Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2025-12-14T11:40:19.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching
items: Wallace & Gromit creator teases a potential return for Feathers McGraw – and reveals hilarious hidden Easter egg moments
items: Best vintage Christmas movies to watch now – 11 festive classics and where to watch them
items: Elf screenwriter on its lasting legacy: "It's something that's rare and special"
items: How to watch Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrows' Wedding and release date
items: Best Christmas films on Disney Plus in 2025 – from Home Alone to The Muppet Christmas Carol
items: Doctor Who favourite Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe spill on Strictly journey and finale return
items: Lord Alan Sugar dishes on Celebrity Apprentice and why he allowed Thomas Skinner to return for it
items: David Suchet reveals why Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol remains so prescient – and what he'd say to Agatha Christie
items: Daniel Craig reveals love of Strictly Come Dancing and why he's hoping to leave Narnia before Christmas
items: Hollyoaks Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as huge secret rocks the Hutchinsons
items: Coronation Street Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide with wedding drama for Debbie Webster
items: The Radio Times 2025 Christmas double issue is on sale now
items: Emmerdale Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as Robert Sugden vanishes
items: EastEnders Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as Slater and Branning secrets implode
items: Dame Joanna Lumley reveals her vegetarian Christmas plans: "Wouldn't it be lovely if we didn't kill things at Christmas?"
items: Where are the Nativity cast now?
items: Love Actually soundtrack: Every song featured in the Christmas classic
items: The Holiday soundtrack: All the songs featured in the Christmas romcom
items: Nativity! soundtrack: Full list of songs in the film
items: How to watch Elf online and on TV this Christmas 2025
items: When is Home Alone on TV? How to watch the Christmas movie online
items: When is The Holiday on TV this Christmas? How to watch and stream online
items: When is The Muppet Christmas Carol on TV? Is it on Netflix?
items: Death in Paradise 2025 Christmas special releases first look at festive episode – including special Doctor Who guest star
items: Where to watch Love Actually this Christmas 2025 and is it on TV?
items: When is Die Hard on TV this Christmas?
items: Best Christmas movies on Netflix UK in 2025 – from Love Actually to The Holdovers
items: Every EastEnders Christmas episode ranked ahead of another eventful yuletide in Walford
items: "I had no idea who Hugh Grant was": Love Actually child stars talk film's legacy

Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching
type: item
date: 2025-12-14T11:25:59.000Z
creator: Morgan Cormack
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Channel 4
subject: Christmas
subject: ITV
subject: Netflix
description: What a way to see out the year!
encoded: Christmas is right around the corner, and nothing quite rings in the festive season without getting comfortable in front of the TV and tuning into various festive offerings and, fortunately, there are plenty of gems to look forward to on this year's schedule. From festive episodes of classics like Call the Midwife, All Creatures Great and Small and Death in Paradise to favourites and one-off specials including Amandaland, Mandy, Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrow's Wedding, Guz Khan's Stuffed and Brendan O'Carroll's Shedites, there's is plenty to look forward to! And the excitement doesn't stop at Christmas, with The Traitors and The Night Manager are returning to our screens for brand new seasons on New Year's Day. And if you're looking for a Christmas special of some of your entertainment favourites, then you're also in luck: there are festive episodes of The Masked Singer, Taskmaster, MasterChef and The Great British Sewing Bee on the horizon, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host their final ever episode of Strictly Come Dancing. But there's no use telling you everything to expect – scroll on to find out for yourself what shows will be airing over the festive period and where to watch them. Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching 1. Amandaland Christmas special It's time to return to SoHa, as Motherland spin-off Amandaland is back on our screens for a festive special! Lucy Punch reprises her hilarious leading role as Amanda, with Joanna Lumley as her mother Felicity. But it's a very special reunion this time round as Lumley will be joined by her Absolutely Fabulous partner in crime Jennifer Saunders, who will play her on-screen sister Aunt Joan – described as "a ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster [and] very, very different from Felicity". The synopsis reads: "Amanda and the family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans change when Mal and Anne tag along and she struggles to recreate the magical Chri…

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Wallace & Gromit creator teases a potential return for Feathers McGraw – and reveals hilarious hidden Easter egg moments
type: item
date: 2025-12-13T08:00:53.000Z
creator: Laura Rutkowski
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Wallace and Gromit (franchise)
description: Nick Park tells us what’s next for the evil bird after Vengeance Most Fowl.
encoded: Criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw, the penguin who cleverly disguises himself as a chicken, returned last Christmas in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, much to the delight of fans. He first appeared in 1993’s Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, where he stole the Blue Diamond. For his recent revenge, he escaped his prison (the zoo) and hacked Wallace’s smart gnome, Norbot, to create a whole army of evil minions to help reunite him with the precious gem. But he was once again thwarted by inventor Wallace and his loyal pooch Gromit, who swapped the diamond for a turnip. We last saw Feathers, outsmarted and deflated, escaping on the back of a train, but crucially, he was not caught by the police, which means he’s still at large, always a firm fixture on a “wanted” poster. Where exactly is he then, if not in prison? Talking exclusively to Radio Times, Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park reveals, “He’s somewhere in Yorkshire. Well, who knows where he is? He doesn't let us know these things or what his plans are. A lot of people ask about Feathers McGraw, and the response since last Christmas has been brilliant. We're still reeling from it to be honest.” Does that mean we can expect Feathers to return with another cunning plan? Park teases, “Watch this space... who knows? He’s unpredictable.” With lots of unfinished business with his enemies Wallace and Gromit, he might come out of hiding when the time is right. Until then, you can catch plenty of Easter eggs when rewatching Vengeance Most Fowl, a big part of any Aardman Animations film. Remember when Feathers actually made a very brief cameo at the end of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget?! Park, who directed Vengeance Most Fowl with Merlin Crossingham and co-created the story with Mark Burton, tells us some of his favourites. For instance, Feathers’s pet seal actually has a name. “No one would ever know this, because it was more of a joke we had among ourselves, but we called him Ronseal, which is, I guess, a ver…

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Best vintage Christmas movies to watch now – 11 festive classics and where to watch them
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T07:00:26.000Z
creator: Patrick Cremona
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: List
description: From It's a Wonderful Life to The Apartment, here's our list of the very best Christmas films from yesteryear.
encoded: Christmas movies have perhaps never been in greater supply, with Netflix and its streaming competitors now in the habit of releasing a glut of brand new festive films every single year. But while there have been some great new additions to the canon in recent times – none more so than Alexander Payne's terrific Oscar-nominated The Holdovers – you have to go back decades to find some of the best ever examples of the genre. Of course, It's A Wonderful Life tends to be the most cited vintage classic, and with good reason, but there are plenty of other options from yesteryear if you're looking for something traditional as we count down the days to 25th December. To help you out, we've put together a list of 11 great Christmas movies released between 1934 and 1960, including everything from a Laurel and Hardy favourite to a revered adaptation of A Christmas Carol and a couple of delightful movie musicals. Read on to see our list – and details on how you can watch them. 1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) This masterpiece from Frank Capra is a film with much more to it than festive feel-good sentimentality and still has a lot to say about community spirit. As the suicidal man who is shown the value of his life by his guardian angel, central character George Bailey is Mr Deeds, John Doe and Mr Smith rolled into one, and only James Stewart could have so successfully lent him the self-doubt that gnaws away at his essential decency. As with all good morality tales, the villain has to be exceptional, too, and Lionel Barrymore is at the peak of his powers as the evil Potter. The term Capra-esque is too often misapplied: forget the imitations and revel in the genuine article. – David Parkinson Where to watch: ITVX, Prime Video and NOW 2. The Shop Around the Corner (1940) This wonderful romantic comedy drama, about pen pals who fall in love without realising they work together, contains delightful performances by Margaret Sullavan (full of grace and warmth) and the young James Stewar…

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Elf screenwriter on its lasting legacy: "It's something that's rare and special"
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T07:00:10.000Z
creator: Patrick Cremona
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Exclusive
subject: RT Rewind
description: Back in 2022, David Berenbaum spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about writing the script for one of the most enduring Christmas films of the 21st century.
encoded: Since its release more than two decades ago, Elf has secured its place as a bonafide Christmas classic. The image of Will Ferrell cheerfully gallivanting around Manhattan in his yellow tights has become iconic, as has the declaration that the "best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear". Given its incredible success, you wouldn't necessarily think it was all the idea of a novice screenwriter – but that was very much the case. The film's origins trace back to the mid-1990s, when young writer David Berenbaum had just moved to LA from America's East Coast. Back in 2022, he spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the film and its lasting legacy. "I was kind of really missing East Coast winters," he recalled over the phone. "I was not used to LA winters at all. I sort of missed the family and everything like that and so I essentially surrounded myself with all sorts of Christmas movies. And then I started writing one." Interestingly, the initial idea he had for a Christmas movie was not Elf but an entirely separate film titled Christmas in New Jersey – a romcom that never went on to be produced. But although that script didn't go anywhere itself, it did open all sorts of doors that would later make Elf possible. "It got me in the door with all sorts of people and they said, 'What's next?'," he explained. "And then I thought of the idea for Elf because I was surrounded by all this Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rankin/Bass stuff. And I sort of thought it would be amusing to put a human into that sort of environment. "Buddy is sort of a misfit, he doesn't fit in – Rudolph is sort of a misfit, he doesn't fit in. And they both go off on quests. So that was sort of the beginning of that – Rudolph mixed with a healthy dose of Big, the Tom Hanks movie." It was Big which ended up serving as "a bit of a template" for Elf's script in the early stages of development, with Berenbaum using Hanks's character Josh Baskin as a "guidepost" for the character of …

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How to watch Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrows' Wedding and release date
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T11:25:47.000Z
creator: Helen Daly
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Christmas
description: Another of Julia Donaldson's beloved tales is coming to the BBC this Christmas.
encoded: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's adorable tale, The Scarecrows' Wedding, will be brought to life by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC this Christmas. For over a decade, her beloved stories, ranging from The Gruffalo to Zog and beyond, have been adapted with a star-studded cast for a Christmas Day treat. This year is no different, as Domhnall Gleeson and Jessie Buckley lend their voices to Harry O'Hay and Betty O'Barley, respectively. They're joined by Rob Brydon as the villainous Reginald Rake and Sophie Okonedo as the narrator. The lovely tale recounts the story of two scarecrows who fall in love on a farmer's field and plan to have the best wedding ever, but it's not without peril as Reginald tries to come between the pair with potentially disastrous consequences... Read on for your guide on how to watch The Scarecrows' Wedding, and when it will be on TV this Christmas. How to watch The Scarecrows' Wedding The Scarecrows' Wedding will air on BBC One at 3:10pm on Christmas Day. And after it's aired on the BBC, you'll be able to catch it on BBC iPlayer whenever you desire. You can also find the other Magic Light adaptations on BBC iPlayer right now, so there's plenty to keep little ones entertained over the festive period. Check out the trailer for The Scarecrows' Wedding below: View oEmbed on the source website Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025 The Scarecrows' Wedding will air this Christmas on the BBC. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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Best Christmas films on Disney Plus in 2025 – from Home Alone to The Muppet Christmas Carol
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T10:02:49.000Z
creator: Patrick Cremona
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Disney Plus
subject: List
subject: On demand
description: The streamer's collection of festive fare includes both beloved classics and underseen gems.
encoded: While Netflix are undoubtedly the most productive of the major streamers when it comes to releasing brand new Christmas films every year, it's arguably Disney Plus which has the best selection of proper Yuletide classics. The library includes such beloved gems as Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol and two versions of Miracle on 34th Street, alongside a couple of films that are known to start debates as to whether they can truly qualify for Christmas status: Die Hard and The Nightmare Before Christmas. But that's not all. You can also find a number of other seasonal films on the platform, including some great options for younger viewers and even an Oscar-nominated short film from acclaimed Italian director Alice Rohrwacher. Check out our list of recommendations below – and also make sure to take a look at our lists for Netflix Christmas films and Prime Video Christmas films too. Home Alone More than 30 years on from the film's release, Macaulay Culkin's turn as Kevin McAllister remains one of the most revered child performances of all time. As you'll no doubt be aware, the film sees 8-year-old Kevin – who has inadvertently been left behind when his family go off on holiday – laying all manner of violent booby traps in a bid to stave off the threat of two opportunistic burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) on Christmas Eve. The film has spawned a number of sequels over the years, which are also all available to view on Disney Plus, although in our opinion only the most immediate of those follow-ups, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, is especially worth your time. Die Hard While not everyone considers this classic 1988 action flick to be a Christmas movie – it had its original release in July, after all – it's undoubtedly become a seasonal staple for millions of film fans around the world, thanks to its Christmas Eve setting, festive soundtrack and perhaps the best use of Ho Ho Ho ever seen on film. Of course, the film stars Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York d…

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Doctor Who favourite Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe spill on Strictly journey and finale return
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T17:01:54.000Z
creator: Huw Fullerton
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Christmas
subject: Interview
subject: Magazine
description: From first steps to standing ovations: Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe reflect on dancing, friendship, and their post-Strictly Christmas plans.
encoded: This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. At 62, actor Alex Kingston is only three years younger than the mother of her Strictly Come Dancing partner, 38-year-old professional Johannes Radebe. But in this partnership, she was the one learning from him. Over the past few months, they went from tentative first steps to earning standing ovations. And now, despite their Strictly journey ending, they vow they’ll stay on the dance floor one way or another… Alex, what was it like learning from someone younger? ALEX: Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine anyone else being my dance partner. The problem is, now my Strictly journey has come to an end, I will have to carry on dancing and I don’t know who will ever come close to Johannes. JOHANNES: Oh my goodness, we’ll have to book some lessons. I’ve always said that partnerships are special because they grow, and that I always teach like a marriage – even though I have never been married. ALEX: And I’ve been married three times! Did you have a mentor or someone you looked up to earlier in your careers? JOHANNES: As a boy, there was an Australian dancer I watched from a distance from my township in South Africa. His name is Jason Gilkison. I modelled my career on his, and now I am in the same room as him – he’s the creative director of Strictly Come Dancing. It’s an honour to work with him. Nowadays, I go back home to South Africa and run workshops teaching kids to dance. That’s my way of giving back. ALEX: My English teacher saw that I wasn’t academic in the sciences, but she made sure I had an opportunity to begin acting, devising plays where I was the lead. Her name was Margaret Kirk. She’s no longer with us, but I’m forever thankful to her. Are you looking forward to the final, where every Strictly couple returns for a reunion? ALEX: Oh yes, one hundred per cent. Looking at the opening credits of Strictly, seeing all the contestants, you realise how few are left. The first week does seem a long time ago now. It will be rea…

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Lord Alan Sugar dishes on Celebrity Apprentice and why he allowed Thomas Skinner to return for it
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T17:01:37.000Z
creator: Michael Hodges
subject: Entertainment
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Christmas
subject: Interview
subject: Magazine
description: From Lapland tasks to childhood chestnuts, Lord Sugar reveals what makes a very Apprentice-style Christmas.
encoded: This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Merry Christmas, Sugar Claus! If you were Father Christmas, which public figures would you put on your naughty list? I would have to say no comment on this whatsoever, my friend. As you will know, the BBC has guidelines. I have to keep my big mouth shut and not make personal or political comments like that. In that case, can we assume the contestants in your Celebrity Apprentice Christmas specials went straight on the nice list? Nah! That’s the excitement of it. Most of the time, they’re schmoozed by everybody, told how marvellous they are. Then they get a gig where I’m telling them what a load of rubbish they are. They’re masochists, really. Still, it’s worth remembering they don’t get paid anything at all. They do it for charity and that is very, very commendable. What will you be making the brave contestants do in the two festive episodes? They’re going up to Lapland and meeting Father Christmas. There was snow and ice, as you can imagine, reindeers and sledges. The contestants were split into two teams and each team had to create a special Christmas biscuit. Then they came back to London and presented their biscuits to big supermarkets and the best biscuit won. The interesting thing is, for the first time ever, the products created in the programme are actually going on sale in the supermarkets. All the money is going to Children in Need. Does the show create its own celebrities now? Did you decide whether Thomas Skinner could come back as a “celebrity”? I’m not sure over the 20 years how many people who have appeared on my show have actually made a name for themselves. I can think of maybe three: Saira Khan did quite well, then Katie Hopkins, who everybody loves to hate, and Thomas Skinner, who ended up on Strictly. But I don’t have any input. I’m presented with these celebrities; the BBC seek these people out and find them. And it’s not easy, because you can imagine that some of them are working and can’t ta…

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David Suchet reveals why Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol remains so prescient – and what he'd say to Agatha Christie
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T17:01:19.000Z
creator: Anna Jones
subject: audio
subject: Christmas
subject: Interview
subject: Magazine
description: As he voices a new Dickens podcast, David Suchet reflects on timeless storytelling and the hope Christmas brings.
encoded: This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Nothing brings us together like a festive ghost story and, since its publication in 1843, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol has never been out of print. It is the seasonal chiller. Sir David Suchet is delighted to be narrating it, alongside some of the author’s lesser-known tales, for a new podcast series. “These aren’t merely creepy stories — they’re ghostly reflections of the human soul.” We know about your devotion to Agatha Christie, but how well do you know Dickens? I don’t claim to be a Dickens expert, but he has always held up for me as the master of the English language. Reading these ghost stories has just been one of the most enjoyable and exciting pieces of audio work I’ve done. I’ve been blown away by how he writes. He’s very theatrical. Why do you think Dickens remains so prescient? I would say the same thing about Shakespeare and, if I’m allowed to, Agatha Christie. They all write about the human condition: love, jealousy, greed, hate, envy, crimes. They talk about poverty and society. They have managed to write about various aspects of our lives as human beings and make them into dramatic tales. That’s why they will never date. Why do you think that we enjoy being scared at Christmas? Well, if you go back to when you were a little child and somebody scared you, what was the first thing you did? You screamed and giggled. We love mystery, we love being scared. I mean, look at Doctor Who! We love to be taken outside of ourselves into realms that we don’t quite understand, and being a little bit frightened can be very enjoyable. Is A Christmas Carol the ultimate seasonal ghost story? A Christmas Carol is a work of genius. It’s just got everything. Not only the most extraordinary characters, but Scrooge himself going through that redemption... It’s what Christmas is all about, which is generosity, kindness, family if you have one, friends if you haven’t. Being social, being warm to each other. Ultimate…

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Daniel Craig reveals love of Strictly Come Dancing and why he's hoping to leave Narnia before Christmas
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T17:00:59.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Exclusive
subject: Magazine
subject: News
description: Craig was speaking in the 2025 Christmas issue of Radio Times magazine.
encoded: While some Knives Out fans will have seen the latest film in the murder mystery franchise starring Daniel Craig, Wake Up Dead Man will be available for many more to watch when it arrives on Netflix this week. That no doubt means that plenty of viewers will be watching the movie over the Christmas period – but it turns out that Craig himself will be sitting down to watch something else on 25th December. Speaking in a wider conversation for the Christmas issue of Radio Times magazine, which is out now, Craig said he likes nothing better than "watching Strictly [Come Dancing] with the kids – it’s a joy". On celebrating Christmas with his family, Craig clarified that it's "not in a religious way, but celebrating the fact that it’s a family get-together". He continued: "Much in a way like the Americans have Thanksgiving, Christmas is an English kind of thanksgiving. And saying thanks for having family is really what it’s about." Craig is currently filming Greta Gerwig's version of The Magician’s Nephew, the CS Lewis Narnia novel, in which he played the eponymous magician, Uncle Andrew. His Strictly watching and festive celebrations therefore depend on his scheduling for that film, but he said that he is "hoping to get out of Narnia in time for Christmas". On taking on new roles stretching himself far away from James Bond, such as Knives Out's Benoit Blanc or The Magician's Nephew's Andrew, Craig said: "I suppose I started freeing myself up from any convention. I’m not saying no to things that I might have been a little bit wary about before. "When the Bond thing was going on in my life, the juxtaposition between that and another role would sometimes feel self-conscious. I’m working harder than I ever have, but I’m also just enjoying it more than I ever have. I get to do really interesting, different stuff." In Wake Up Dead Man, Benoit Blanc takes on his most dangerous case yet, when investigating the seemingly impossible murder of a priest. The Christmas issue of Radio T…

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Hollyoaks Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as huge secret rocks the Hutchinsons
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T00:01:49.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: Hollyoaks
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Channel 4
subject: Christmas
description: Everything happening in Hollyoaks this Christmas time.
encoded: Hollyoaks is dishing up not one but four separate Christmas Days, as the special occasion is stretched out across two weeks. We'll see the same day from the perspective of the Osbornes and the Hutchinsons, the McQueens, the Maaliks and the Lomax-Hays. Jack Osborne (Jimmy McKenna) is planning a big surprise, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) is struggling with withdrawal, and Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) is hiding a huge secret. Here's a look at everything happening on Hollyoaks between Monday 22nd and Tuesday 30th December. If you can't wait to watch the full two weeks as they play out on E4, every episode will be dropping on Channel 4's streaming service on 22nd December. Hollyoaks episode guide for Christmas and New Year Monday 22nd December <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/6661-CHRISTMAS-AT-THE-OSBORNES-Jack-Pearl-Darren-Nancy-Charlie-Oscar-Frankie-EMBARGOED-UNTIL-9TH-DECEMBER-LIMEPICTURES-9-456fa40.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Hollyoaks's Jack, Nancy, Charlie, Jack, Pearl and Frankie pose beside their Christmas tree in festive jumpers. Nancy is wearing a Santa hat." title="6661 CHRISTMAS AT THE OSBORNES - Jack, Pearl, Darren, Nancy, Charlie, Oscar, Frankie - EMBARGOED UNTIL 9TH DECEMBER @LIMEPICTURES (9)" /> Jack has a secret mission on the Osbornes' big day, and wants to make it extra special for everyone. It's a hopeful time as Darren and Nancy put their problems aside, and after Pearl distributes presents throughout the village, she and Jack head to The Dog for a special moment. Upstairs, Dee Dee hides a gift as Diane struggles through the morning, her only blessing being that Tony is there to celebrate with them. Ant is continuing to cause trouble, and reluctantly sets the table. He discovers a burner phone and secretly pockets it. On the other side of the room, Eva decides to take a look at a present, a move which horrifies Dee Dee. A furious Ant bounds downstairs into the bar and disrupts Jack and Pearl…

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Coronation Street Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide with wedding drama for Debbie Webster
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T00:01:35.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: Coronation Street
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
subject: ITV
subject: ITVX
description: Everything you need to know from Coronation Street this Christmas time.
encoded: A Coronation Street wedding seldom goes smoothly, and Debbie Webster's (Sue Devaney) big day is no exception. Following his mum's death, Carl (Jonathan Howard) prepares to flee with his sister's hard-earned cash, but partner Abi (Sally Carman-Duttine) is hot on his heels. Prior to that, Christmas is particularly eventful for the Driscoll clan as Maggie (Pauline McLynn) threatens to expose Eva Price's (Catherine Tyldesley) secrets. Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) makes a horrific discovery in the ginnel, and Becky Swain (Amy Cudden) devises a malicious plan. Here's everything we know that's happening between Monday 22nd December and Friday 2nd January. Coronation Street episode guide for Christmas and New Year Monday 22nd December – Hour-long episode at 8pm As Carl transfers money from Debbie's account to his own, she ignores another text from his mum Elaine. Ronnie reveals that her friends have organised a hen party, but she's less than enthused and has to put on a brave face. He heads off on his stag do, and reveals to the lads that he's got an appointment with a solicitor to get power of attorney over Debbie's finances. Carl masks his frustration and later, after receiving a troubling phone call, Abi rushes after him. Meanwhile, sparked by Susie's desire to have a baby sibling, Ben proposes the idea of having a child to Eva and she's rattled. Maggie's interest is piqued when Carl tells Maggie that he found Eva's credit card in one of the Chariot Square rooms. Luckily, Ben rushes to her defence and explains that Will had taken his girlfriend there and had used the card to pay for the suite. Eva is tearful and heads out to the beer garden, where Adam offers a shoulder to cry on. She hates herself for lying to Ben, and he reassures her that she had no choice. What are the pair hiding? Elsewhere, Lisa receives a text from Carla saying that she wants to be removed from No. 6's mortgage, before looking at a photo on her socials that she's posted of her sipping a cocktai…

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The Radio Times 2025 Christmas double issue is on sale now
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T00:01:11.000Z
creator: Shem Law
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
description: Find what’s worth watching this Christmas with your ultimate 14-day guide to the best TV, streaming, film and radio.
encoded: The Radio Times 2025 Christmas issue is on sale now! It's the legendary Christmas edition of Radio Times. Whether you're a regular reader or have simply dropped in for the Christmas festivities, we are delighted you're here. After all, it never feels like Christmas until Radio Times is safely in your hands. This issue has been a long time in the making, but the real work has happened in the past few weeks when the office has been buzzing. It turns out that gathering, watching and listening to the very best of television, radio, streaming and films is an all-consuming business. A tough job, of course, but someone has to do it. We are especially proud of our cover. The idea was first discussed on 28 January at the Radio Times Covers Party. And what a cover it has turned into. The team at Aardman in Bristol have worked their magic once again, crafting a wonderful homage and a stop-motion film to accompany it. Reuniting Gromit with Shaun the Sheep for the first time in 30 years, when they appeared in A Close Shave, felt like the perfect way to mark the season. Cover: © ™ Aardman Animations LTD/Wallace & Gromit LTD Also, in a real coup, we got to talk to national treasure Dame Judi Dench (but don't tell her I've called her that). Hearing her describe her search for a family link to William Shakespeare has been a genuine privilege and I think you will find it a fascinating read. And now it's your turn. Fetch your highlighter pen, pour yourself a cup of something warming and settle in for one of the great Christmas pleasures - circle your favourite programmes and build the perfect festive viewing schedule. And if that's too analogue you can do it all on the brilliant Radio Times App. Please don't forget to share with us on social media anything that's on your mind during the Christmas period. You can follow @radiotimes on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Threads. From all of us at Radio Times, we wish you the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of new years…

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Emmerdale Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as Robert Sugden vanishes
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T00:01:02.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
subject: ITV
subject: ITVX
description: Everything you need to know from Emmerdale this Christmastime.
encoded: Emmerdale is once again dishing up a jam-packed Christmas and New Year, with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) and Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) being targeted by a mystery assailant. Car windscreens are smashed, trees are burnt, and Robert seemingly disappears amid the celebrations. But who is it? Elsewhere, Charity Dingle's (Emma Atkins) secret is on the brink of exposure, and Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) prepare to flee. Here's everything happening in Emmerdale between Monday 22nd December and Friday 2nd January. Emmerdale episode guide for Christmas and New Year Monday 22nd December – 30-minute episode at 7.30pm Lydia makes a huge blunder by revealing about her and Sam's responsibility for Kim's accident. He's enraged, and heads over to Home Farm to try and patch things up with her, but is shocked to hear that she's cancelled her Christmas dinner order. All alone, she becomes increasingly more isolated. Having fallen and unable to move, she calls out for help. Lydia arrives and although Kim tries to dismiss her, she goes against her wishes and stays. Meanwhile, with Ray and Celia preparing to leave the village, Bear is concerned that he'll be left behind. Ray assures him that it won't happen, and can't shake the prospect of having to end his relationship with Laurel prematurely. Bear encourages him to seize the day and make the most of his happiness while he still can. Ray decides to organise a fake Christmas lunch for her, and while they chat, he dares to dream about spending a proper festive period together one day. Elsewhere, Ross is shocked to hear that Aaron and Robert are planning to bring Seb back into their lives. He's unsure whether he can see the youngster around the village every day and before long, battle lines are drawn. Aaron is furious to find that his windscreen has been smashed, and immediately assumes that it was Ross. However, little does he realise, the real culprit is lurking in the shadows... Plus, wedding bells cou…

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EastEnders Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as Slater and Branning secrets implode
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T23:59:21.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Christmas
description: Everything you need to know from Albert Square this Christmastime.
encoded: It's the most wonderful time of the year – but not for the EastEnders. Two weeks of festive fun for us viewers will see secrets explode throughout several households, culminating in a large police presence swarming Albert Square. Both the Slaters and the Brannings have a particularly eventful time, while Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) cognitive health declines... and he is visited by ghosts of Christmas past. There's quite a lot to fit in, but luckily for you, we've got a handy day-by-day guide to what's happening in Walford. Here's everything happening in EastEnders between 22nd December 2024 and 1st January 2025. EastEnders Christmas and New Year episode guide Monday 22nd December - 30-minute episode at 7.30pm The residents gather to watch Nigel's festive film screening, but Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) are more concerned about his declining health and need for alternative care options. When Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) arrives at the community centre, Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) makes it clear that she's not welcome, and Julie drops a huge clanger - Sam has been back in the country for months, but has only just turned up in Walford. Led by director Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), Nige takes to the stage to make a speech to his audience, with Julie by his side. He notices the bruise on her face, and after realising he was responsible, flees the building. Phil and Julie start a desperate search to track him down, unaware that he's overheard their disagreement and has rushed off to The Vic. Meanwhile, a secret has been exposed, and Max Branning (Jake Wood) turns to Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) for some damage control. They vow to support him, and are under the belief that they've managed to talk him out of making an irrational decision. Little do they realise, he's also used Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) as a shoulder to cry on and may come to regret what follows next... Elsewhere, the Truemans are suspicio…

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Dame Joanna Lumley reveals her vegetarian Christmas plans: "Wouldn't it be lovely if we didn't kill things at Christmas?"
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T17:01:25.000Z
creator: Caroline Frost
subject: Comedy
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Christmas
subject: Interview
subject: Magazine
description: Two decades after Ella Enchanted, Dame Joanna Lumley and Lucy Punch reflect on festive traditions, family fun and their on-screen reunion.
encoded: This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Joanna Lumley and Lucy Punch first played mother and daughter in the 2004 film Ella Enchanted. Some 20 years later, Punch plays social climber Amanda with Lumley her scene-stealing mother Felicity, first in Motherland, and now in its spin-off Amandaland. While filming the festive special, the pair reflected on their reunion, Christmases past and present, and what gift they’d buy for each other… Lucy, what were your first impressions of Joanna? LUCY: In Ella Enchanted, we played a ghastly stepmother and stepsister to the heroine, then we were reunited for Motherland, which was lovely, and now this. All this time later, I’m a very different person, but I believe Joanna’s exactly the same: so smart and funny. She charms everyone. When you’re doing comedy, you need lots of good energy, and hers is infectious. Joanna, what have you learnt working with Lucy? JOANNA: I couldn’t admire Lucy more. I remember her playing my daughter, but I’m not sure they [the Motherland producers] even knew that. She’s blossomed in this. A lot of acting by many of us is interchangeable, but some people stand out, and Lucy’s always been slightly different. She brings something extra. What are your fondest memories of Christmas growing up? JOANNA: We were in hot countries so we never saw snow, but Mummy would get balls of cotton wool to put on the windows like snowflakes. We were out in the Malayan Mari when the Disney film of Alice in Wonderland came out. I was given an Alice doll, and it was as beautiful a thing as I’ve ever seen, with yellow hair and a hair band, a blue dress with a little white apron – thrilling. Isn’t it lovely what we remember visually? What gift would you buy each other for Christmas? LUCY: I’d buy something very little, discreet and lovely, maybe a teeny, tiny book. Joanna likes little things. JOANNA: Lucy lives in California and has two boys, so I think I’d get her something that money can’t buy – an experience of s…

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Where are the Nativity cast now?
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T17:00:00.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: It's been more than 15 years since the popular kids film debuted.
encoded: It's been over 15 years since Nativity! arrived in UK cinemas – and began a franchise which would go on to include a further three films and a stage musical. Of course, each of the films has had a different star playing the main teacher – with Martin Freeman, David Tennant and Martin Clunes taking it in turns to appear in the first three movies – and there have been plenty of other recognisable faces to appear instead. Jason Watkins appeared in all of the first three films, while the first entry in the series also included the likes of Shetland star Ashley Jensen, legendary The Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson and popular stand-up comedian Alan Carr. But of course, the real stars of the films were Marc Wootton as lovable but chaotic classroom assistant Desmond Poppy, and the children themselves. With that in mind, you might be wondering what has become of those young stars who appeared in the first film a decade and a half ago... did they continue to act? Read on for everything you need to know. Marc Wootton played Mr Poppy Before we move on to the kids themselves, lets start with Mr Poppy – a hugely popular presence in the film played by Marc Wootton. Although this series of films is arguably still what he's best known for, he's had a steady acting career, with credits including the first ever episode of Inside No. 9, the Take That inspired film Greatest Days and the Channel 4 sitcom High and Dry, which he also wrote and directed. Most recently, he had a key role in the Noel Fielding Apple TV+ series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, while in 2024 he played the role of Marek in a National Theatre production of Till the Stars Come Down. Earlier this year, he co-wrote, produced, and starred in short film The Art of the Lie, which you can watch here: ﻿ Jake Pratt played Alfie Alfie was one of the big stars of the nativity play in the film – playing Joseph – and was played by Jake Pratt, who was one of the few kids in the film who was already somewhat …

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Love Actually soundtrack: Every song featured in the Christmas classic
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T16:45:07.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: Ready to dance along to Jump with Hugh Grant and cry to Both Sides Now with Emma Thompson?
encoded: With Christmas Day very nearly upon us, you're probably rushing around working out what shows you're going to watch over the holiday period, planning your Christmas roast, and, of course, assembling your festive movie watchlist. Well, Christmas wouldn't be complete without a rewatch of Love Actually, would it? Penned by Richard Curtis - who last year turned his attention back to the festive season with Netflix film That Christmas - the festive classic follows eight different couples as they navigate their love lives in the countdown to Christmas, and boasts a brilliant soundtrack. The movie also features a star-studded cast, with the likes of Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Dame Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley and many more filling out the central roles. Asked whether he's surprised Love Actually has become a part of so many people's festive celebrations, Curtis told Radio Times last year: "I just consider that so lucky. We thought Love Actually was a disaster for months while we were trying to edit it. So, I always look back on it and think, 'I can’t believe we got away with it!'" Alongside a score from composer Craig Armstrong, the film also features a handful of pop songs. Wondering what they are? Read on for the full Love Actually soundtrack list and score. Love Actually score The full list of tracks in the movie composed by Armstrong are as follows: Opening Titles – Craig Armstrong Christmas Is All Around (Montage) – Craig Armstrong First Day – Craig Armstrong Natalie with Tea Trolley – Craig Armstrong In Love with Karl – Craig Armstrong Sam’s Bedroom – Craig Armstrong On the Bench – Craig Armstrong I’m in Love – Craig Armstrong Total Agony – Craig Armstrong Saucy Minx/Aurelia Arrives – Craig Armstrong Bad Policies – Craig Armstrong Discovery of Kiss/Press Conference – Craig Armstrong Croissants in France – Craig Armstrong The Lake Scene – Craig Armstrong Saddest Part of Day – Craig Armstrong Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong PM Redistributes Natalie – Craig Armstro…

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The Holiday soundtrack: All the songs featured in the Christmas romcom
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T16:30:51.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: The film has an original score by Hans Zimmer, a handful of Christmas classics and hits by everyone from The Killers to The Spinners.
encoded: With Christmas fast approaching, it's time to start assembling your Christmas movie watchlist, and from It's a Wonderful Life to Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol to Love Actually, there are plenty of festive classics to consider. It's hard to believe that another popular festive flick is nearly 20 years old. 2006 rom-com The Holiday was written, produced and directed by Nancy Meyers and stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black. The movie revolves around two singletons who embark on a house-swapping adventure over the festive season, with Winslet's Iris travelling to LA and Diaz's Amanda travelling to Surrey. Naturally, romance ensues, and the action is accompanied by a brilliant soundtrack, which features a number of festive bangers like Wham's Last Christmas and Kylie's Santa Baby. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DHYBMPP7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IVZOVKMH2BHB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FsirP0VdEiV3dRMnEBZlgKB9jnUeZv_-ZB-tI3lhwdSLHz9yrrV_5BhFg-b_0Gg7h-mL2pAzYMoQX2aPZXDe67gNX9CxYetRqtQ8xIyny77ZCyez7S1JldFNJvVcBm-6l4Mzw2UQcOf8rXSThYJYKkxnCoDdozutulcGgBI_serBLojMTAaxv6UJ3TJsmLwbSnoMnB_dE1YgdketR1hUW-h1rzicTC6sbYSEGS1XbAU.-5z3gR3N2nMkZzLCyjeZDQ0RzAVgR3OVAtXaUsDBTs8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+holiday+soundtrack&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1733494493&sprefix=the+holiday+sound%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-1939816" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">Listen to The Holiday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) here But which other songs are featured in the movie? From Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas to Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, read on for a full list. The Holiday score: Who composed the music for the film? As well as a number of bangers, the film also includes an original score by Hans Zimmer. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website You can find the titles of all the tracks below: Maestro Iris And Jasper Kayak For One Zero Dream Kitchen Separate Vacations Anything Can Happen Light My Fire Definitely Unexpected If I Wanted To Call You …

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Nativity! soundtrack: Full list of songs in the film
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T16:15:24.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: The Martin Freeman-starring musical comedy Nativity! is available to watch on Netflix.
encoded: Last year marked 15 years since the Martin Freeman-starring musical comedy Nativity! first landed on our screens and charmed fans with its lovable performances, hilarious storyline and catchy soundtrack – and now, the film is back on BBC iPlayer and Netflix for the holiday period. The movie, released in 2009, centres around the story of once-actor-now-primary-school-teacher Paul (Martin Freeman), who is tasked with producing the year’s nativity play, despite his disdain for Christmas. After lying to a rival primary school teacher (private school headmaster Gordon Shakespeare, played by Jason Watkins) that a Hollywood producer will be coming to watch the performance, things soon spiral out of control and Paul must find a way to resolve the mess. Alongside Freeman, Call the Midwife’s Pam Ferris, Shetland’s Ashley Jensen and Alan Carr also star in the cast of the movie. Speaking to the BBC last November about the film’s enduring popularity, writer and director Debbie Isitt said: "Because it’s on Netflix every Christmas and on the BBC a lot, it just seems to find a new audience." She added that the idea for the film came when she went to see her daughter's nativity, saying: "I thought, this could make a really good film, because the children were just hilarious." The first film was a huge success and went on to spawn three sequels, all written and directed by Isitt. "I love them all, but I think the original is probably always going to be close to my heart," she added. Wondering which songs feature in the film? Read on for everything you need to know about the soundtrack. Nativity soundtrack: Full list of songs in the film The full list of songs in the film is as follows: Hooray for Hollywood by Johnny Davis Santa Claus Is Coming to Town by The Jackson 5 I'm a Little Christmas Cracker by Diana Decker Maybe This Christmas by Ron Sexsmith Snow Day by Bleu I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 I Want You With Me at Christmas by Jesse Belvin Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes Silent Ni…

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How to watch Elf online and on TV this Christmas 2025
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T14:30:49.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Amazon Prime Video
subject: Christmas
subject: NOW
subject: On demand
subject: Sky
description: It's good news if you have Sky or NOW...
encoded: Christmas and the wider festive period is all about traditions, and that doesn't just cover activities and food, it also covers entertainment, with film fans flocking to rewatch their favourite Yuletide classics. One of those which has consistently appeared high in any rankings of the best Christmas films of all time is, of course, Elf, the 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell. The film, which also features James Caan and Zooey Deschanel, follows Buddy, a human who was raised alongside Santa’s elves in the North Pole after a mix-up one Christmas night. When he learns of his true identity, Buddy heads to New York to track down his biological father, Walter, but before doing so he is given a warning - Walter is on Santa's naughty list. Walter is less than impressed when his son arrives in the city, but can Buddy win him over with his heart-warming festive cheer, and help him embrace kindness in time for Christmas? Fans of the film celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, and the year before, in 2022, screenwriter David Berenbaum spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the "rare and special" legacy of the festive favourite. He said of his own relationship to the film all these years later: "When it played in theatres out here for years, I would take my kids to go see it and that was fun to share with them. "And, you know, as we're decorating the tree, we'll sort of put it on and it's a great thing to have Buddy come back into your life every year, this time of year. It's really quite amazing." With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to revisit the much-loved film – but how can you watch it, and is it available to stream? Here’s how you can watch the film on TV and on streaming platforms over the Christmas period. Is Elf on Netflix? Unfortunately, the acclaimed comedy won't be on Netflix this year, but you can stream Elf online if you have a Cinema pass on the NOW platform, or if you have Sky Cinema. Additionally, Elf is currently available to ren…

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When is Home Alone on TV? How to watch the Christmas movie online
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T14:00:00.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Disney Plus
description: Macaulay Culkin's Christmas classic will be available to stream over the festive period.
encoded: When it comes to Christmas movies, there are few which hold such a strong please in film fans' hearts as 1990's Home Alone. The festive family comedy film starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister remains the most cherished Christmas movies of all time – in fact, it came third in a 2023 RadioTimes.com poll, just behind The Muppet Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. The film sees eight-year-old Kevin accidentally left behind when his family go on holiday. He soon finds he has to defend the family home from two burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Boasting a brilliant soundtrack and spawning an extensive franchise, Home Alone remains an annual must-watch for many film fans when putting together their Christmas watch-list. Endlessly rewatchable, Macaulay Culkin even recently revealed what he'd want to do with a reboot of the franchise. But is the first film airing on TV this year, and how can fans in the UK stream it? Here’s everything you need to know. Home Alone: Where to watch the Christmas movie online in the UK As one of the greatest family films of all time, it is perhaps fitting that Home Alone (and its sequels) are streaming on Disney Plus this Christmas, along with the reboot, Home Sweet Home Alone, which is also available on the streaming platform. Sign up to Disney Plus for £4.99 a month or £79.90 for a year Home Alone (as well as its first two sequels) is also available to stream currently on Channel 4 until the end of the year, but it is not available on any other subscriber services such as Netflix or NOW TV. However, you can rent or buy the Christmas classic on <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Alone-Macaulay-Culkin/dp/B0CBHY7VVP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25ME1SU9Q3JN1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.liWqUf5SsrQDWBQQw8Su9xNoUC3ZKlUTZXh3-eqNseh1ahKVVG1R_XIOmVXYm4IK_mlDzWl2T-kzOzRALijP6ZaG3YMi1IxSHdh1AMwrfsuC7AWYjDVwu8HiSUgVogyexbTbJYSNTI50KvAc6WgMHBWvrcuLaYrcvKA1M-Lzi1LdtpOEnUE1Vzkh5WERkAAv6B197hYDYJ4P7WlLHsTcjASUguzySddbcJTrCJLXGSs.fNIbk5BnPzTv2PpQc5LF…

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When is The Holiday on TV this Christmas? How to watch and stream online
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T12:30:16.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Amazon Prime Video
subject: Christmas
subject: Netflix
description: The romcom starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz is a modern Christmas classic.
encoded: When it comes to Christmas romcoms, there is no shortage of great picks to choose from – however, Nancy Meyers’s The Holiday holds a special place in many people's hearts. The 2006 film – which stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as singletons who swap houses over the festive season and enter into new, surprising romances – has become a modern Christmas classic, alongside Love Actually. There were reports in 2022 that the cast, including Jude Law and Jack Black, would be revisiting their characters' romances in a sequel, but Meyers was quick to shut these rumours down. While fans were no doubt disappointed, they still have the original which they can revisit year after year, as they work through their Christmas watch-lists also including the likes of The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf and Home Alone. But will the film be on TV in Christmas 2025, and if so, when and where? Read on for your guide to how to watch The Holiday this December. Where to watch The Holiday in the UK If you're an Amazon Prime Video subscriber, you're in luck! The film is available to stream there (and you can also rent it from Prime Video for £2.99 or buy it for £2.99). If you prefer physical media, you might rather own the movie and have it take pride of place in your DVD or Blu-ray collection. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Is The Holiday on TV this Christmas 2025? The Holiday usually makes it to our TV screens at Christmas, and this year is no different. The romcom is set to air on Sky Cinema Select and Sky Cinema Select HD on Monday 8th December at 9:50pm, Tuesday 9th December at 2:30pm, Saturday 13th December at 8pm, and Sunday 14th December at 12:40pm. Fans are in luck, as it's airing again on BBC Two at 8:30pm on Sunday 14th December and BBC Three at 8:35pm on Tuesday 16th December. Is The Holiday in cinemas this Christmas 2025? Yes! The Holiday will be screening in select cinemas throughout the UK this December. What better way to watch your favourite holiday romcom than on…

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When is The Muppet Christmas Carol on TV? Is it on Netflix?
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T12:15:00.000Z
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Disney Plus
subject: On demand
description: Everything you need to know about the puppet version of Charles Dickens's classic Christmas story with Michael Caine.
encoded: When it comes to Christmas films, you don't get much better than The Muppet Christmas Carol – in fact, according to RadioTimes.com readers, you can't get better at all, as it was voted the best Christmas film of all time in our 2023 poll. The beloved film was first released in 1992, and retells Charles Dickens's classic festive tale with Sir Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, and the Muppets filling out many of the other central roles. As in other versions of the story, the miserly Scrooge is visited over one Christmas Eve night by ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come, teaching him to be more generous and loving of his fellow man. The film came from director Brian Henson, the son of Muppets creator Jim Henson, who spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com in 2022, in order to mark the 30-year anniversary of the film. Henson called the film "quite possibly the best thing I ever did", and said of Caine's casting: "One of the first things he said to me the first time we met, he said, 'I'm going to play this utterly, utterly straight.' And I was like, 'Yes, that would be great.' "Because up until Muppet Christmas Carol, actors in Muppet movies were mostly cameos and it was an opportunity for them to do things a little bit outrageous and to tell big jokes. And it was terrific that he got it – he got how this was going to work." Of course, many a fan will be planning a rewatch this festive season, but how can they do so? Here’s how you can watch and stream The Muppet Christmas Carol this December. When is The Muppet Christmas Carol on TV? There is no set date yet for if the movie will be on TV this year, but never fear! Disney Plus is the home of The Muppet Christmas Carol in 2025, and it has the movie looking better than ever by hosting it in 4K HDR! What's more, an extended edition of the movie is available to stream on the platform featuring When Love Is Gone, a song removed from the film's original theatrical cut. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website C…

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Death in Paradise 2025 Christmas special releases first look at festive episode – including special Doctor Who guest star
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T12:05:00.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Christmas
subject: News
description: Pearl Mackie is playing a key role in the new 90-minute special.
encoded: As we rapidly approach Christmas, Death in Paradise fans are in for a treat, with new specials on the horizon for both the mainline show and its spin-off, Beyond Paradise. Now, a host of newly released images have given us a fresh look at the Death in Paradise special, including showing off new scenes featuring some of the episode's guest stars. These guest stars include Doctor Who's Pearl Mackie, Shaun of the Dead's Kate Ashfield, Waterloo Road's James Baxter, Ted Lasso's Billy Harris and Good Omens' Josie Lawrence. The majority of the guest cast are seen in the images partying on Saint Marie, although Lawrence was seen stood on a station platform in the UK in a previously released photo. The guest stars will be joining the show's regular characters including DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet), DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson), Officer Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder), Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah) and Catherine Bordey (Élizabeth Bourgine). The synopsis for the 90-minute special says: "The office Christmas party of a lifetime takes a dark turn when four co-workers wake up to find a stranger dead in the pool of their Caribbean villa. "DI Mervin Wilson and the team identify the murder weapon, but they’re left baffled when they find that it was locked in a drawer when the murder took place... thousands of miles away from the crime scene, in Swindon! "Stuck in Saint Marie, the team calls on the help of a familiar face to crack the case. "Meanwhile, Mervin’s anxiously waiting to hear back from his newly discovered brother, which prevents him from embracing Saint Marie's Christmas celebrations. "Can Mervin resolve his family situation and get into the festive spirit – for the sake of his team and the island?" One star whose appearance in the special is uncertain is Don Warrington, whose character Selwyn Patterson was last seen turning down an offer to return to his role as commissioner. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com ahead of this year's special, Warringt…

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Where to watch Love Actually this Christmas 2025 and is it on TV?
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T12:00:50.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
description: Richard Curtis's festive favourite Love Actually follows 10 interconnected love stories during the run-up to Christmas.
encoded: While Richard Curtis fans now have last year's animated film That Christmas to rewatch this December, there's no doubt they will also be heading back to the writer/director's previous beloved festive effort, Love Actually. The 2003 film remains an absolute favourite among romcom fans and Christmas film fans alike – even if Curtis himself doesn't often rewatch the film, and considers its continued success a "strange bit of luck". The film is known for telling multiple intertwined love stories and for its stellar cast, filled with big name stars such as Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley and Alan Rickman. Co-casting director Fiona Weir reflected on casting Rickman as Harry for 2023's 20th anniversary of the film, telling People: "Alan encompassed that deeply complicated man who loves his wife and family, but has somehow lost track of something in his life and gets tempted by this other girl, but still really cares about the people who work for him." Speaking about Rickman’s casting, Weir added that the production team "knew that he would bring even more layers and complexity to the part than was already there". The film is filled with iconic scenes, from the much-parodied sequence with Knightley, Andrew Lincoln and those signs, through to Bill Nighy's cover of Love Is All Around and Hugh Grant dance through 10 Downing Street. Once again, the film is on tour across the UK in December this year (and will be again in 2026), accompanied by a live orchestra - but for those hoping to watch it at home, when and where can they find it? Here's how you can watch and stream Love Actually this year. Where to watch Love Actually online in the UK If you have Sky Cinema, NOW, or Netflix then you're in luck – as Love Actually is currently available for free with a subscription. It's also available for digital rent and download on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video from £2.99 and YouTube from £3.49 while you can also buy the <a href="https://www.amazon…

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When is Die Hard on TV this Christmas?
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T12:00:17.000Z
creator: Alex Hewitt
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Die Hard (franchise)
description: Is the Bruce Willis classic a Christmas movie? The debate continues.
encoded: As we're now in December, film fans across the land will be lining up their festive watch lists. While the likes of The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf and Love Actually are shoe-ins, there's always one film which remains a little more contentious. Over three and a half decades after its initial release, the question of whether or not Die Hard can be counted as a true Christmas movie remains fiercely contested. It was originally released during the summer months, but its festive setting means it picks up a huge amount of interest around the Yuletide period. The film, which was directed by John McTiernan, stars Bruce Willis as NYPD detective John McClane, who touches down in Los Angeles on 24th December with grand plans of making amends with his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) at her company’s Christmas party. Just before he enters her office, though, the building is seized by the villainous Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his gang, who take everyone inside hostage. View oEmbed on the source website Film critic James King previously told RadioTimes.com that "Die Hard is a Christmas movie now but it didn’t start out as one". "Back in 1988 when it was released in the summer, I don’t think anyone thought it was a festive film," he continued. "Sure it had a seasonal setting but it was hardly warm and cuddly. "But over time, the fans have embraced its Christmas background and reinterpreted it as a yuletide classic. That’s what’s great about brilliant films: they don’t just have to be one thing." But is the film airing over the 2025 Christmas period, and where can fans stream it? Here’s all you need to know, so you can make your mind up on the Christmas movie debate once and for all. Is Die Hard on TV this Christmas? As with previous years, Die Hard received just a single TV broadcast this festive season, on Film4 on Friday 5th December. While there's nothing else in the schedules, this means that the film is available on Channel 4 (previously All4 and 4OD) for free until…

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Best Christmas movies on Netflix UK in 2025 – from Love Actually to The Holdovers
type: item
date: 2025-12-05T11:30:40.000Z
creator: Morgan Cormack
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Netflix
subject: On demand
description: It's the most wonderful time of the year!
encoded: As we hurtle headfirst towards Christmas, you might already have worked your way through several of the classic festive films, from The Holiday to Love Actually. Luckily, if you're after a few more festive films to enjoy in the run-up to the big day, Netflix has a vast selection box to tuck into – and while the quality might be extremely variable, there are a couple of genuine greats alongside the more cheesy offerings. Nancy Meyers's 2006 romcom The Holiday – with its all-star cast featuring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black – has more than earned its place in the Christmas canon over the years, as well as Richard Curtis's Love Actually. Another star-studded ensemble offering, the 2003 film has understandably already found its way in Netflix's top 10 some weeks ahead of Christmas. There's also the likes of some Oscar-nominated options including 2024's The Holdovers, which saw Da'Vine Joy Randolph scoop up the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as the Oscar-nominated 2019 animation Klaus. And when it comes to the aforementioned cheesy options, there is a seemingly endless supply – from new offerings like Jingle Bell Heist, Hot Frosty and Our Little Secret to heartwarming romcom Single All the Way and Vanessa Hudgens's festive franchise The Princess Switch. RadioTimes.com has put together our selection of the best festive films to watch on the streaming giant as you hunker down with your nearest and dearest. So, without further ado, read on for the best Christmas movies to watch and stream on Netflix UK in 2025 to spread a little bit of festive cheer. Best Netflix Christmas movies to watch in 2025 Love Actually This romcom may have come out all the way back in 2003, but Love Actually remains a must-watch for many at this time of the year. With an all-star cast that includes Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and more, the film follows eight couples from all walks of life in the days leading up to Ch…

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Every EastEnders Christmas episode ranked ahead of another eventful yuletide in Walford
type: item
date: 2025-12-05T09:00:16.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Christmas
subject: Evergreen
description: What's been Walford's most memorable festive outing?
encoded: Nothing quite screams the festive season like a good old EastEnders Christmas special – whether you watch the show month after month, or only dip into it in the last two weeks of December, we've all got a soft spot for the iconic BBC soap. For many who will be tuning into the special episodes this festive season, they will be clued up on all the goings-on in Walford, from Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) dementia battle to the mystery of Zoe Slater's (Michelle Ryan) tormenter. When it comes to soapland at Christmas, anything can happen. From murders to affair reveals to arrests, it only ever has that extra oomph on the big day. EastEnders is no stranger to an iconic festive storyline, whether it be Den Watts serving Angie divorce papers or Jamie Mitchell tragically dying in hospital. So let's reminisce on some of the most iconic EastEnders Christmas episodes, which often starts a debate about who takes the top spot. After much discussion, RadioTimes.com has compiled a full ranking of every EastEnders Christmas special – and the number one spot may not be the storyline you think. So, while we're all gearing up for the big return of Pat Evans (Pam St Clement) this year, here's our team's run-down of the last 40 years of yuletide instalments. EastEnders Christmas specials ranking 40. Gray Atkins and Chelsea Fox's wedding (2021) Perhaps the most anticlimactic of Christmas specials, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) sought to stop Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) from marrying serial killer Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) – only to fail and no consequences to be felt for Gray for months. Meanwhile, Rocky Cotton's (Brian Conley) long-con of Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) was exposed and weird paternity secrets were revealed - only for none of this to have any consequences in the weeks to come. Lewis Knight. 39. Alfie Moon's nightmare Christmas (2018) A dramatic Christmas special ruined Alife Moon's (Shane Richie) character as he was exposed as the secret father of Hayley Slater's …

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"I had no idea who Hugh Grant was": Love Actually child stars talk film's legacy
type: item
date: 2025-12-05T07:00:14.000Z
creator: Lauren Morris
subject: Movies
subject: Christmas
subject: Contains Trailer
subject: Exclusive
subject: RT Rewind
description: Child stars Olivia Olson, Will Wadham and Tiffany Boiselle spoke to RadioTimes.com about their experiences filming one of the most popular Christmas romcoms of all-time.
encoded: Despite arriving in cinemas more than 20 years ago, Love Actually remains one of the biggest Christmas films (both in popularity and box office numbers) to date. From Hugh Grant's No 10 dance number that he secretly hated filming, to Emma Thompson wiping away tears over Alan Rickman's infidelity, to the stirring sound of Joni Mitchell, it was the Richard Curtis comedy's star-studded cast that initially drew in audiences – and the same big names have kept them talking for two decades. However, as much as Love Actually is all about Keira "I Look Quite Pretty" Knightley, turtleneck king Colin Firth and a consistently semi-naked Billy Nighy, a lot of it actually revolves around children. Whether they're the crustaceans in the school nativity, singing in the concert crashed by the prime minister, or Liam Neeson's stepson who learns the drums to impress his American crush, the Christmas flick features a number of young actors. Back in 2022, three of Love Actually's child stars sat down with RadioTimes.com to chat about the BAFTA-winning festive film all those years later. "When people find out that I was in [Love Actually], the first thing they say is, 'Are you the octopus?' and I go, 'No.' And then they say, 'Are you the lobster?' And I go, 'No,'" says Will Wadham, who played Bernie – the son of Harry (Rickman) and Karen (Thompson). "They just can't quite work out what my part was and then at that stage, I have to explain, 'Well, a lot of it was deleted – but you can see me for a split second under the Christmas tree, or dressed as an angel, I think.'" While the role of Harry and Karen's youngest son Bernie is fairly minor in the film, Wadham – who is now in his thirties and was pursuing a career in film composition at the time of the interview – was originally meant to be the focus of a wider narrative linked to his parents' strained relationship. "I had to be a grumpy teenager which is basically what I was – I guess I didn't struggle too much with that," he says. "Ther…

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