27 Unmissable Films To Watch On TV Over The Festive Period

Posted on 19/12/2021 by Boris Clair

After what was undoubtedly one of the most exhausting years in living memory, it will no doubt come as a relief that the way Christmas and Boxing Day have fallen in 2021 means we’re in for a bumper string of Bank Holidays.

More days off means more time to sit at home watching films, and this year there are some real corkers to tune in for.

Here’s our guide to the most unmissable of the lot – plus who they’re such ideal viewing for…

Moana

When’s it on? 20 December at 3.05pm on BBC One

Perfect for: When you’re sick to death of the British winter weather and are in dire need of some sunny escapism… even if the scenic view in question is completely CGI.

Crazy Rich Asians

When’s it on? 22 December at 10.35pm on BBC One

Perfect for: If you’re in the mood for a rom-com, but you’re not quite near enough to Christmas to break out The Holiday and Love Actually.

Die Hard

When’s it on? 22 December on at 10.45pm on BBC One

Perfect for: Those with strong feelings about whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas film, who feel like proving a point to anyone in the immediate vicinity.

Matilda

When’s it on? 23 December at 5.10pm on Channel 4

Perfect for: Let’s be honest, when’s it not the “perfect” time for the cosiness and magic of Matilda?

The Holiday

When’s it on? 23 December at 11pm on ITV

Perfect for: Getting the ball rolling on a few days’ worth of non-stop Christmas films and TV specials with a comfort film you’ve seen a million times before.

Frozen

When’s it on? Christmas Eve at 1.30pm on BBC One

Perfect for: Anyone who has some little ones that you might need to distract while you do some last-minute Christmas wrapping.

It’s A Wonderful Life

When’s it on? Christmas Eve at 2pm on Channel 4

Perfect for: If you’ve got a couple of hours free to have your heart broken and then put back together again.

Christmas With The Kranks

When’s it on? Christmas Eve at 2.15pm on Channel 5

Perfect for: That moment the dysfunction levels reach new highs, and you need to remind yourself that it could be worse.

Home Alone

When’s it on? Christmas Eve at 6pm on Channel 4

Perfect for: When nothing says Christmas quite like watching an intruder getting smacked in the face with a paint can.

Don’t Look Up

When’s it on? Christmas Eve on Netflix

Perfect for: If you’ve well and truly reached your tolerance for festive cheer, and need a bit of a break from it all.

Meet Me In St Louis

When’s it on? Christmas Day at 12.50pm on BBC Two

Perfect for: Those who understand that no one is ever going to top Judy’s version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Mary Poppins Returns

When’s it on? Christmas Day at 3.10pm on BBC One

Perfect for: The whole family, which makes it the perfect Christmas Day watch. And trust us, even the most cynical fans of the original 1964 classic will be charmed by this star-studded modern follow-up.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

When’s it on? Christmas Day at 3.15pm on Channel 5

Perfect for: Those who think they’ve overcome their childhood fear of the Child Catcher (spoiler alert, you probs haven’t).

Love Actually

When’s it on? Christmas Day at 10.40pm on ITV

Perfect for: When everyone is starting to wind down and you can finally put your festive fave on without any interruptions.

Slumdog Millionaire

When’s it on? Christmas Day at 12.20am on Channel 4

Perfect for: When you’re absolutely not ready to call it a night, and a critically-acclaimed Oscar-nominated film is as good a reason to stay up as any.

Paddington

When’s it on? Boxing Day at 4.20pm on BBC One

Perfect for: Literally everyone, so whoever you happen to be spending Boxing Day with, this is a great one to sit them in front of.

Sister Act

When’s it on? Boxing Day at 5.10pm on Channel 5

Perfect for: Anyone in need of a really big laugh.

Dirty Dancing

When’s it on? Boxing Day at 8pm on Channel 5

Perfect for: One maaaassive nostalgia trip.

A Star Is Born

When’s it on? 27 December at 10.05am on BBC Two

Perfect for: Anyone who feels like using the Bank Holiday as an excuse to dive into some classic cinema. Trust us, this is a brilliant place to start.

My Fair Lady

When’s it on? 27 December at 1.10pm on Channel 5

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to see the above outfit in motion (which, we assume, is everyone).

Misery

When’s it on? 28 December at 11.15pm on Channel 4

Perfect for: If four days’ worth of Christmas cheer has got you in drastic need of the antidote to all things festive.

Inside Out

When’s it on? 29 December at 1.40pm on BBC One

Perfect for: When you need a bit of Pixar magic in your life.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

When’s it on? 29 December at 12.55am on BBC Two

Perfect for: If you’ve been a bit naughty over Christmas and need to watch people being even naughtier to make you feel better.

Judy

When’s it on? 30 December at 9pm on BBC Two

Perfect for: If you’ve enjoyed Meet Me In St Louis and A Star Is Born and feel like learning a bit more about the woman at the centre of them all.

The Lost Daughter

When’s it on? 31 December on Netflix

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to end 2021 with a whole lot of draaaamaa.

Coco

When’s it on? New Year’s Eve at 2.40pm on BBC One.

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to end 2021 with one last massive cry.

Spectre

When’s it on? New Year’s Eve at 9pm on ITV

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to end 2021 with a real bang.

Brit Awards 2022 Nominations Revealed

Posted on 18/12/2021 by Boris Clair

The countdown to the biggest night in British music is officially on.

On Saturday, the Brit Awards announced the contenders for next year’s awards show, with some of the most popular UK acts in the industry in the running for the top prizes of the night.

It’s probably no surprise that Adele is among the top nominees leading the way this time around, with Ed Sheeran, Dave and Little Simz joining her on four nods each.

All four of these artists are in the running for the coveted Album Of The Year prize, as well as being nominated in the inaugural Best British Artist category, after organisers ditching gendered awards ahead of the 2022 ceremony.

Meanwhile, in what organisers have described as another move towards inclusivity, new genre-specific categories have been introduced for acts representing Pop/R&B, Alternative/Rock, Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act and Dance music.

Sam Fender and Little Simz are among the top nominees of the year

Other UK-centric acts in the running include Sam Fender, Little Mix, Dua Lipa and Coldplay, each on two nominations, while international acts like Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, Central Cee, David Guetta and reigning Eurovision winners Måneskin are also up for multiple prizes.

Here is the full list of nominees…

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Adele – 30

Dave – We’re All Alone In This Together

Ed Sheeran – =

Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under

SONG OF THE YEAR

A1 x J1 – Latest Trends

Adele – Easy On Me

Anne Marie x KSI x Digital Farm Animals – Don’t Play

Becky Hill and David Guetta – Remember

Central Cee – Obsessed With You

Dave and Stormzy – Clash

Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits

Elton John and Dua Lipa – Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)

Glass Animals – Heatwave

Joel Corry, Raye and David Guetta – Bed

KSI – Holiday

Nathan Evans, 220 Kid and Billen Ted – Wllerman

Riton x Nightcrawlers feat. Mufasa & Hypeman – Friday

Russ Million x Tion Wayne – Body

Tom Grennan – Little Bit Of Love

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Ed Sheeran

Little Simz

Sam Fender

GROUP OF THE YEAR

D-Block Europe

Little Mix

London Grammar

Wolf Alice

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST

Billie Eilish

Olivia Rodrigo

Taylor Swift

INTERNATIONAL GROUP

Silk Sonic

The War On Drugs

INTERNATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR

ATB x Topic x A7S – Your Love (9PM)

Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever

CKay – Love Nwantiti

Doja Cat and SZA – Kiss Me More

Drake and Lil Baby – Girls Want Girls

Galantis, Little Mix and David Guetta – Heartbreak Anthem

Jonasu – Black Magic

Lil Nas X – Montero (Call Me By Your Name)

Lil Tjay and 6lack – Calling My Phone

Måneskin – I Wanna Be Your Slave

Olivia Rodrigo – good 4 u

Polo G – Rapstar

The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber – Stay

The Weeknd – Save Your Tears

Tiesto – The Business

BEST NEW ARTIST

Central Cee

Joy Crookes

Little Simz

Self Esteem

RISING STAR

Bree Runway

Holly Humberstone (already announced as winner)

Lola Young

POP/R&B ACT

Ed Sheeran

Joy Crookes

Becky Hill

Calvin Harris

Fred again..

Joel Corry

ALTERNATIVE/ROCK ACT

Glass Animals

Sam Fender

Tom Grennan

Wolf Alice

HIP-HOP/GRIME/RAP ACT

Central Cee

Little Simz

The Brit Awards 2022 will air live from London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday 8 February, with comedian Mo Gilligan on presenting duties for the first time.

Anton Du Beke Eyes Permanent Seat On Strictly Panel As First Year Of Judging Draws To An End

Posted on 18/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has said he hopes to retain his seat on the panel in the future as his first year as an official judge comes to an end.

Having made no secret of his hopes to become a Strictly judge in the past, the former long-serving professional finally got his wish this year, when he was recruited to fill in for Bruno Tonioli, who couldn’t take part in the show due to travel restrictions.

With the series almost over, viewers are now questioning whether Anton – who has been well-received by most Strictly fans – could be kept on as a full-time judge, which he seems quite in favour of.

Reflecting on how he’s found judging Strictly, he joked to Metro: “I’ve loved coming back every week. I’ll carry on judging, please.”

When asked whether he’d missed dancing, he added: “I have a bit, especially when I see a number that I wish I’d done. When Tom Fletcher danced a foxtrot to Fly Me To The Moon I wanted to nudge him out of the way and have a dance, although I don’t think he’d have appreciated that.

“But then I’m not missing the bit where they go, ‘And not dancing next week is…’.”

The Strictly Come Dancing judging panel pictured last week

Craig Revel Horwood recently said he’d be in favour of Anton becoming a permanent Strictly judge.

Earlier this week, the sharp-tongued star said Anton had been “a great addition” to the panel, explaining: “He knows the process of working with celebrities inside out, he’s been there.

“Particularly with celebs that haven’t been ‘gifted’, he’s had to manoeuvre them around that dance floor – and he’s been with great dancers, where he could show off his talents.

“Armed with all that information, he’s showing great empathy for the celebs,” Craig added. “He’s more lenient than me. And he’s funny. Long may it continue, he’s a good egg, Anton.”

This year’s Strictly final airs on Saturday night at 7pm on BBC One.

Rod Stewart And Son Plead Guilty In US Hotel Assault Case

Posted on 18/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Rod Stewart and his son have pleaded guilty to battery in an assault case stemming from an altercation with a security guard at an exclusive Florida hotel on New Year’s Eve 2019.

Court records released on Friday show the singer and his 41-year-old son Sean Stewart entered guilty pleas to misdemeanour charges of simple battery.

“No one was injured in the incident and a jury did not find Sir Rod Stewart guilty of the accusation,” his lawyer Guy Fronstin said in a statement.

“Instead, Sir Rod Stewart decided to enter a plea to avoid the inconvenience and unnecessary burden on the court and the public that a high-profile proceeding would cause.”

The 76-year-old musician is a member of the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and was knighted by the Queen in 2016.

His hits include Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, You’re In My Heart, Hot Legs and Maggie May.

The plea agreement, dated and signed on Monday, means Rod and his son will not have to appear in court and formal adjudication of the charge was withheld. There will be no trial.

Neither will do any jail time or be required to pay fines and they will not be placed on probation, Mr Fronstin said.

The Stewarts were accused of a physical altercation with security guard Jessie Dixon at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach on December 31 2019.

The dispute involved Mr Dixon’s refusal to allow them into a private party at the hotel.

He said in court papers that the elder Stewart punched him in the rib cage with a closed fist and Sean shoved him.

A spokesperson for Palm Beach state attorney Dave Aronberg, whose office prosecuted the case, said in an email that Mr Dixon agreed with the outcome of the case.

Strictly Pro Karen Hauer Unable To Dance In Live Final Due To Injury

Posted on 17/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Long-serving Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer has announced she’ll not be able to perform during the live final this weekend due to an injury.

Karen was partnered with The Crown actor Greg Wise in this year’s series, and had been due to reunite with the rest of the cast for a group number in Saturday’s live show.

However, the Venezualen performer has told her Instagram followers that she will not be able to dance in the number, after hurting her knee.

She said earlier this week: “Currently, I have two things wrong with my knee. There’s a little bit of a tear on my meniscus and then there’s also a little cartilage flap behind my knee.

“But they’re very minor so instead of an op I got a knee injection so that’s good news.”

Karen Hauer dancing with Greg Wise earlier in the series

Karen later confirmed that while we would be able to see her during the group number, she won’t be able to dance as a result of her injury.

“I’m going to be making a little appearance on the dance floor but not dancing, probably waving,” she revealed. “But I’ll definitely be there.”

It was also confirmed on Friday that finalist AJ Odudu had been forced to withdraw from the competition at the eleventh hour due to a torn ligament.

Because of this, the final will be going ahead with just two contestants in the running, EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and former Bake Off winner John Whaite.

Kai Widdrington and AJ Odudu have withdrawn from the competition

Former contestant Tilly Ramsay will be completely absent from the group dance after testing positive for Covid, as will Robert Webb, who pulled out of the show for medical reasons back in October.

He explained: “My love for Strictly is a season that is forever summer. However, the producers understood that when I had to stop, I had to stop completely…

“If I gave out a few more details about what the show had been doing to me physically and mentally, you wouldn’t be surprised that the offer of one more dance was politely declined.”

Strictly returns on Saturday night at 7pm on BBC One.

Labour Demands Tory MP Apologise Or Face The Sack Over Chris Whitty Attack

Posted on 16/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Labour has called for a Tory MP who attacked Chris Whitty for his Covid advice to apologise for her remarks or be sacked from her government post.

Joy Morrissey branded Whitty an “unelected covid public health spokesperson” on Twitter and suggested he “defer to what our elected members of parliament and the prime Minister have decided”.

“I know it’s difficult to remember but that’s how democracy works,” she added. “This is not a public health socialist state.”

Joy Morrissey's now-deleted tweet — Joy Morrissey’s now-deleted tweet

Morrissey, a private parliamentary secretary to deputy prime minister and justice secretary Dominic Raab, has since deleted the tweet but has not apologised.

Instead, she issued a follow-up tweet in which she said she was “increasingly concerned at public health pronouncements made in the media that already seem to exceed or contradict decisions made by our elected representatives”.

I am increasingly concerned at public health pronouncements made in the media that already seem to exceed or contradict decisions made by our elected representatives.

Expert advice is important but decisions must be made by those we elect, who are democratically accountable.

— Joy Morrissey MP (@joymorrissey) December 16, 2021

Following her remarks shadow justice secretary Steve Reed called on Raab to force Morrissey to apologise or sack her.

In a letter to Raab, Reed said: “I am calling on you to demand that she apologise or, failing that, be removed from her position.

“It is vital, especially during this pandemic, that our leading scientists have the freedom to give public health advice to the public and to offer their expertise without fear of reprisal.

“As the Omicron variant spreads rapidly through Britain, there must not be any sign of the government censoring or intimidating our leading scientific experts.”

Morrissey is not the only Tory MP to vent their anger at Whitty following his advice that the public should “prioritise” social events that matter to them and avoid those that do not.

Conservative MP Steve Baker hit out at “officials” who have a “massive capacity to herd the public into particular behaviours”, while colleague Steve Brine accused “advisers” like Whitty of “running the show”.

Later in the morning Downing Street dismissed Morrissey’s claim that Whitty was acting as if Britain is a “public health socialist state” and issued a staunch defence of the chief medical officer.

Asked if Boris Johnson agreed with her comment, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “No. Professor Whitty is a hugely respected and trusted public servant who provides independent, evidence-based advice.

“I think he himself has been clear that he provides advice and it is rightly for ministers and elected politicians to decide.

“He has been a hugely trusted and valued part of our pandemic response and continues to be so.”

Katie Price Speaks Out After Avoiding Jail In Drink-Driving Case: ‘It’s Been A Really Difficult Time’

Posted on 16/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Katie Price has said she is “incredibly sorry” for her actions after avoiding a prison sentence for drink-driving.

The reality star was handed a 16-week suspended sentence on Wednesday after a car crash near her home earlier this year, which happened when she was banned from driving and did not have insurance.

District Judge Amanda Kelly at Crawley Magistrates’ Court said she was unable to send Katie to prison because she had complied with the requirements of the court, including attending a rehabilitation centre and not committing further offences.

However, she added that Katie did “deserve” to “spend Christmas behind bars”.

Following her court appearance, Katie posted a statement on her Instagram story on Thursday, where she said she was “sincerely grateful nobody was hurt”.

She said: “It’s been a really difficult time and I’m incredibly sorry for my actions – I’m sincerely grateful nobody was hurt – I realise the damage my actions could have caused not only to another family, but to my own as well.

“I’m now spending time getting better — mental health is a hidden illness and can strike at any time.

“The triggers that cause my anxiety and behaviour are something I’m trying to understand, come to terms with, and learn to control moving forward.

“This will be a long process for myself and something I’ll continue to work on for the rest of my life. It’s also something I can work on with my family so we can progress on a new chapter together.”

She added: “Thank you for all the messages of goodwill that I’ve received. I’m going to surround myself with my loving family and friends and continue doing the work I love as it brings me enjoyment and helps my mental health.”

It was previously revealed that police are considering an appeal against the sentence given to Katie.

Superintendent James Collis, head of roads policing for Sussex Police and Surrey Police, said officers are looking at whether it could be subject to appeal.

He said the sentencing, “as the judge explained, could have and should have been much worse and, in our view, Price is extremely lucky not to be spending Christmas behind bars”.

“Given the circumstances and her history of motoring offences, it’s clear she did not consider the risk of her actions to the wider public or the implications for her own family,” he added.

“We are now exploring whether we can appeal this sentence.”

Tory MP Attacks Chris Whitty As ‘Unelected Spokesperson’ In ‘Socialist State’

Posted on 16/12/2021 by Boris Clair

A Tory MP has launched an attack on chief medical officer Chris Whitty, calling him an “unelected covid public health official” who should “defer” to parliament and the prime minister.

Joy Morrissey, the MP for Beaconsfield since 2010, made the comments in response to a tweet from Times journalist Steven Swinford who highlighted the difference in messaging between Boris Johnson and Whitty over socialising during the Christmas period.

In her tweet — which has since been deleted — Morrissey said: “Perhaps the unelected covid public health spokesperson should defer to what our ELECTED Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister have decided.

“I know it’s difficult to remember but that’s how democracy works. This is not a public health socialist state.”

Her tweet appeared to be criticised by MPs on her own side, including former chief whip Julian Smith, who said “personal attacks by any politician on members of the civil service are completely unacceptable”.

In a reply to Morrissey, writer James Felton said: “His job is to present the scientific view and what’s best for public health, not repeat what Boris Johnson said because he can’t keep his own MPs on board with basic health measures.”

The Labour Party’s south east branch said Morrissey should “focus her attention” on the actions of the chancellor “instead of attacking public health officials”.

Keegan denied Johnson was at odds with Whitty, arguing that they were “both basically saying the same thing”.

“What they were saying was prioritise, because obviously the more contacts you have, the more chance you have of testing positive, and that would mean that you’d be isolated on Christmas Day,” she told Times Radio.

“Obviously if you want to have a family Christmas, then be cautious, otherwise you could end up testing positive and having to isolate over Christmas. That’s the message.”

Walking for fitness: Getting started

Posted on 16/12/2021 by Boris Clair

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Katie Price Receives Suspended Prison Sentence For Drink-Driving Offences

Posted on 15/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Katie Price has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to undergo 100 hours of community service for drink-driving offences.

Back in September, Katie was charged with driving while unfit to drive through drink, using a motor vehicle on a public place without third party insurance and driving while disqualified after overturning her car in a collision near her home.

A week after the accident, she pleaded guilty to drink-driving while disqualified and without insurance.

The court also heard at the time that the former glamour model and reality star had told police after the crash: “I took drugs, I should not be driving, I admit it all.”

Katie’s sentencing was subsequently adjourned on the condition that she have treatment at the Priory Centre, not commit any further offences, and be banned from driving in the interim.

Appearing in court on Wednesday afternoon, the star was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service.

Her driving ban was also extended for an additional two years.

Katie Price arriving in court on Wednesday afternoon

The district judge told Katie at Crawley Magistrates’ Court: “When you chose to get behind the wheel that night you showed no concern for others. You could have killed somebody.

“Your actions meant the emergency services had to use up their precious time. You knowingly and deliberately flouted a court order and not for the first time.

“You seem to think you are above the law.”

A photo of the crash was released by the police shortly after the incident

Following Katie’s car accident, her concerned family issued a statement saying: “We have for some time been concerned about Kate’s wellbeing and overall mental health. Today our worst fears nearly came true. As a family, we have been and will continue to help Kate get the help she needs.

“We hope that she will realise that she cannot battle her issues alone.”

They added: “We are concerned and worried about her deeply, we know she lives her life publicly and to many she is fair game, but as a family we hope she can find her path privately moving forward during this very difficult period in her life.

“We are not asking for sympathy – just that it is recognised that Kate is unwell.”

Last month, the former I’m A Celebrity contestant publicly thanked her family – as well as her fiancé Carl Woods – for “always having my back” amid her latest personal struggles.