festive

THEY rarely saw eye to eye at the school gates in hit BBC ­sitcom Motherland.

And now its stars Anna Maxwell Martin and Lucy Punch go head-to-head in a battle of the Christmas TV ads.

Line Of Duty actress Anna is the star of this year’s Tesco Christmas advert, while Lucy is set to be the face of the coveted M&S festive ­campaign.

Anna, who played beleaguered Julia in Motherland, is faced with a Christmas crisis playing Lizzie in the Tesco commercial, when she accidentally orders her food to be delivered to an old address.

However Tesco delivery driver Polly, played by Roisin Conaty, offers to help her old school friend make sure that Christmas dinner makes it to the table in time for the big day.

Anna said: “We’ve all been there. In the stress to get everything perfect at Christmas, suddenly you realise you’ve somehow only ordered one singular sprout, totally ­forgotten wrapping paper or sent a delivery to the wrong address.

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“I’m really pleased to be part of a production that acknowledges that while we can all strive for our ‘perfect’ Christmas, it is in fact human connection that truly helps to make Christmas magic.”

I previously revealed how Lucy — best known as Amanda in Motherland and its spin-off, Amandaland — is set to be the face of M&S’s first ever joint fashion and food festive promo.

She will replace comic Dawn French, who has featured in the chain’s TV food ads since 2022.

A source said: “Amandaland is one of the most popular shows on telly right now, and bosses thought it would be really fun to cast Lucy in their Christmas ad to promote both their food and fashion ranges.”

Comedian Roisin also has a link to last year’s Waitrose Christmas adverts, which starred Joe Wilkinson’s love-struck character Phil, who falls in love with Keira Knightley.

Roisin and Joe played couple Roxy and Pat in Ricky Gervais’s hit Netflix series Afterlife.

Never mind TV Christmas specials — it’s clear the ads are now the real stars of the show.

DOM’S TOUCH OF CLASS

DOMINIC COOPER has given an insight into the sizzling sex scenes on ITV series Adultery.

The Mamma Mia! actor and Romola Garai play the roles of Tom and Beth, who have an affair in the six-episode series after meeting through their teenage children.

Of the steamy scenes, Dominic praised the intimacy co-ordinators, saying: “They have helped tremendously in what are such difficult bits of the film, and they put them together beautifully.

“They really do understand it because they have studied it and a little touch can mean so much more.

“Before you used to see two actors go, ‘Well, this is what I do at home’. Then they just jump on.”

IT’S ALL FRIGHT ON THE NIGHT

BROOKLYN and Nicola Peltz Beckham gave Tarzan and Jane a run for their money as they dressed up for Halloween.

David and ­Victoria Beckham’s eldest son and his actress wife posed in ­matching leopard print.

Meanwhile, Pete Wicks and Olivia Attwood ­transformed into Gotham City baddies The Joker and his sidekick Harley Quinn in London’s ­Covent Garden this week.

Amanda Holden looked super-scary as she dressed up as Netflix axe “killer” Lizzie Borden from hit ­ crime drama Monster.

Elsewhere Rita Ora paid homage to Dolly parton for a Halloween bash in New York and Fearne Cotton posed in a wacky brain costume.

Comic Leigh Francis did his best padded He-Man impression for a London party, while Kelly Osbourne looked unrecognisable in a catsuit as she joined pals at Annabel’s in the capital, where Sir Rod Stewart put his glad rags on to step out as a dapper Prince Charming.

X FACTOR TEEN FOR HARRYWEEN

HARRY STYLES went back to his roots on Friday as he recreated his X Factor audition for Halloween.

The As It Was singer transformed into his 16-year-old self, wearing the same grey cardigan and scarf, to go on stage during his 30-night residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Harry performed Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely – the same song he used to impress Simon Cowell and Co at his audition in 2010.

And he delighted fans at his sold-out gig by using the same introduction he gave judges 16 years ago: “I work in a bakery. I’m 16.”

Harry was eventually put together with Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson to form boyband One Direction.

Harry’s actress fiancée Zoe Kravitz was seen in a red devil outfit in a nod to spooky season, dancing in the crowd alongside the singer’s mum Anne Twist, who was dressed as Disney’s Maleficent.

The pair were joined by Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough.

THE Gentlemen star Michelle Morrone has joined a subscription site to offer fans an exclusive glimpse into his off-screen life.

The Italian actor shared topless snaps with his 16million online ­followers to announce he has joined the platform subs.com, in which he is an investor alongside beauty Megan Fox.

He wrote on Instagram: “Everyone thinks they know me. Through films, photographs, brands, music, social media . . .  But the truth is, you’ve only seen one part of me. And I’ve decided to open that door for you.”

He added: “I want to create something different. A private space where we can be closer.”

Michele is currently starring alongside US actress Sydney Sweeney in sequel The Housemaid’s Secret, which is set for release next year.

PHOENIX’S NEXT STEP IS SCARY

SHE may want to shake off the nepo baby tag, but Phoenix Chi Gulzar Brown is following in the footsteps of her mum Mel B.

Speaking at the VIP night of Tulleys Shocktober Fest in ­Crawley, she said: “I’m going to be releasing music soon, I’m not just a DJ.” And she means business.

“This summer I decided to take it seriously, and I got in the studio and spoke to a few people and I like what I’m ­making,” she said. “It’ll be groovy and funky stuff.

“I’ll be doing a bit of producing and singing, there’ll be a few surprises in there.”

A collaboration with her mum might seem an obvious move, but getting Scary Spice to commit is ­proving tricky.

Phoenix said: “I’m going to do my best to get my mum in the studio for a collaboration but she’s a woman of her own. She says no to everyone – including me.”

But one person firmly backing her musical ambitions is her events executive pal Sofie Noah. Sofie said: “It’s f***ing epic.”

She then teased: “She’s got a good voice, with a bit of Autotune.”

Streaming giant Netflix has unveiled its list of brand new Christmas films that will be released on their platform one per week beginning on November 4

TV schedules are always a major talking point when Christmas approaches – and it appears Netflix are embracing the festive spirit early by unveiling their Yuletide films for 2026, much to their subscribers’ excitement.

Even though we tend to go for the classics of Home Alone, Elf and The Grinch, it can be nice to try a new film, even if it does end up with you not being able to get back two hours of your life. It can be a chance to laugh, cringe, or even debate with family while spending that all-important time together.

Annually, the streaming platform adds four seasonal offerings to its already vast catalogue of movies. And now this year’s titles have been unveiled, as television critic Kate Ellen discussed.

“Every year Netflix announces four films in the run-up to Christmas, and we’ve had some real bangers,” she began in a TikTok video, highlighting Hot Frosty and The Merry Gentlemen as past examples. “Last year wasn’t so strong, but this year I think it is their [Netflix] best line-up yet.”

Kate proceeded to list each title, the first of which is available on Netflix early next month, with the others following every Wednesday.

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas – November 4

Ellen revealed that the first to arrive is A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, which lands on Netflix as early as November 4. She said: “It stars Dennis Quaid and Jess from Gilmore Girls [Milo Ventimiglia] as a Basset Hound who apparently can talk.

“Apparently Dennis is like a grumpy grandad who lost his wife a few years ago, and this year it’s up to him, the Basset Hound and his teenage granddaughter to pull the family together and save Christmas.”

Netflix adds in a brief synopsis: “From the bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose, a tale of a family in crisis where a teenager, her grandfather and his trusty basset hound struggle to keep the household together at Christmas.”

The Gospel of Christmas – November 11

Seven days later, Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas arrives on Netflix.

“This one is set in New York and follows a pastor [played by actor and singer, Tank] who has inherited his family’s church,” Ellen went on.

“Apparently he’s going to be battling temptation and doubt – and needing to rediscover his faith before Christmas.”

Netflix’s synopsis adds: “Hark! The herald angels sing – and that’s not all they’re getting up to. A brand-new Tyler Perry movie is being gift-wrapped and tied up with a ribbon, right on time for the holiday season, and it features a series of vocal performances that are not to be missed.”

Guarding Stars – November 18

A week later is when “things get really exciting”, according to Ellen.

“This [Guarding Stars] stars Blair from Gossip Girl [Leighton Meester] and Dean from Gilmore Girls [Jared Padalecki],” she reported. “Jared plays an action movie star and Leighton is his no-nonsense bodyguard who is there to protect him over Christmas.”

Ellen also pointed out that Meester has already proven she is “good in Christmas romances”, having starred in the 2023 rom-com EXMas.

Netflix describes the film with this synopsis: “An upcoming holiday romantic comedy movie about a no-nonsense bodyguard assigned to protect a charming action star over the holidays. Of course, sparks fly, secrets unravel, and Christmas gets a lot more complicated!”

In a Holidaze – December 2

Rounding off Ellen’s list as December approaches is In a Holidaze, starring former Dance Moms favourite Maddie Ziegler.

She said: “She’s [Ziegler] playing a directionless 20-something who, after a romantic mistake of epic proportions, gets stuck inside a time loop, living the same Christmas at her family’s cabin again and again. And apparently she keeps going until she finds out what makes her happy.”

IMDb further explains: “Maelyn Jones’ holiday takes an unexpected turn when her wish for happiness at her family’s snowy Utah cabin results in a time-loop, forcing her to relive Christmas repeatedly.”

Writing in response to Kate’s clip, one TikTok user exclaimed: “I’m so excited for In A Holidaze! Based on a book I hope it’s good.”

A second person shared: “Oh I’m excited!” While a third pointed out: “You forgot to mention the leading lady for ‘the Gospel of Christmas’ is Fantasia who is a American Idol winner and Grammy Award winner and Golden Globe nominated.”

So, as you can see, this year’s festive schedule is absolutely jam-packed!

This beautiful city offers a quieter alternative to the UK’s busiest festive destinations, with a magnificent medieval cathedral, riverside walks and traditional pubs to warm up in.

Christmas markets might put Bath, York and Edinburgh high on your winter travel wish list, but Norwich has plenty to tempt anyone seeking a quieter staycation.

With its medieval landmarks, independent shops and welcoming pubs, the city combines festive atmosphere with opportunities to slow down and explore. Spend a day browsing for gifts, strolling beside the river or admiring the cathedral before settling in somewhere cosy.

Norwich is Britain’s only city located within a national park — one of its major draws.

Norwich was among the leading UK staycation destinations picked by specialists at StressFreeCarRental.com in 2024. The company’s CEO, John Charnock, said: “As the nights draw in and the temperatures plummet, it’s inevitable that many of us start to feel a little down at this time of year.

“The picturesque Broads National Park has miles and miles of footpaths for visitors to truly feel at one with nature and help to keep active. Norwich is a great city to connect with the outdoors and practice ecotherapy.”

Back in the city, Norwich Cathedral is a highlight for visitors drawn to its medieval architecture. Its appeal extends beyond the building itself, with Christmas services, concerts and a light show adding to the festive experience.

On TripAdvisor, one recent visitor to the cathedral said: “Visited early on a Friday morning as the Cathedral was being prepared for the weekend with Flower arrangers busy creating displays. We had a lovely chat with one of the volunteers.

“A lovely building made of Caen Stone. We visited the grave of brave Edith Cavell. There is small gift shop if you wish to purchase something. Beautiful grounds around the building.”

While another recent visitor added: “An outstanding cathedral. Well worth visiting. Entry fee is a suggested £5. Wonderful cloisters and some very interesting and historic graves and monuments. I would definitely go back as there is so much to see.”

For Christmas shopping, Norwich offers a mix of independent retailers and familiar high street names. Its bustling marketplace, shopping centres and Norwich Lanes provide plenty of places to hunt for gifts and keepsakes.

Rather than one huge Christmas market, the city has a collection of smaller festive events showcasing local creativity. There are also multiple Christmas markets and late-night shopping on Thursdays in the run-up to Christmas.

Seasonal lights and decorations brighten the streets, while historic venues including The Assembly House and The Maids Head Hotel add to the celebrations.

When it’s time for a break from browsing, the decorated Norwich Lanes make an inviting setting for a leisurely wander. Alternatively, head out from Norwich railway station for a walk beside the River Wensum.

Along the riverside, sights include Pull’s Ferry, Cow Tower and Norwich Cathedral, with pubs such as the Compleat Angler and The Red Lion offering somewhere to stop for a drink.

For a longer dose of history, try the city’s circular walking route, which follows the Wensum and crosses ancient bridges. Medieval city walls, the imposing castle and churches are among the landmarks to look out for.

Norwich’s oldest pub, The Adam and Eve, is conveniently placed along the route. And after a day spent exploring in the winter air, one of the city’s traditional pubs with a crackling fire could be just the place to finish.