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BRUCE Springsteen’s classic Born in the USA is being censored for radio — with a lyric about “the yellow man” removed.

The Boss, now 76, is widely considered to be calling out racism in his 1984 hit, covering the struggles of war vets returning from Vietnam.

He belts out: “So they put a rifle in my hands, sent me off to a foreign land, to go and kill the yellow man, Born in the USA.”

However Absolute Radio will mute the song as he utters “yellow man”, considered an offensive slur for an Asian person.

The track, hailed for its scathing commentary on the treatment of Vietnam vets and working-class Americans, is ranked 275th in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Born in the USA album sold over 30 million copies worldwide and was the world’s best-selling record in 1985.

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It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012 and includes other hits like Dancing in the Dark, Glory Days and I’m on Fire.

Bruce’s censorship comes after the Spice Girls’ 1997 track Spice Up Your Life — which includes the lyric “Yellow man in Timbuktu. Colour for both me and you” — was similarly altered last year on BBC Radio 2.

DJ Scott Mills played a version on his breakfast show which removed the word “yellow”.

Bauer Media, which owns Absolute Radio, declined to comment.

The Trinity Street house used as a filming location for Dorris’s home in the hit BBC series Gavin & Stacey is available to book via Sykes Cottages

This house is a national treasure in Wales, having featured in every series of the much-loved TV show Gavin and Stacey. Now, fans of the sitcom can experience it for themselves.

Affectionately known as the ‘Lush House’, guests can spend the night in the South Wales home that belonged to Gwen and later Dorris in the series. Located on Trinity Street in the heart of Barry, this iconic red-bricked terraced house served as a filming location for the show for many years.

It even became the central family home in the final episodes, making it particularly special for fans. Now, those eager to immerse themselves in the world of the show can book a minimum two-night stay.

Since its television debut, the house has undergone a bit of a makeover, with a fresh coat of paint and some modern updates for the comfort of its guests.

This slice of British TV history comes equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, all while knowing you’re in rooms once graced by TV royalty.

The property can accommodate up to five guests, making it perfect for a group getaway to the seaside, where you can explore other locations featured in Gavin and Stacey.

As for sleeping arrangements, there are two cosy bedrooms: one with a double bed, reminiscent of the one our favourite couple stayed in, and another featuring two twin beds in a bunk – ideal for children.

Downstairs in the communal living areas, guests can enjoy unlimited rewatches of their favourite episodes with a TV and Wi-Fi. Plus, an electric fire ensures the place stays cosy and warm, making it a perfect getaway for all seasons.

It’s worth noting that the property also features a dishwasher, saving you time on washing up, and a washing machine for those planning a longer stay. Additionally, there’s a quaint garden patio area for those moments when you fancy some fresh air.

Beyond the confines of the home, Barry has plenty to offer, and it’s all conveniently located right at your doorstep. With roadside parking available, it’s easy to jump in the car and explore the town, just like your favourite telly family.

You can take in the iconic Barry Island promenade, complete with arcades and fish and chip shops for a quintessential British seaside experience. Why not drop by the much-loved Marco’s Café or even try your luck at the slot machines where Nessa used to work, and where some of the show’s most hilarious scenes took place?

Aside from the Gavin and Stacey highlights, the area boasts a wealth of attractions for families, including the lively Barry Island Pleasure Park. For those who prefer the great outdoors, Porthkerry Country Park offers stunning woodland walks with breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel.

You can secure a minimum of two nights’ stay in the Lush House, with prices starting from approximately £472, though rates fluctuate during the summer months. Reservations can be made online through Sykes Cottages.

ACTOR Isiah Whitlock Jr – whose starring role in The Wire launched an iconic catchphrase – has died aged 71.

Whitlock Jr was best known for his recurring roles in Law & Order and Veep as well as being a regular in Spike Lee films.

His iconic catchphrase “Sh*******t” was also enshrined into pop-culture after he first delivered the line in 25th Hour.

In an interview in 2008, Whitlock Jr revealed he had picked up the phrase from his uncle Leon.

“I did it there, and I did it in She Hate Me,” he said.

“But then, when I got on to The Wire, I saw a couple of opportunities where I could do it, and I did.

“And they started writing it in.”

Whitlock Jr was born in South Bend, Indiana, and began his acting career after graduating from college, when he joined San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater.

The star first appeared on screen in 1987 in a guest role on CBS’ Cagney & Lacey.

He continued to appear on TV for the following 35 years, starring in the Law & Order franchise in multiple episodes of Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent.

Best known for his role as corrupt State Senator R. Clayton “Clay” Davis in The Wire, he appeared in all five seasons of the popular crime drama.

Whitlock Jr later got to play a man obsessed with The Wire in the 2011 comedy Cedar Rapids.

The star was confirmed dead on Tuesday by his long-time manager Brian Liebman.

“Isiah was a brilliant actor and even better person,” Liebman told Deadline.

“He was loved by all who had the pleasure to work with or know him. 

“He will be greatly missed.”

A fan favourite on HBO’s political comedy Veep, he played Secretary of Defence General George Maddox.

Whitlock Jr was a series regular on Showtime’s legal thriller Your Honor, where he portrayed a politician with connections in organised crime.

His final TV role was in the Netflix murder mystery series The Residence, where he depicted the Chief of Police, opposite Uzo Aduba.

The show premiered in March.

The star had a long-standing relationship with Spike Lee, appearing in six of the Oscar-winning filmmaker’s movies: 25th Hour (2002), She Hate Me (2004), Red Hook Summer (2012), Chi-Raq (2015), BlacKkKlansman (2018) and Da 5 Bloods (2020).

He also appeared as a doctor in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, as well as roles in Chappelle’s Show, Pieces of April, Enchanted and Pixar’s Cars 3 and Lightyear.

On the big screen, Whitlock Jr was most recently seen in Elizabeth Banks’ black comedy Cocaine Bear.

His voice will also be heard as part of the voice cast in the Pixar/Disney animated feature Hoppers, which is slated for release in March, 2026.

ACTRESS Melanie Watson died on Friday in Colorado Springs.

Best known for her role on the 80s TV show “Diff’rent Strokes”, she passed away aged 57.

The Diff’rent Strokes actress had been in hospital where she quickly deteriorated, TMZ reported.

Robert Watson, Melanie’s brother told the outlet that she died on December 26.

He said his sister had been suffering bleeding, and that doctors did their best to help her.

Watson was born in Dana Point, California, with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, which causes bones to fracture easily.

The disease can also cause a curved spine, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and other issues.

The actress’ brother told TMZ that she was lucky to have lived as long as she did with her condition.

Robert said he would always think of Melanie.

She played Arnold’s pal Kathy Gordon on the 1980s TV show Diff’rent Strokes, appearing in four episodes of the hit show.

Her character used a wheelchair, just as the child star did in real life.

In 1982, she appeared in an episode called Kathy, named after her character.

In the episode, Kathy argued with Gary Coleman’s character, Arnold, after he tried to convince her to walk without using crutches.

Watson retired from showbiz after her run on hit show Diff’rent Strokes ended.

Later, she was married to Roger Bernhardt, for four years between 1994 and 1996.

Known professionally as Melanie Bernhardt, the child star was the founder and executive director of Train Rite, an organisation that trains shelter dogs to help disabled people.

In 2020, the the actress began a run for the Colorado State Senate, but pulled out of the race as “unforeseeable health conditions” derailed her campaign.

In 2024, she had expressed hopes of running for political office again.

Watson spoke about her TV stardom in a 2020 interview with IndieWire, describing herself as “a pill” to work with.

She said: “I was always playing with my yo-yo and listening to my Walkman.”

Talking about representing disabled people like her on screen, Watson said: “I didn’t realise what a gift it was to be the first one out there.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have stayed in the business.”

The Holiday is one of the most well-loved Christmas films among Brits. But many fans might not know that one of the film’s most iconic scenes was improvised by cameo star

People have been left baffled after learning that one of the most iconic scenes in festive classic The Holiday was improvised by a movie star in an impromptu cameo performance. For many, Christmas time means watching as many festive films as you can before the year comes to an end, and The Holiday is often cited as one of the best.

This 2006 romantic Christmas comedy stars Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black. The plot revolves around two women, played by Diaz and Winslet, who decide to swap homes for the holidays, crossing continents to escape their relationship woes. However they might not be as unlucky in love as they thought.

The film boasts picturesque country houses, an incredible play tent, plenty of festive cheer, and even cameo appearances from the likes of Dustin Hoffman, star of a plethora of screen gems, including 1967’s The Graduate. However, many fans have been left baffled to learn his surprise appearance wasn’t planned.

In an interview with NBC News, the film’s director, Nancy Meyers, revealed Hoffman’s cameo in the film had come up by accident after the actor walked onto set to say hello to her.

“Dustin was eating at a restaurant next door,” Nancy explained, saying he’d spotted all of the accompanying trailers and trucks outside. “And someone said they’re shooting in the Blockbuster.”

Dustin was told that the film was directed by Nancy, and since their daughters, who were in Middle School at the time, are best friends, decided to walk onto set to say hi. She then recalled Dustin sitting with her for an hour, just watching the shooting and having fun.

The scene they were filming took place inside the Blockbuster film store and sees Black’s character perform a number of iconic scores from different movies to Winslet’s character. “Well, it wasn’t an hour, but it was a long time, when I thought ‘what is wrong with me?” Nancy recalled, saying she invited the star to join the scene.

She said: “We’re talking about The Graduate, do you just want to be in the scene and we’ll just cut you, and you can just, whatever. And he went ‘alright’.”

Nancy went on to explain that she sent Dustin straight into the scene in the clothes he’d worn for this lunch earlier. They also didn’t do his hair or put any makeup on him.

“And he went over there, I had them do The Graduate thing, and he just said ‘can’t go anywhere’, and it was just great,” Nancy explained.

Several people quickly took to the comment section to share their bafflement, as many thought the cameo made the film even better.

“LOVE THIS!!!! Wow what a fun story,” one person said, while someone else wrote: “I love to see Dustin in that scene! It made it look even more realistic.”

A third user said: “One of my all time favourite movies, and yes, he added so much fun to it, seems like a great guy.”

Someone else shared: “I love this story! I walked by the Blockbuster as they were filming this that night in Brentwood! Dustin must’ve been dining at Pizzicotto, next door.”

2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for music fans, with huge names set to drop new albums and singles.

From Lana Del Rey adding a country twist to her latest tracks, to The Rolling Stones promising fresh rock anthems, there’s something for every taste.

Rising stars like Raye and Leigh-Anne will be making waves, while veterans including Paul McCartney, Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen show no signs of hanging up the microphone.

With this and so much more on the way, here are our top picks for an exciting year ahead.

LANA DEL RAY 

FOLLOWING the likes of Beyonce and Post Malone, Del Rey is set to saddle up and add country nuances to her tenth studio album.  

Previously announced as Lasso and The Right Person Will Stay, expect Stove sooner rather than later in the new year.  

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Singles Henry, Come On and Bluebird demonstrated her shift to Americana stylings. 

THE ROLLING STONES 

MICK JAGGER, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood may be hanging up their touring boots, but it still promises to be a momentous year for rock’s great survivors.  

There was a huge 18-year gap between Hackney Diamonds (2023) and the Stones’ previous album of original songs, A Bigger Bang.  

But in late April, we can expect a new one, again produced by US live wire Andrew Watt. 

RAYE 

WE can expect the much-anticipated follow-up to Raye’s all-conquering, soul-bearing, Brits-winning My 21st Century Blues.

The R&B singer debuted two unreleased songs at this summer’s Glastonbury with one, Where Is My Husband!, becoming the lead single from the as-yet-unnamed album.

Her official site promises an early 2026 release date. 

FOO FIGHTERS 

A NEW album from Dave Grohl and Co is on the cards in 2026, their second since the sad passing of Taylor Hawkins.

With another new drummer, ex-Nine Inch Nails Ilan Rubin, announced in the summer, the first recorded music with him appeared in the shape of single Asking For A Friend.

Two massive UK shows at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium are set for June. 

ROBBIE WILLIAMS 

INSPIRED by the mid-Nineties period after Robbie left Take That, Britpop is his 13th studio album. 

It begins with the, er, rocket-fuelled Rocket, which is graced with suitably heavy riffing from Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi. 

Bearing in mind the recent exploits of Oasis, Blur, Pulp and Suede, why not this celebration by one of the era’s favourite singers?  

Out on February 6. 

CHARLIE XCX 

AFTER the Brat summer of 2024, the singer heads in another direction with her soundtrack album for Wuthering Heights.  

Out on February 13, same day as Emerald Fennell’s film version of Emily Bronte’s novel, it has already yielded singles House, with Velvet Underground legend John Cale, and Chains Of Love.

Charli says: “It couldn’t be more different from Brat.” 

PAUL McCARTNEY 

AS far as his epic music career is concerned, Macca will never “let it be”. 

The Beatles legend confirmed work on the follow-up to 2020’s excellent McCartney III.  

In the foreword to a memoir about his other band, Wings, he wrote: “Right now, I have 25 songs that I’m finishing . . . new songs that are interesting.”  

He’s also mentioned in despatches sessions in LA with Andrew Watt (Stones, Lady Gaga). 

THE FACES 

HERE’S a rock ’n’ roll reunion to savour. 

The band’s three survivors, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones, have been preparing their first album in more than 50 years. 

At least 11 songs have been recorded, which Jones says are “a mixture of stuff we never released but is worthy of releasing and some wonderful new stuff. Rod is writing the lyrics.” 

COURTNEY BARNETT 

THE Aussie rekindles her love of the electric guitar on her forthcoming fourth album.

After decamping to California, she’s been recording in Rancho De Luna, Joshua Tree, home of the legendary hard-rocking Desert Sessions.

First evidence of her labours is recent single Stay In Your Lane, complete with scuzzy bass lines and wonderfully deadpan vocals. 

VAN MORRISON 

HOT on the heels of his sublime return to form, Remembering Now, comes this love letter to the blues, Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge.

Out on January 23, the 20-track album proves Van is still “The Man” at 80.

It includes Fats Domino’s Ain’t That A Shame, Blind Blake’s Delia’s Gone and features stellar 

guests – Buddy Guy and Taj Mahal among them. 

DANNY L HARLE 

AFTER stellar production duties with Dua Lipa, Caroline Polachek and Olly Alexander, Harle steps into the limelight with the genre-hopping Cerulean (released February 13).

“This is my debut album. This is the big one,” says the North Londoner.

Singles already released Starlight (ft PinkPantheress) and Azimuth (ft Polachek) offer much promise. 

BJORK 

THE Icelandic icon has given a strong hint of new material in the new year, her first since 2022’s Fossora. 

She’s involved in a huge exhibition in Reykjavik involving immersive audio and visual installations.

A social media post reveals that the third and last of these is “a new work based on music from her forthcoming album, currently in development.” 

LEIGH-ANNE 

THE impressive former Little Mix singer can finally do things her way when 

she releases her 15-track debut album as an independent solo artist. Following the singles Been A Minute, Burning Up and Dead And Gone, she delivers My Ego Told Me To in February.

Rooted in reggae and pop, it explores personal themes of family and empowerment. 

GORILLAZ 

MURDOC, Russel Hobbs, 2D and Noodle – the brainchildren of Damon Albarn and visual artist Jamie Hewlett – release The Mountain on March 20.

The ninth Gorillaz album brings Indian music to the fore but also finds room for guest appearances by Sparks, Gruff Rhys, Idles and Johnny Marr. Drummer Hobbs calls it “a journey of the soul – with beats.” 

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN 

THIS was a year when The Boss gave us so much.

Another visit to the UK with the E Street Band followed by two significant raids on his archives – Tracks II with its SEVEN unreleased albums and an expanded Nebraska to coincide with the recent biopic.

Yet he told Rolling Stone: “I have a record finished. It’s a solo record  . . .  I imagine it will come out in ’26 some time.”  

MUMFORD & SONS 

THE trio of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Deane have reunited with Taylor Swift associate, The National’s Aaron Dessner.

He has produced and co-writes Prizefighter.

Set for release on Feb 13, the band’s sixth studio album arrives less than a year after their UK No 1 fifth, Rushmere. Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton & Hozier guest. 

LUCINDA WILLIAMS 

BEARER of one of the most passionate voices in American music, Williams returns with World’s Gone Wrong on January 23.

She addresses head-on the divisions in her country while taking specific aim at the sandy-haired White House incumbent.

She duets with the mighty Mavis Staples on a cover of Bob Marley’s So Much Trouble In The World. 

THE DAMNED 

WHEN the punk pioneers’ founder member Brian James died earlier this year, the current line-up recorded a covers album celebrating the Sixties music loved by their fallen comrade.

Not Like Everybody Else is out on January 23.

Singer Dave Vanian turns There’s A Ghost In My House into a hoot and Captain Sensible takes the lead on Pink Floyd’s See Emily Play. 

BBC One’s new Christmas drama Stuffed has been branded “iconic” by fans

A hidden treasure of a comedy on the BBC, hailed as “brilliant” by viewers, is set to air tonight.

Stuffed, starring Guz Khan and Morgana Robinson, is a comedy-drama that follows a family embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland.

Khan portrays Arslan Farooqi, who, after receiving an unexpected £8,000 Christmas bonus at work, decides to take his multi-faith family on this festive adventure.

Joined by his wife Hannah (played by Robinson), his two daughters, and brother-in-law Jamie, they trade Coventry for the enchantment of Christmas in Lapland.

However, their holiday soon descends into chaos when Arslan discovers that his bonus was given in error and needs to be returned, reports Wales Online.

The BBC’s synopsis teases: “Things go downhill fast when Arslan finds out the bonus was a mistake, and to make matters worse, they have already spent every penny of it.

“What ensues is one man’s quest to salvage a Christmas he doesn’t believe in, while ideally not losing his job, his family, and everything he has ever worked for. And surprise, surprise, it doesn’t go too smoothly.”

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The film can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and will also be broadcast on BBC One tonight at 9pm.

One enthusiastic fan recommended: “If you’ve not watched it yet, try Stuffed on the iPlayer. Brilliant new addition to the Christmas film list. Guz Khan is brilliant.”

Another viewer gushed: “Absolutely loved Stuffed on BBC iPlayer with my fav man @GuzKhanOfficial, him and Morgana are a dream team working together.”

Another viewer chimed in: “Loved it, hope some more will follow!” while a fourth echoed: “We need a regular series for this! Loved it made me laugh throughout.”

One enthusiastic fan declared: “This is iconic on tv I didn’t know what to watch during the Christmas holidays, same old home alone and polar express but this… is perhaps the best drama I’ve seen.”

Guz had previously shared his apprehensions about Stuffed’s release with The Guardian, saying: “You never know when you make something. I never thought we’d ever be in this kind of slot. There’s lots of things that come along with doing a Christmas special.”

He continued: “A lot of the work I get asked to do is like: ‘Come in and do your thing.’ I just did season two of The Gentlemen, and it was such a fun week. There’s no rules. You can go absolutely crazy.

“But this was a little bit different. You have to follow some guidelines. And so it was a really good challenge for me. Where I’d usually express myself with dialogue, I had to try and get the same feeling with an expression.”

Stuffed airs on BBC One tonight at 9pm and is available to watch on iPlayer.

THE Muppet Show is making a 50th birthday comeback — with pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter joining as a special guest. 

Disney has revealed Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the gang are back for a one-off special, more than four decades after the curtain came down on the beloved original series.

The show will stream on Disney+ from February 4, promising fans “music, comedy and a whole lot of chaos” from the original Muppet Theatre.

In a teaser clip, Kermit’s green arm can be seen turning on the lights of an old studio, before placing down a mug with his name on it.

The show originally ran from 1976 to 1981, with a generation of kids singing along to the theme tune: “It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights.”

The series became so popular that big name stars clamoured to be guests, including Sir Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, John Cleese and Debbie Harry.

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It was broadcast in more than 100 countries and in 1978 Time magazine called the show “the most popular television entertainment now being produced on Earth”.

The series won a host of awards, including Emmy, Grammy and Bafta gongs.

Despite the lights going out on the main series, the Muppets Tonight talk show ran from 1996 to 1998.

Other short-lived TV projects followed, including a mockumentary series in 2015, the Muppets Now short form series in 2020 and The Muppets Mayhem musical comedy series in 2023.

A host of movies included The Great Muppet Caper in 1981 and The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992.

The last film, Muppets Most Wanted, in 2014, starred British comedian Ricky Gervais.

Muppets creator Jim Henson died in 1990 and Disney bought the rights in 2004.

Sabrina, who has had four UK No1 singles and two UK No1 albums, is an executive producer for the new show, as is Canadian comedian and actor Seth Rogen, who was in the 2020 series.

LILY Allen hosted a glittering Christmas party last night at London’s most notorious nightspot Stringfellows – turning heads in a sexy Santa outfit.

The singer, 40, slipped into a figure-hugging red mini dress trimmed with fluffy white fur, complete with lace suspenders adorned with bows. 

The provocative look was teamed with a velvet red Santa cape as she embraced festive glamour.

Lily styled her hair in a Sixties-inspired blow-dry and accessorised with a classic Chanel handbag. 

She added extra height with a pair of skyscraper white heels, which featured a matching fur embellishment.

Never one to take herself too seriously, the cheeky star was spotted sticking out her tongue as she posed and mingled with guests.

Lily took to the dancefloor with a host of celebrity pals including pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo. 

She also shared a playful moment dancing with the London Gay Men’s Chorus, who attended the bash. 

Fellow singer Ella Raye was among the guests too, wowing in a sheer red stocking dress as she joined Lily for a photo.

Bono’s daughter, Jordan Hewson, was seen at the star-studded event, lounging on a sofa with Lily.

The party took place at Stringfellows, the legendary gentlemen’s club founded by Peter Stringfellow in the 1970s. 

Originally opening in Soho before moving to Covent Garden, Stringfellows quickly became synonymous with celebrity excess, glamour and late-night debauchery. 

Over the decades, it has welcomed everyone from Hollywood stars to rock royalty, cementing its status as one of London’s most infamous nightlife institutions.

The Christmas bash comes during a significant year for Lily, who has launched new music widely described as a “revenge” album following her split from husband David Harbour. 

The record draws on heartbreak and betrayal after Lily publicly accused the actor of cheating. 

Fans have praised the project for its raw honesty and cutting lyrics, marking a bold new chapter in her career.

FROM snowy countrysides to festive city spots, Christmas movies have taken inspiration from a variety of UK locations.

And while the North Pole may be far out of the way, you can get into the spirit by visiting these iconic film spots a little closer to home.

Before you snuggle up to watch your go-to Christmas classics, why not go one step further and visit the exact spot where it was filmed this festive season?

A variety of festive favourites were shot on-site here in the UK, from the star-studded Love Actually to Christmas comedy Nativity!

If you find yourself near any of these famous film locations, celebrate the Christmas season by stepping into the shoes of your favourite festive characters.

Shere, Surrey

This picturesque village hit the big screen when it was featured in The Holiday back in 2006.

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The quaint area consists of historic timber-framed buildings and medieval charm, nestled in the idyllic Tillingbourne Valley.

It played home to Kate Winslet’s Iris who famously swaps homes with Los Angeles resident Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz.

Shere provides the romantic backdrop for Diaz as she finds love with Jude Law during her festive getaway.

And the village also featured in the Bridget Jones franchise, which is often considered another Christmas classic for Brits.

Snowshill, Cotswolds

The quintessential Cotswolds village also featured in Bridget Jones Diary, the first installment of the hit series.

In fact, the film and the entire franchise opens with with Bridget turning up at her parent’s house in Snowshill on a wintry New Year’s Day.

And it is in the same town where the quirky protagonist has her first on-screen encounter with her eventual husband Mark Darcy.

Due to the film’s success and the idyllic scenery, many people now stop for a photo outside the village church or one of the quaint houses that appear in the film.

As a result, Snowshill has established itself as one of Britain’s most popular Christmas film locations.

Brighton Pier

While the iconic seaside attraction may be associated with summer fun, it also has ties to the festive season.

Fans of the animated film The Snowman may recognise the historic pier from the famous Walking In The Air scene.

The main characters can be seen flying over the historic pier as they make their way to the North Pole.

While the sequence may be brief, it is perhaps one of the most famous associated with the beloved classic.

Hogwarts Great Hall

Another children’s classic is of course Harry Potter, a film series often associated with and watched around Christmas.

And while witches and wizards may be akin Halloween characters, the cosy grounds of Hogwarts are perhaps the most enticing when they are decked out for the festive season.

Now fans of the film can step into the magic by visiting the Warner Brothers Studio in Watford.

A quick trip from London, this studio tour offers a stunningly detailed look into the making of the movies, and what better time to visit than in the lead up to Christmas when the Great Hall set is adorned with decorations?

Covent Garden

And in the heart of London is of course the famous Covent Garden, which many argue is the home to the city’s best Christmas tree.

While it is already on most tourist lists, the festive season marks the best time to visit this popular spot.

With a famous Christmas market and choir performances, there’s plenty to get you in the spirit at this time of year.

And fans of the 2019 rom-com Last Christmas are sure to spot many filming spots inside this famous square, which feature heavily in the film.

Emilia Clarke’s Kate works as an Elf in a fictional year-round Christmas shop at this location, while the famous karaoke scene was shot at nearby pub The Harp.

St Luke’s Mews, Notting Hill

And if you’re a fan of Christmas rom-coms, you’ll want to pop over to Notting Hill too.

The beautiful cobbled street of St Luke’s Mews plays the backdrop to arguably the most famous scene from the festive flick Love Actually.

Whether you lap up Mark’s (Andrew Lincoln) cue card love confession to his friend’s new wife, played by Kiera Knightly, or cringe at the iconic scene, you’re sure to recognise this famous street.

While this street it located just off Portobello Road, home to the world’s largest antique market, it is still a residential area so remember to be respectful when visiting.

Coventry Cathedral Ruins

Another British Christmas classic is of course Nativity!, which primary school teacher Mr Maddens, played by Martin Freeman, as he attempts to stage a production of the Nativity.

After telling a white lie to impress his ex, Maddens soon finds himself in the midst of a media storm surrounding the school play.

The mayor even allows the class to perform the highly-anticipated show at the historic ruins of Coventry cathedral in an atmospheric climax to the film.

Paddington Station

And who can talk about beloved British festive flicks without mentioning Paddington?

The iconic bear famously made his way from Peru to the Paddington area of London, after which he was named.

Visitors can visit a statue of the bear at his namesake station, which provided the backdrop for one of the most important scenes in the 2014 film.

Elm Hill, Norwich

The picturesque area of Elm Hill in Norwich features heavily in Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.

Snowy scenery provides a backdrop for the adventure of an old toy maker and his granddaughter.

The cobbled streets, multi-coloured houses, and quaint shops of the town provide the perfect setting for movie magic.

And they also ensure the perfect shot on Instagram, whether you’re a fan of the film or not.

Birdsall House

And finally, this Malton mansion plays home to the Christmas family in 2021’s Father Christmas Is Back.

Kelsey Grammer plays James, the father of Joanna, played by Elizabeth Hurley, who he abandoned years ago.

The festive family flick follows them as they attempt to navigate Christmas together, with many scenes set at the stunning Birdsall House.

This beautiful country house is surrounded by glorious Yorkshire countryside and is a popular wedding venue, with private guided tours of the property are available.