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Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls said goodbye for the final time to a ‘much loved’ Good Morning Britain co-star on Wednesday’s episode of the ITV show.

The pair returned to our screens on Christmas Eve to share all the latest news and headlines with viewers.

Chief correspondent Richard Gaisford, 52, joined the two live from Westminster to  talk about The King’s upcoming Christmas speech – which was recorded at Westminster Abbey.

After wrapping up the segment, Charlotte said: ‘Richard, thank you very much for that…

‘I’ve just got to take this moment actually, to say goodbye and thank you to Richard Gaisford, who has been with us here on ITV breakfast for 26 years now.

‘He is a much loved member of our team, he has travelled around the world for Good Morning Britain, he’s been in warzones, he’s been in all sorts of different stories for us over the years.

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Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls said goodbye for the final time to a ‘much loved’ Good Morning Britain co-star on Wednesday’s episode of the ITV show

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Chief Correspondent Richard Gaisford, 52, joined the two live from Westminster to talk about The King’s upcoming Christmas speech – and was later thanked for all his hard work

‘He is an exceptional journalist. He is the best. We wish him all the best. Richard, thank you so much and we wish you all the best.’

Ed added: ‘On behalf of the viewers Richard, thank you for all of that public broadcasting service you’ve given us.

‘Finding truth, objectivity and telling all of us what’s really going on. That extra bit of special bit of analysis that we’ve always got from you.

‘As the newbie on the block here, I’ve learnt a lot from you over the last few years. Thank you very very much.’

An emotional Richard said: ‘Thank you both. It’s been a privilege. I have had the best job in television news.

‘I’ve worked with the most incredible people.

‘I will miss all of you immensely and wish you the best of luck with what happens next year.

‘I’m out there looking for some new adventures.’

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An emotional Richard said: ‘Thank you both. It’s been a privilege. I have had the best job in television news. I’ve worked with the most incredible people’

‘Richard, thank you very much, you enjoy those new adventures. We will see you again soon,’ Charlotte added.

Shortly after, he took to his X account to share a goodbye message with viewers.

Richard said: ‘Well that is it. The last ever Good Morning Britain broadcast after nearly 26 years. It has been the best job in TV news. It’s been an immense privilege to be doing it.

‘I am going to miss it incredibly.’

He captioned the post: ‘That’s it. Era ended @GMB.’

Fans rushed to reply to the post with some touching words.

‘Wishing you the very best for your next chapter. Have a wonderful Christmas. Xx.’

‘Congratulations Richard, what an incredible run. All the best for the future.’

Richard shared a post on his X account shortly after his last ever segment on Good Morning Britian – and fans wished him good luck

‘You will be missed. Thank you for getting chilly every morning, to bring us the latest. Enjoy a lie in.’

‘All the best for the future Richard. You will be missed but look forward to seeing you back on screen in future.’

Richard announced his exit from the ITV show marking the ‘end of an era’ after 25 years on screens back in October.

He has been part of the channel’s breakfast programmes since he joined in 2000.

Between 2000 and 2010 he was the chief correspondent and relief news presenter for GMTV, as well as chief correspondent for Daybreak between 2010 and 2014.

He joined Good Morning Britain in 2014 when GMTV had a rebrand, and again, was chief correspondent and stand-in newsreader Monday to Friday.

Richard said of his departure: ‘I have been privileged to have the best job in TV news for the last quarter of a century, trusted to take a front row seat at history making events all over the world.

‘I have worked with an incredible team of journalists and camera operators, broadcasting to a highly responsive breakfast audience.

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Richard announced his exit from the ITV show marking the ‘end of an era’ after 25 years on screens

‘I’m really excited about moving on to new opportunities in a fast-changing media world, starting another chapter in my career.’

Andrew Dagnell, ITV’s director of news and current affairs, said of Richard’s departure: ‘Richard is one of the most accomplished and respected journalists in British broadcasting.

‘His work has helped define what audiences expect from breakfast news – authoritative, human and trusted.

‘Few reporters have covered such a breadth of stories with the same composure and clarity that Richard brings to every assignment.

‘He leaves with the gratitude and admiration of colleagues across ITV News, and I look forward to working with Richard on some exciting current affairs in the future.’

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and is available to stream o

In the midst of rehearsals, Jodie Ounsley faced an unimaginable loss.

Jodie is to perform in Strictly’s Christmas Special this year. (Image: BBC)

Jodie Ounsley has said taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special became a way of honouring her father, after his sudden death left her questioning whether she could go on. The 24-year-old athlete, known to viewers as Fury on the BBC’s Gladiators had been preparing for the festive show with professional dancer Neil Jones when her father died unexpectedly, aged 56.

He passed away while hiking Pen-y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales — a walk he had completed many times before. Ounsley shared the news publicly on December 1, posting a tribute on Instagram.“He had hiked that peak countless times throughout his life, but none of us knew he wouldn’t walk back down that day.”

Jodie shared a photo with her late dad on Instagram. (Image: INSTAGRAM)

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At the time, she was already in rehearsals for Strictly, having been announced as part of the Christmas line-up alongside Scarlett Moffatt, Brian McFadden, Nicholas Bailey, Babatunde Aléshé and Melanie Blatt.

She later admitted the loss left her unsure whether she was emotionally able to continue. Speaking to The Mirror, Ounsley said she was deeply conflicted about what to do. “I was in two minds about whether to go ahead,” she said. “But my dad was so excited to come and watch, and he supported me in everything.”

It was her mother who ultimately encouraged her not to step away, as she added: “I think if my mum had not encouraged me to carry on, I wouldn’t have. It sounds cheesy, but he was literally my hero.”

She described her father as a constant presence in her life, both personally and professionally. “We trained together all the time. He’d just be there any day if I needed help. It’s weird because on the inside I am heartbroken, but people like Neil and the guys at Strictly are just putting a smile on my face.”

She also remembered how her father reacted when she first told him she had been cast.

“At first he was a bit like, ‘What, dancing?!’” she said. “But that’s why he was excited. It was so different for me. He thought it would be a great chance to try something new and challenge myself.”

Amy Dowden shared some tragic news (Image: Instagram)

Amy Dowden has shared the tragic loss of her “hero”. The Strictly Come Dancing professional took to Instagram ahead of Saturday’s live final to say that she will be dedicating her dance on the programme to someone very special to her.

The 35-year-old shared some memories as she announced that the person who had taught her to dance, Philip, many years ago had died. Sharing some snaps of them together, Amy emotionally penned: “Yesterday we lost my dancing hero. [broken heart emoji.] She continued: “Like a second dad to me! You both have been like parents to me. Philip my first ever dance teacher who guided me through my entire career. I wrote phil a letter when I was a teenager to tell him he gave me my wings to fly. He mentioned it in his Speech at my wedding and told me how much it meant to him last week.” Amy said that he meant “so much” to her and her opportunities and achievements are down to him. She added: “So many dancing but other special memories together.

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“From Christmas Day 2021 where we cried belly laughing all together, you coming to Strictly on my first year and I got you up, making a speech at my wedding (which was very long)…

“Dress shopping with Carol where we dragged you to every shop. The list goes on and I’m so lucky to have these memories!”

She then shared that the dance teacher would be “forever in her heart” and she is “so sad” that she won’t “hear your jokes, your advice, see you dance again.”

“My heart is aching so much for Carol losing her true love on her birthday,” Amy continued, “but I see it now as the date belongs to Phill’s story too, and his life was you through and through…. Phil I’ll be dancing for you tomorrow night and always. Your Amy xxxxx.”

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Fans rushed to support the Welsh dancer, with one fan writing: “What a beautiful tribute Amy. It sounds like your dear friend and mentor Phillip, was a truly wonderful man. So sorry for your loss, and for his family and friends. Thinking of his wife, such a hard time for her loosing the love of her life. Take care one and all.”

Another said: “I’m so very sorry for your loss Amy. You have had more to deal with on the last few years than anyone should have to experience I a lifetime. I’m sure Phillip will continue to watch over you, beaming with pride.

“You’ve achieved so much in spite of your illness, all whilst smiling. You are a true inspiration.”

Meanwhile, a third said: “So sorry to read this. Sending you a huge hug xx”.

Carlos and Karen won!

Strictly fans criticised Carlos Gu for ‘taking away’ from Karen Carney’s moment during the final last night (Saturday, December 20) as he opened up about not having a celeb partner last year.

Last night’s final saw Carlos and Karen win the Glitterball Trophy – a victory that left fans dividied.
Carlos opened up (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Carlos Gu on being benched last year

After their final dance together last night – a jive to Blondie’s One Way Or Another – Carlos and Karen spoke to Claudia Winkleman in the Clauditorium.

As he spoke to the show host, Carlos struggled to maintain his composure and broke down in tears.

Reflecting on how former Lionesses star Karen has influenced him, he said: “She changed my life. She’s the best thing I’ve ever had in 2025. I came to Strictly after competitive live, I was self-centered, I was ‘me me me’.

“I’ve been lost for years… no wonder I didn’t get a partner last year because I was not grateful,” he then said.

Carlos was benched last year, after having been paired with Angela Scanlon in 2023 and Molly Rainford in 2022.
Carlos’ co-stars were in tears (Credit: BBC)

Carlos on learning to be a ‘team player’

Claudia seemed shocked by his admission, protesting “No, no!”, but Carlos wasn’t finished.

“I need to finish….[Karen] taught me how to be a kind humble person, and for the first time, I learnt how to be a team player,” he said.

“I never used to be a team player, which I am so sad about,” he then added.

However, an emotional Claudia was quick to reassure him that this wasn’t the case.

“You’ve always been a team player, and we love you!” she said.

Meanwhile, his co-stars could be seen wiping away tears.
Karen and Carlos won last night (Credit: BBC)

Carlos Gu criticised by Strictly fans after ‘selfish’ admission

However, some Strictly viewers were left less than impressed by Carlos’ admission, with some arguing that last night was supposed to be “about Karen, not him”.

“Carlos breaking the fourth wall about not having a partner last year was a bit much in my opinion. His speech was about learning not to be selfish, yet this night is supposed to be about Karen, not him. Hmm…,” one fan tweeted. 

“Carlos’ speech was about learning not to be selfish, yet he kind of took away from Karen’s moment and made it about himself … weird,” another said.

“Did anyone else find Carlos’s speech about being selfish and not getting a partner etc… a little bit strange? Might just be me,” a third wrote.

“What was going on with Carlos! This is not the time, on live TV to say you’ve been a selfish person, and that’s why you didn’t get a celebrity partner last year. Oh God, that’s too much sharing,” another said.
Carlos was defended (Credit: BBC)

Carlos defended

However, there was plenty of love for Carlos too, with viewers taking to social media to defend him and his admission.

“Nah, he learnt to be a team player he said as well and this was about them which includes him and he did talk a lot about Karen. He’s allowed to take that win for him and shares his feelings. That very good and healthy,” one fan tweeted.

“Carlos is breaking my heart thinking he was selfish and that’s the reason he didn’t get a partner last year, like no baby you are perfect!!!!” another said.

“Both the professional and the celeb win – they can both celebrate, however,” a third wrote.

“Carlos saying he was benched last year because he was selfish and wasn’t a team player had me SOBBING. Stop that,” another said.

The Strictly Christmas special will air on Christmas Day from 5.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

George Clarke may not have secured Strictly’s Glitterball trophy, but the star has already got a major career move lined up.

The 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final witnessed Love Islander Amber Davies, podcaster George Clarke and former Lioness Karen Carney grace the BBC ballroom for one final performance on Saturday evening, 20 December.

Accompanied by their professional dance partners, the trio delivered three spectacular routines. Ultimately, it was sports journalist Karen who created history by becoming the first footballer to claim the Strictly Come Dancing title.

Whilst the 26 year old content creator fell short of being crowned this year’s winner, George isn’t dwelling on the result and has previously revealed his upcoming plans.

The Strictly finalist will be heading to the airwaves, making his BBC Radio 1 debut on Christmas Day itself, Thursday, 25 December.

Followers of The Useless Hotline podcaster can tune in to George from 3pm on Christmas Day, allowing them to celebrate the festive period alongside the Strictly star.

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Strictly Come Dancing’s George Clarke performed the Paso Doble with Alexis Warr in the Strictly 2025 final.(Image: BBC)

 

Reflecting on his journey during the live final, George remarked: “I honestly can’t believe I reached the final. Crazy!”.

“I entered the ballroom thinking I had two left feet and would be out by week two, but went in wanting to have the time of my life regardless of how long it lasted.

“I never in a million years thought I would get this far. Dancing alongside Alexis each week, and dancing alongside and getting to know the rest of this year’s amazing cast, has been a total joy.

“It’s been the experience of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to the entire cast, crew, and everyone at home who’s voted!”.

For all the latest gossip from the world of showbiz, TV, film and streaming, head over to the new Everything Gossip website.

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This year’s Strictly final was particularly poignant as it marked the end of an era for presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

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Strictly Come Dancing’s 2025 finalists were Amber Davies, George Clarke and Karen Carney.(Image: BBC)

The duo were honoured with a special tribute during the show, featuring heartfelt messages from celebrities, loved ones and dedicated Strictly fans.

Tess expressed her gratitude, saying: “Thank you so much all for your lovely words from the bottom of our hearts.”

Claudia echoed her sentiments, adding: “Thank you for the support that you’ve shown us over the years.

“It’s really meant the world, we have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It’s been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you.”

In addition, they received a special letter from Queen Camilla, read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, expressing her thanks for their service on the show.

NTAs 2025: Dermot O’Leary and Trevor McDonald present award

Presenter Dermot O’Leary has taken a moment to thank some of the team on This Morning as many of them prepare to leave the ITV show.

The 52-year-old shared a snap on social media of the crew in the studio, all waving with their hands up in the air as the set is adorned with Christmas decorations.

He captioned the post: “A quick word about an incredible team. The last day for many at @thismorning. For some, it’s the end of an era, for others, the start of a new story.

“I just wanted to say thanks for all their selfless hard work, going above and beyond to put out two hours plus of TV every day.

“Turning up with professionalism, humour, and good grace every day. Doing what they do in the shadows… so we get to dance under those lights. Big love TM x”.

Dermot has shared a touching tribute on social media (Image: ITV)

It wasn’t long before people commented on the post, with many other people featured on the show echoing Dermot’s kind words.

Rochelle Humes, who often co-hosts, said: “Absolutely spot on Derm, the best team ever! Echoing everything. I feel so lucky to have spent so much time with the best bunch.”

Ashley James, who regularly appears to share her thoughts on This Morning, said: “Amazing words and I echo everything. Thank you to the best team ever.”

Kate Lawler shared: “Big love to everyone at TM! The warmest and friendliest folk in tele, every single one x”

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While Dr Nighat Arif added: “Absolutely- echo every word- such an amazing team and a HUGE honour to work with the legends. Sending love.”

His post comes after ITV announced earlier this year that it was axing more than 220 jobs and making cuts to shows as part of a huge shake-up for 2026, which will also see changes to the daytime schedule.

Good Morning Britain will now be extended by 30 minutes and will be produced by ITV News at ITN. Lorraine has been cut to half an hour and will run from 9.30am-10am for 30 weeks of the year.

Lorraine’s show has been impacted by the changes at ITV (Image: ITV)

When Lorraine isn’t on in the year, Good Morning Britain will run from 6am to 10am. While Loose Women timings haven’t changed, it will air on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year.

Due to this, many stars on who appear on the ITV shows have left, including Andrew Pierce, Sally Biddulph, Richard Gaisford and US correspondent Noel Phillips.

Tess Daly and Anton Du Beke break down in emotional Strictly exit speech (
Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly and Anton Du Beke broke down in tears as they filmed their final live show. The presenter announced earlier this year that she and co-host Claudia Winkleman were leaving the BBC series.

After Karen Carney and Carlos Gu danced the final dance of the series, Tess spoke to the judges for the last time. As she did, Anton emotionally said goodbye to Tess, who he has been on the show with since the start. “I can’t tell you how much I have loved, Tess, spending the last 21 years with you.”

As Anton started to cry, Tess was supported by Karen and Carlos. The pair hugged her as she teared up to and thanked Anton. Craig also started to say goodbye to Tess, telling her they would “miss you like you would not believe.”

The duo took fans by surprise back in October when they suddenly announced their Strictly exit in an Instagram post. Tess has been a presenter on the show for 21 years, while Claudia joined in 2014 after hosting its sister show It Takes Two.

Tess and Claudia filmed their final live show for Strictly tonight ( 
Image:
PA)

Later in the show, the producers aired a reel of fans and crew saying goodbye to Tess and Claudia. Cutting back to the pair, Tess was in tears as she held on to her presenting duo. “We didn’t know that was going to happen,” said an emotional Claudia.

The pair then started to say their own goodbye until they were interrupted by Craig. The judge stopped their speech to read out a letter from a “Strictly superfan”. As he read the words, which paid tribute to the trailblazing duo, they teared up even more – especially when they learned the letter was written by Queen Camilla.

In a joint statement, they said: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.

“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.”

Craig read out a letter from the Queen ( 
Image:
BBC)
Elsewhere on the show, Claudia was left screaming as she was surprised with a touching tribute. The dancers all dressed up as her when she opened the vote for the last time. She laughed and shouted “No way!” when she noticed that judge Craig had done it too.

Fans were equally emotional to say goodbye to Tess and Claudia. One said: “Can we just show our appreciation to Tess & Claudia for their fabulous contribution to Strictly over the years! The show is a tad bitter sweet tonight, knowing we are saying goodbye to these two fabulous hosts. We love you and will miss you!”

Another added: “Strictly final with added emotion this year for Tess and Claudia’s final live show together.. watch the amazing performance…then suddenly comments mention and highlights the departure of the stand out hosts.”

Since the duo revealed their plans to leave, fans have been speculating over who could replace them – with many hoping that This Morning’s Alison Hammond would take the show on. However, the ex Big Brother star is reportedly very happy at This Morning and won’t quit the ITV show to join Strictly.

The likes of Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr are also rumoured to be replacing Tess and Claudia. Last month, BBC boss Kate Phillips revealed that finding new presenters had been put on hold for the time being.

Speaking on The Rest is Entertainment podcast, Kate said that Tess and Claudia’s exit was “very much” their decision and that they rang her before making the announcement. “They were worried it was going to leak which we often have, so they wanted to announce it on their own terms,” she said.

“They are brilliant, brilliant hosts of that show and they have sparkly high heels that are going to be hard to fill definitely. In terms of the process next, the production team, BBC Studios and Sarah James [Executive Producer] and her team, they are concentrating on getting two shows out a week so we haven’t got time at the moment to start doing any screen tests or chemistry testing.

“We’ve got time so I don’t think we’ll really be looking at it until the New Year because we want to make sure we deliver a great Strictly series. Having said that, yes – my inbox has been inundated.”

She added: “I can’t say names obviously but it is one of the best gigs in television so we have had so many people who are keen to be considered which is great. We’ll think carefully about next steps on it but yes, there’s no room where we all go.”

During the live final, a photo of Tess and Claudia backstage was uploaded to her Instagram account. She captioned the post: “You better believe we’re gonna keep dancing.”

 

The 2025 finale left fans, dancers and judges in tears as they also bid farewell to Tess and Claudia

Saturday marked the final Strictly Come Dancing of 2025 – and the final show featuring presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who have been a part of the series for more than two decades.

The final three couples, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke and Alexis Warr and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, each performed three routines as they took to the stage for the final time.

 

Following an emotional episode, which also saw tributes flood in for the presenters, the winner was eventually revealed as former Lioness Karen.

The 38-year-old appeared speechless as their names were called, seemingly unable to respond.

Fans watching the highly-anticipated conclusion from home quick reacted though, with many applauding the former football star’s win.

One penned on X: “KAREN AND CARLOS DESERVED THAT GLITTER BALL SO MUCH IM SO HAPPY THEY WON!! #Strictly.”

“I am absolutely thrilled that Karen and Carlos have won #Strictly what a beautiful pairing. What an emotional night. She really did that for the girlies and footballers. Well deserved, this series has been a wild one that’s for sure. Tess and Claudia, top duo. #queens,” another echoed.

“So very happy to see Karen Carney win #Strictly. Such a high quality final, and series, but Karen and Carlos were a perfect and inspirational pairing,” one fan penned.

Another shared: “Karen & Carlos arrived as my ‘Dark horse’ couple from Week 1 and I supported them ever since.”

“I’m so happy that Karen and Carlos has won this year’s #Strictly. They have been brilliant partnerships throughout this series and I’m happy for Carlos too,” one more wrote.

Ms Carney’s victory, which makes her the first ever footballer to win the dance competition, left her dazed as Mr Gu instantly became emotional.

“I cannot believe it, I just want to say thank you to everyone that’s supported us,” Ms Carney commented before also thanking her dance partner. She went on to admit: “I literally am lost for words.”

Mr Gu added: “Thank you, Karen Carney. I love you. Thank you for being so incredible this whole journey.”

Earlier in tonight’s finale, the couple had impressed judges with three dances, including one selected by judge Motsi Mabuse, one chosen by the duo themselves and one showdance routine.

They scores two perfect 40s and a 37, giving them a combined score of 117.

Fellow finalists, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin and George Clarke and Alexis Warr, achieved 117 and 118 respectively for their three routines.

The finale also saw many of the former couples returning to perform a huge group number.

Ms Carney, former Birmingham City and England footballer, had selected her Week One Jive to One Way Or Another by Blondie as her final routine.

The Solihill-born star also got to re-create her Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine Tango, performed to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave, after Ms Mabuse opting to see the routine again.

The couple’s showdance was performed to Inner Smile by Texas.

| BBC

The emotional episode had fans in tears from the start, with a poignant gesture by Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman noted at the start.

Following a lively group dance that saw previous couples return to the floor, the hosts walked down the stairs, arm in arm with Johannes Radebe and Aljaž Škorjanec respectively.

Ms Winkleman then turned around to show the pair’s signature catchphrase “keep dancing” eblazoned on the back of her black blazer.

Later in the episode, Craig Revel Horwood read out a letter from none other than Queen Camilla, dedicated to the two presenters.

“Scraping the bottom of the barrel”

The One Show viewers weren’t very complimentary of Olly Murs’ performance on the programme last night (Friday, December 19).

Last night’s show – the final one of 2025 – ended with Olly and The Ordinary Boys performing their new single, Christmas Starts Tonight.

Preston and Olly were on The One Show (Credit: BBC)

Olly Murs and The Ordinary Boys on The One Show

Last night’s show, hosted by Alex Jones and Clara Amfo, saw Bradley Walsh, Lucy Punch, Olly and Preston from The Ordinary Boys appear in the studio.

Olly and Preston were on to discuss their new song, Christmas Starts Tonight. Preston spoke about how he and Olly have been longtime collaborators, and it was Olly who suggested doing a Christmas song together.

They also spoke about the retro music video, which has been filmed in the style of a 1980s/90s Christmas music video.

“Christmas was just better in the eighties,” Preston said.

Mr Blobby even appears in the video – and Olly was keen to show off his Mr Blobby socks.

Olly sang his new song (Credit: BBC)

Olly and Preston’s performance slammed

At the end of the show, Olly and Preston performed their new single outside the studio. However, viewers were left less than impressed.

“That was [bleep],” one viewer tweeted.

“Another Xmas song that’s probably going to be quickly forgotten and relegated to the trash heap of crap Xmas tunes,” another said.

“Scraping the bottom of the barrel tonight with Olly Murs,” a third fumed.

“Had to turn over.. that Christmas stuff was toe curling,” another wrote.

“What is this [bleep]??” a fifth wrote. “It was awful. Out of tune. Flat, shouty, just naff,” another complained.

Olly and Preston got some love too (Credit: BBC)

Love for Olly and Preston

However, there’s been plenty of love for Olly and Preston’s new song too.

“This is my number 1 Christmas song of my life xox,” one fan said on Instagram.

“Love it!!” another said. “So great!” a third said.

The One Show has finished now for 2025, with Alex Jones announcing the news on Wednesday night.

The hit BBC show will return to its usual 7pm weeknight slot in January.

Read more: Fresh concerns for Boyzone star Mikey Graham as he fails to appear with bandmates on The One Show

The One Show will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in January. 

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Anton Du Beke may have let slip the Strictly winner (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

The Strictly Come Dancing finalists will grace the ballroom for one last time this weekend as they compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

Last week’s semi-final witnessed an emotional victory for Amber Davies who survived the nail-biting dance-off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal.

This meant former Love Island contestant Amber and professional partner Nikita Kuzmin secured their place in the finale.

They will face off against YouTuber George Clarke with his partner Alexis Warr, alongside former Lioness Karen Carney and dancer Carlos Gu.

Prior to the grand finale, the Strictly celebrities joined BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills to generate excitement for the upcoming show, reports Wales Online.

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There were reports that Strictly could be moving up north(Image: BBC)

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During Wednesday’s programme, an enthusiastic listener shared how judge Anton Du Beke’s solo performance – Christmas with Anton Du Beke – may have revealed a clue about the potential 2025 Strictly champion.

Sharing messages from listeners, Scott announced: “Nicky says, ‘Please tell Karen and Carlos they won the audience clapometer by a huge amount at Anton Du Beke’s Christmas show last night in Coventry’. Maybe that’s a good sign? Who knows.”

Karen, who became the first footballer to reach the Strictly finale, earned 144 caps for England and five appearances for Great Britain during the London 2012 Olympics.

Despite this, she believes her illustrious football background hasn’t necessarily given her an advantage on the dance floor. When questioned about whether her playing career assisted with her transition to Strictly, Karen responded: “No. It’s nothing like that at all. Maybe the fitness, stamina side, but I’ve still had to re-figure that out, I’ve been retired for six years.”

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Anton Du Beke became emotional on Saturday night(Image: BBC)

She continued: “I’ll keep going and keep going and keep going and I look at Carlos and he’s thinking, ‘Again, really?’ It takes me so long to get the routine, and the steps and everything so I just keep going.”

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She disclosed that she would even rehearse the steps for the weekend’s performance whilst awaiting interviews, which led Carlos to jest that she should “have a day off”.

Karen remarked: “I think that’s something, repetition and giving it absolutely everything, I will guarantee that for Carlos.”

The professional dancer characterised collaborating with the former Chelsea winger as “a dream”.

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Strictly finalist Karen Carney with professional partner Carlos Gu(Image: Karen Carney Instagram)

He commented: “That’s a dream, she will do absolutely anything I ask for, the best thing that has happened to me.”

The Strictly Come Dancing final will broadcast from 7pm this evening (December 20) on BBC One.