Kirstie Allsopp, known to many as the popular presenter of Location, Location, Location, has opened up about her plans for Christmas

Kirstie Allsopp was left “devastated” after she suffered a “disappointing” career blow. The 54-year-old rose to fame alongside fellow TV presenter Phil Spencer presenting Location, Location, Location on Channel 4.

The popular duo have presented the hit show for more than 25 years now, with the programme first airing in 2000. Kirstie has since branched out into a range of home shows, including her annual Handmade Christmas programme and the Kirstie’s Handmade Treasures series. The star was however dealt a blow when her daytime crafting competition series was not renewed this Christmas.

Speaking to The Sun’s TV Mag, Kirstie said: “I’m not going to beat around the bush – we were devastated not to get the Christmas competition show re-commissioned.

“It was disappointing, but we understood. So we said: ‘Okey doke, we’re just going to make this year’s special the show we’ve talked about for a few years.”

Kirstie wants her Handmade Christmas, which airs at 8pm on Channel 4 on Thursday, to focus on how viewers can enjoy the festive period and not “kill themselves” by taking on too much.

She says families should “give everyone an opportunity to shine” instead of one person attempting to “be a martyr” by taking on all the major jobs around the house.

The TV star recommends sending an email around family members ahead of the day asking what people can chip in with to help ease the burden.

She says her own Christmas, at home with husband Ben Andersen and their two children, will be a “collective endeavour,” something she says will “really make a difference”.

Kirstie admits viewers of her Handmade Christmas will see some of the struggles she encountered as she prepares for the big day, including a tablecloth that didn’t fit and mismatched candlesticks.

Elsewhere she says long-term colleague Phil gets her an unusual Christmas present each year. “Phil gives me a ham every year,” she told The Sun.

Kirstie says the family enjoys a ham on Christmas Eve and then between Christmas Day and New Year. She says it “goes great” with scrambled eggs or toast.

“I think it’s one of the most useful Christmas gifts, because it lasts,” she added.

Kirstie meanwhile admits she gets Phil a different Christmas present each year. Although she is “behind” this year and hasn’t picked him anything yet.

In the past, presents have included a ski jumper and a scarf that he has then worn on their shows. Last year she admits she bought him a glass jug with a bird inside.

While another year saw Kirstie gifting Phil a spaniel statue, as the presenter has two dogs himself. She says she saw the statue and thought it would be “perfect” for Phil.