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The Big Night of Musicals Christmas special aired on BBC One on Saturday night (December 27) with viewers spotting a vital detail

Big Night of Musicals viewers were left scratching their heads after spotting a glaring detail during the festive BBC programme.

On Saturday night (December 27), Jason Manford presented what was billed as the Christmas compilation of this year’s finest stage musicals.

The show featured performances from the casts of Matilda, Mary Poppins, and Wicked, alongside numbers from cherished films such as Back to the Future, and tributes to music legends like Tina Turner.

However, within minutes of the broadcast beginning, sharp-eyed fans noticed a dead giveaway that this wasn’t actually a fresh compilation but rather a repeat.

Flocking to X – previously Twitter – numerous viewers highlighted that several audience members could be seen wearing face masks throughout the performances, reports the Express.

It wasn’t long before astute watchers realised this television round-up contained footage filmed during the coronavirus pandemic.

One viewer wrote: “When was the Tina Turner bit filmed if people are in masks?” whilst another questioned: “Erm… I’ve seen this exact performance before? ? ? Is this a repeat?”

A third viewer confirmed their suspicions, stating: “YUP… This entire this was a repeat.”

Nevertheless, despite the programme being a rerun from a previous year, many fans still relished the musical spectacular and flocked to social media to heap praise upon it.

One enthusiastic viewer wrote: “Loving Big Night of Musicals with @JasonManford, great that the schools and colleges have been shown too, not just established productions. I’m looking forward to next month even more now [musical notes emoji].”

Another fan concurred: “Really enjoying watching #BigNightOfMusicals on @BBCOne with @JasonManford,” while a third chimed in: “That was brilliant @JasonManford [green heart emoji]. Only problem is now I want to book to see Wicked, Matilda, and Mary Poppins again [crying emoji, laughing emoji].”

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals is gearing up for its fifth dazzling instalment next month, featuring showstopping performances from West End smashes including Wicked, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar and many more.

The show will once again be hosted by Jason Manford and will take place at Manchester’s AO Arena on 26 January 2026. Speaking about the upcoming extravaganza, Manford enthused: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals for the fifth year running.

“The 2026 line-up is phenomenal; some of the biggest shows in the world are coming together for one night only, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it. This event is also a huge thank you to National Lottery players whose support keeps theatre alive and accessible.

“Without their contributions, so many productions, training programmes, and venue restorations simply wouldn’t be possible.”

For those unable to attend the event, the fifth instalment will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in Spring 2026.

Big Night of Musicals is available on BBC iPlayer

A “60 Minutes” story on the Trump administration’s imprisonment of hundreds of deported Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador was pulled by CBS News Editor-In-Chief Bari Weiss shortly before it was scheduled to air Sunday night.

The unusual decision drew a sharp rebuke from Sharyn Alfonsi, the correspondent for the piece.

Alfonsi said the decision was motivated by politics, according to an email she circulated to colleagues and viewed by the Times. Alfonsi noted that the story was ready for air after being vetted by the network’s attorneys and the standards and practices department.

“It is factually correct,” Alfonsi wrote. “In my view, pulling it now — after every rigorous internal check has been met is not an editorial decision, it is a political one.”

According to the CBS News press department’s description of the segment, Alfonsi spoke to released deportees who described “the brutal and torturous conditions they endured inside CECOT,” one of El Salvador’s harshest prisons.

In a statement, a representative for CBS News said the report called “Inside CECOT” will air in a future “60 Minutes” broadcast. “We determined it needed additional reporting,” the representative said.

Weiss viewed the segment late Thursday, according to people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly. She had a number of issues with story and asked for additional reporting, which could not be completed in time for airing on Sunday. A press release promoting the story went out Friday.

Weiss reportedly wanted the story to have an interview with an official in President Trump’s administration.

But Alonsi said in her email the program “requested responses to questions and/or interviews” with the the Department of Homeland Security, the White House and the State Department.

“Government silence is a statement, not a VETO,” Alfonsi wrote. “Their refusal to be interviewed is a tactical maneuver designed to kill the story.”

Alfonsi’s email said she learned the story was pulled on Saturday and that she had not discussed the matter with Weiss.

Even if Weiss’ concerns might be valid, the sudden postponement of a “60 Minutes” piece after it has been promoted on air, on social media and through listings on TV grids is a major snafu for the network.

For Weiss, it’s perilous situation as her every move as a digital media entrepreneur with no experience in television is being closely scrutinized.

As the founder of the conservative-friendly digital news site who was personally recruited by Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison, journalists at CBS News and media industry observers are watching to see if Weiss’ actions are tilting its editorial content to the right.

Before it was acquired by Skydance Media, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to settle a Trump lawsuit making the dubious claim that a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris was deceptively edited to aid her 2024 presidential election campaign against him.

Trump recently said “60 Minutes” is “worse” under Paramount’s new ownership following an interview with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, in which she was highly critical of the president and his administration.

Paramount acquired the Free Press for $150 million as part of the deal to bring Weiss over. Her first major move was to air a highly sympathetic town hall with Erika Kirk, the widow of slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Erika Kirk has taken over as head of Turning Point USA, the political organization her husband founded.

SABADELL in Spain is often referred to as ‘Catalan Manchester’, because it has a textile heritage with many of its chimneys still maintained today.

In fact, the city was once the largest producer of wool textiles in the whole of Spain.

Today, the city is known for being a centre for business, innovation and knowledge.

The city sits on the banks of the River Ripoll and in the old town visitors can see the remains of many historic facades.

Located just 30 minutes from Barcelona, it makes a great alternative compared with the bustling city.

One of the things to do in Sabadell is head to Parc Catalunya, where visitors can ride a boat on the lake, go skateboarding or bike riding.

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Alternatively, you could head to Iglesia de Sant Felix – a church built in the Baroque style with three bells.

There is also the Mercado Central de Sabadell, which is the central market in Sabadell and is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs from local sellers.

The market has been used as a trading hub for centuries and today still is.

One recent visitor said: “Beautiful building outside and inside. There is a great selection of meat, fish, vegetables and breads.

“There are also some stalls offering cooked food and other ready to eat choices are also available.”

Another visitor said: “Very spacious inside allowing traders plenty of space to show off their fresh produce. The fruits stalls are eye catching.

“I had a cafe con leche and chocolate croissant at the bustling tapas bar.”

Another place to head to is Los Lavaderos de la Font Nova – these historic laundry rooms are part of the city’s heritage, but have been preserved and today tourists can see where people used to do their laundry in the 1830s.

Also make sure to head to Masia de Can Deu, which is a historic estate with a museum, rescued church and even a small farm.

Sabadell also makes a great base for heading off hiking as there are several trails nearby.

If you happen to be in Sabadell in September, make sure to visit Fiesta Mayor, where the city transforms into a lively destination with lots of music, fireworks, parades and carnival rides.

Or if you are in the city in December, head to City Hall, where for the first 24 days of the month an advent calendar is brought to life with a new light shining each day.

The annual tradition has a main character called El Llaminer, who is a fairytale-like figure made of sweets, who sings and tells a different story each evening.

Across the city, there are numerous places to grab a bite to eat including Maximmus Pizzeria Napoletana, which is the best rated spot on TripAdvisor.

The restaurant serves up freshly made pizzas, including ‘The peasant woman’ with sausage, artichoke, parmesan and oil for €16 (£13.97).

Alternatively, you could grab a ‘Quattro Formaggi’. which features four different cheese including parmesan, mozzarella, gorgonzola and provolone for €16.50 (£14.41).

There are a number of places to grab a tipple as well, such as These Wild Geese, Irish pub, where a cocktail will set you back just €7.30 (£6.37).

There are just a handful of hotels to choose from across the city, including Urban Sabadell which costs from £65 per night for two people.

Return flights to Barcelona in January cost from £34 per person.

Then to get to Sabadell, you can jump on a train or bus which takes about 40 minutes.

In other news from Spain, one Spanish city known as the foodie capital with one of Europe’s best beaches is getting new British Airways flights.

Plus, these are 5 of the best Spanish foodie destinations with direct UK flights and cheap holiday packages.

A new hotel and resort, owned by a famous chain with properties around the world, is set to open in the heart of the British countryside, offering ‘free desserts’ every day for guests

There’s a catalogue of luxury hotels dotted all over the UK, but there’s one that might just stand out from them all after it opens its doors to Brits. The Swiss brand Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, known for offering guests an hour of complimentary desserts every day, is set to open its first hotel in the UK.

Dubbed the ‘chocolate hotel’, Mövenpick has establishments all over the world, from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and even as far as the Pacific in Australia and New Zealand. In an exciting move, the well-known chain, owned by Accor, will open a new hotel in late 2027 at the Old Thorns Estate & Resort in Liphook, Hampshire, across 400 sprawling acres.

After a full renovation, the luxury hotel and resort will boast 194 bedrooms, a championship-level golf course, four restaurants, a wellness centre with spa, 2,500 square metres of conference and meeting spaces, and a ballroom accommodating more than 500 guests.

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Mövenpick is known for its premium and varied ice cream, which was acquired by Nestlé. Guests staying at the hotel can expect to enjoy an extensive selection of delicious treats, including éclairs, truffles, and brownies, as well as a chocolate fountain, during the brand’s famous ‘chocolate hour’, along with other food offerings.

What’s more, these desserts are famed for being complimentary for guests every day for 60 minutes. What makes the hotel chain stand out is its in-house chefs, who provide various workshops, demonstrations, and experiences for their guests, from truffle rolling to cupcake icing during the famed ‘chocolate hour’.

Graham Dodd, VP development for UK and Ireland, premium, midscale and economy brands at Accor, said: “Bringing Mövenpick to the UK marks an important step in strengthening our premium brand portfolio and reinforcing our growth commitment for this important market.

“Mövenpick is a world-renowned brand that is recognised for its culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, which align perfectly with the expectations of UK guests. The Old Thorns estate provides an exceptional backdrop to introduce the brand in this incredibly important destination for Accor.”

Renovations are expected to take place over the next two years to transform the former Old Thorns Estate & Resort into a new Mövenpick property in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, just an hour from London. The chain aims to expand its leisure and wellness facilities, elevate the dining experience, and restyle the guest bedrooms, all with an approach rooted in its Swiss-inspired hospitality.

Israr Liaqat, group CEO of Select Group, added: “This property stands as a landmark of character and opportunity. Its celebrated history aligns seamlessly with Mövenpick’s commitment to authentic experiences and Swiss-inspired hospitality. Together with our trusted and established partner Accor, we will elevate this iconic property into a world-class resort destination, blending heritage with the sophistication of the Mövenpick brand.”

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