the family home, leaving her flat on her face in the snow as her life continued to crumble. However, as the episode came to a dramatic end, an anonymous attacker whacked Cindy over the head with a snow shovel from behind – leaving her unconscious in the middle of the Square.

Anna Knight was caught washing her hands moments after Cindy’s attack was revealed ( 
Image:
BBC)

As Cindy lay out cold, she was discovered by Kathy Beale and her former husband, George, who confirmed that she was still alive, although she was bleeding from her head. But seconds after the discovery, Elaine walked in to the kitchen to find Cindy and George’s daughter Anna rapidly washing her hands. In a state of shock, Anna claimed her dog, Tyson, had thrown up on her hands in an attempt to cover her tracks.

However, it emerged that Cindy’s fate was “not looking good” as she was rushed for a CT scan on her head. Gina, Kathy, George and Gina started discussing who the attacker may be, with George falsely claiming he had an alibi when Cindy was attacked. When Gina suggested that Ian was responsible, Elaine instantly leapt to the chippy owners defence.

George rushed to help Cindy – but later shared some incriminating evidence ( 
Image:
BBC)
Who do you think attacked Cindy? Click here to let us know in the comments below!

Kathy explained to Peter that Ian had taken off in a rage moments after kicking Cindy out of the house, with him later admitting he went “for a walk” to Lucy’s grave after suffering from palpitations. Cindy’s daughter Gina was also thrown into the mix as she returned home as Elaine was rushing to take blankets outside. When questioned on her whereabouts, she told her step-mum that she had been “nowhere” and had snuck off for fresh air.

Junior was also missing, with Peter and Kathy suggesting that Junior may have been responsible. “You better prepare yourself – for the worst,” Kathy told Ian. It emerged that Cindy had suffered “blunt force trauma to the head,” and was later taken in for surgery. Medics revealed that the extent of Cindy’s injuries were so brutal she was required to be placed in a medically induced coma as she was “not out of the woods.”

Junior was seen suspiciously lurking watching people attempt to help Cindy ( 
Image:
BBC)
Denise Fox dropped a major bombshell to George, revealing that she saw Junior “lurking in the shadows” as people gathered around Cindy in the Square, acting suspiciously as people attempted to help her. George later caught Junior rapidly packing a suitcase and gathering his passport before an apparent attempt to escape the country to Dubai.

George confessed to Kojo that he didn’t have an alibi for while he was at the boxing den before asking his brother to lie to the police for him. Fans have since expressed their theories on who may have attacked Cindy due to many local residents having issues with her. Taking to X, one said: “It makes sense that Anna Knight whacked Cindy,” as another penned: “Her mother is exposed as sleeping with her brother, and Anna reacts with a degree of nonchalance. What is this?”

“It makes sense, Anna Knight whacked Cindy,” commented a third. But others believe that two other characters may be behind the attack. Some believe Bobby Beale, the son of Ian may be behind the attack. Fans will remember that Cindy and Bobby had a volatile relationship after she returned, knowing Bobby had killed her daughter, Lucy in a similar attack in 2014.

Cindy’s attacker will be revealed in February as part of the upcoming 40th anniversary episodes ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)“Who hit Cindy? I’ll say Bobby. Jewellery box, lacrosse stick… snow shovel?” asked one. A second echoed this, penning: “EastEnders Bobby whacked Cindy over the head with a shovel.” But some also believe it may have been Kojo, George’s brother. Before the affair was revealed, Kojo had found out, causing him distress as he fled from Cindy.

As Cindy followed Kojo up a flight of stairs, he became even more distressed and eventually fell, leading him to spend time in hospital due to the severity of his injuries. After he regained consciousness, Cindy threatened Kojo, saying if he spoke about the affair, George and Elaine would send him back to Ghana – resulting in him staying silent and isolating himself from his family.

But fans will have to wait several weeks to find out who attacked Cindy. Bosses have now confirmed that the attacker will be unmasked during the upcoming 40th anniversary episodes. Executive producer, Chris Clenshaw said: “Our 40th anniversary storylines have been in the works for some time, but even at the very start of planning, we knew that we wanted to reveal the identity of Cindy’s attacker as part of this. Many characters currently find themselves in the line of question, but over the coming weeks, the audience can look out for clues themselves to who may be the culprit.

“Cindy’s attacker reveal is just one of many stories we have planned for the anniversary as it is set to be a week of explosive drama for the audience to remember.”

TV Personality Zara McDermott and her friend were subject to a vile attack while out Christmas shopping yesterday – the incident left Zara shocked and she said she would have been “really shaken up if alone”

Strictly’s Zara McDermott has detailed how she was victim to a vile attack while out shopping on Christmas eve.

Every year thousands of people scramble to purchase last minute gifts and food items ahead of the big day, but it seems not everyone was in the Christmas spirit yesterday.

Zara, a British television personality and documentary maker known for her work on a variety of shows, including Love Island, Made in Chelsea, Strictly Come Dancing, and Love in the Flesh, branded the shocking incident “completely vile”.

At around 2pm yesterday the 28-year-old took to Instagram to share the horrific experience with her 2 million followers. While standing outside a Lidl store with her brother’s girlfriend Alice, Zara recalled exactly what happened during the shocking attack.

The friends were out Christmas shopping minding their when business when they were attacked ( 

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Zara McDermott/Instagram)

Zara couldn’t believe what had happened in a public place ( 

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Zara McDermott/Instagram)

Zara took to her Instagram stories and said: “Guys, me and Alice are actually really shocked at what just happened. We were just getting some last minute christmas bits just walking down the street, normal normal stuff and this guy out of nowhere runs up to us , spits on us, thankfully it just missed because of the wind and then walked off in the other direction. I can’t believe it.”

She later posted another story with the caption: “I think I would have been really shaken up if alone! Luckily I was with Alice. Had so many messages from other people having experienced the same thing in London. I’ve heard of men approaching women on the street and hitting them in the face also (a friend of mine had this happen to her) It’s completely vile.”

Zara’s partner Sam Thompson is yet to publicly address the shocking attack on Zara. But he has recently sparked speculation about an engagement to Zara McDermott after he shared a heartfelt birthday post, calling her “my person” and saying, “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me forever.”

Sam called Zara ‘my person’ and joked, ‘you’re stuck with me forever’ ( 
Image:
samthompsonuk/instagram)

Hours after the incideent Zara was still in shock ( 
Image:
Zara McDermott/Instagram)Sam’s caption read: “My best friend, and soul mate….some would say my person. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me forever happy birthday. I love you so much, and wow have I missed you over the past month! Here’s to another amazing year with you.”

Fans quickly flooded the comments, wondering if the couple had taken their relationship to the next level. One user commented a ring emoji alongside question marks, whilst another penned: “That’s the perfect dress for you to get engaged.” A third wrote: “You should get her a ring………… just saying!!” A third added: “OK SAMWISE BUT WHERE’S THE RING.”

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)

Don’t miss… ‘Merry Christmas? Not if Puritan woke warriors have their way’ [LATEST]

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.”