By Katie Hind Consultant Editor Showbusiness and Laura Parkin for Mailonline

Published: 09:44 EST, March 9, 2024 | Updated: 10:07 AM EST, March 9, 2024

By Codie Bullen for Mailonline

Published: 06:11 EST, February 24, 2024 | Updated: 06:39 EST, February 24, 2024

Jodie Foster has revealed she came dangerously close to starring as one of the most iconic characters in film history.

The actress, 61, has shared that she was cast as Princess Leia in the original Star Wars series, but had to turn it down because she already had a role in a Disney film.

Appearing on the Graham Norton Show this week to talk about her latest role in True Detective, she admitted her life could have been completely different if she hadn't turned down the sci-fi role.

Carrie Fisher starred as the Princess in the original Stars Wars trilogy and reprized her role in The Force Awards before her death in 2016, with her final scenes airing posthumously in The Last Jedi in 2017 and The Rise Of Skywalker in 2019.

Jodie – who was joined on Graham's couch by Olivia Colman, Lorraine Kelly, Wanda Sykes, Austin Butler, Josh Brolin, Calvin Harris and Rag 'n' Bone Man – was recently nominated for an Academy Award for the first time in almost 30 years.

The two-time Oscar winner – who last received a nod for Nell in 1995 – was recognized in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in Nyad.

Now Jodie (as Liz Danvers) is joined by Kali Reis (as Evangeline Navarro) to form True Detective's first all-female lead duo as they solve a mystery of disappearing investigators in the span of 24 hours.

HBO's description says the pair will have to “confront the darkness itself and delve into the ghostly truths buried beneath the eternal ice.”

Speaking about starring in the new season of TV drama True Detective, Jodie: Night Country as detective Liz Danvers said: 'She's just terrible; everything you can hate – racist, selfish and very hot.

“I can't say much about the last episode, but it's the best, it's extraordinary. No one sees that ending coming.'

“I got the role of Princess Leia, but I couldn't do it because I was already working on a Disney movie,” she added.

“My life could have been so different, and I would have loved to have the hair!”

The screen icon will take on Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer, Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple, America Ferrera, Barbie and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers on March 10.

Her Nyad co-star Annette Bening, 65, received her fourth Best Actress nomination for the film, having previously been nominated in the categories American Beauty, Being Julia and The Kids Are Alright.

She was also previously nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for The Grifter.

Nyad follows the journey of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad as she attempts to swim 100 miles in the ocean from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida.

Annette plays Nyad who originally rose to fame when she swam 28 miles around Manhattan in 1975 at the age of 26 and her 100 mile swim in 1979 at the age of 30 from the Bahamas to Juno Beach, Florida.

The film is based on Diana Nyad's 2015 memoir, Find A Way. It follows the 64-year-old swimming legend on her quest to realize her lifelong dream: a 112-mile open-ocean swim from Cuba to Florida.

Jodie plays Bonnie Stoll, her friend and coach, who, along with a sailing team, guides Nyad on her four-year journey to become the first person to complete the swim without the aid of a shark cage.

Foster won her first Oscar as a 27-year-old for her leading role in The Accused in 1989, winning the award for best actress. She received her first Oscar nomination at age 15 for Best Supporting Actress for Taxi Driver in 1977.

In 1992, she won again in this category for her role as rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, which also won co-star Anthony Hopkins the award for Best Actor, along with Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay .

Days before her nomination, Jodie revealed why she didn't tell her children she was a Hollywood star when they were growing up.

“I guess I just didn't want them to know me that way,” she continued The view in January. “I wanted them to know me as their mother and the person who went to work and all that.”

“I just didn't want them to be confused about what I did for a living,” she added.

The Silence of the Lambs alum then hilariously recalled what her eldest son, Charles, 25, thought she was doing when she brought him to a movie set every day.

“And I was like, 'Yeah, and this is this set and this set and this set.' And for a long time he thought I was a construction worker. He thought I was doing construction.”

With both Charles and her youngest son, Christopher 'Kit', 22, now grown, Jodie was asked if she had watched her films with them.

'They have no interest in watching my films with me. I think they're going to pick up True Detective because that's what they really love,” she said of her HBO series.

'There are some films I would never show them because I would be afraid of being bullied, like Nell for example. They've never seen them because they tease me about it a lot, even though they've never seen the movie.”

Jodie shares her two sons with her former partner, Cydney Bernard. Foster is their biological mother, the identity of the biological father has not been made public.

After their divorce in 2008, the actress married Alexandra Hedison in 2014.

The Graham Norton Show airs on Fridays at 10.40pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Netflix's One Day star Ambika Mod has revealed her very strange and slightly creepy sleeping habit.

The 29-year-old actress, who shot to fame opposite Ben Whishaw in This Is Going to Hurt, confessed that when she goes to bed at night she bizarrely sleeps with her eyes open.

Ambika appeared on The Graham Norton Show on Friday night and attempted to tell an anecdote, but the original story was sidetracked after she revealed to the host and his guests that she never closes her eyes and actually has trouble closing her eyelid.

She began her story: “Every time I tell this story, I say that I was lying in bed and my eyes kind of opened, but I sleep with my eyes open so they opened a little bit wide.”

I interrupt her immediately, comedian Josh Widdicombe intervened when he noticed the most important detail, exclaiming: 'Sorry, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!'

As Graham shouted, “Stop the bus!”, Josh added, “Why did we do the rest of the show and not start with this bit?”

Seemingly believing that her habit wasn't too special, Ambika confessed, “I sleep with my eyes open.”

She then clarified: “Not like Gandalf,” as she pointed to Mister Ian McKellen, with whom she also sat on the couch next to Michael Sheen.

The guest refused to let the revelation lie and asked Ambika for more details as they pressed her to explain further.

'I don't know what else I have to say! I sleep with my eyes open. It's not quite, it's more like…' Ambika then rolled her eyes to the back of her head as she demonstrated what she looks like when she sleeps.

As the audience laughed, Josh teased, “Oh, so it's nothing weird then?”

The star then admitted that she has always done it since she was a child.

“My mom says I did it as a baby and it freaked her out a little, but she just thought… it's probably fine.”

Ambika continued, “I actually find it very difficult to close my eyes completely. I feel like my eyelids aren't big enough for my eyeballs.

'If I do that [closes her eyes], I really actively think about it. When I'm just relaxed, I'm like [closes eyes halfway].'

Elaborating on the quirky trait, she explained that she has “really dry eyes,” to which Graham joked, “What are we doing here?” We should make a Channel 5 documentary!'

It comes after Ambika exclusively revealed to the Mail that she initially turned down the role and turned it down.

The star explained that she thought it was a “huge, huge undertaking” as Emma was previously played by a white actress.

She said: “It was definitely originally written as white and previously played by a white actress. I'm very excited to bring something new to the role. I hope that young women who don't see themselves on screen very often see that it is possible.

Ambika admitted that she wouldn't have gotten the role a decade ago because of her skin color, saying, “I'm very different from Anne Hathaway, so I never worried about that.” Just the fact that I'm not white and I get to play Emma.

“I don't think this would have happened 10 years ago. That in itself is a way to modernize the story.'

Dakota Johnson has revealed she receives fan letters from men in prison and 'very strange things in the mail'.

The Fifty Shades Of Gray actress, 34, appeared on Friday's episode of The Graham Norton Show and revealed her unusual caliber of fandom as actor Sterling K. Brown revealed he is praised by fans for “changing their lives.”

Speaking about his show This is Us, he said: 'People still come up to me to hug and tell me how the show changed their lives. How it gave them a form of catharsis. I didn't know it would have such an impact. It was really wonderful.'

A stunned Dakota hilariously replied, “That never happens to me.” I only get letters from men in prison and very strange things in the mail!'

Her anecdote comes after her Fifty Shades Of Gray co-star Jamie Dornan admitted receiving letters claiming he had fathered a child with Dakota.

In 2020 he said: 'Someone saying it was my child, and that my wife should know that I have a child who is seven years old…

“I think they were trying to say that the child was mine and Dakota Johnson's, and that we had this baby when we made the first Fifty Shades movie. It piqued our interest, let's say. It was a little scary.”

Dakota was on the show to talk about joining the Marvel Universe and her role as Madame Web. She said, “She's a new character and this is a new version of a Marvel movie. It's different and grounded and from an all-female perspective…

'It stands completely on its own.'

Asked about performing her own stunts, she continued: “I did a one-day stunt driving course and it was the most fun I've ever had.” When asked if this is the first of many stunts, she coyly replied, “Maybe.”

Sterling, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for American Fiction. meanwhile said of the film: 'It's a very funny satire about how the mainstream media often sees black people from a very limited perspective, which isn't the whole story…

“Every experience is different, and the film tries to show the humanity that lies within all of us.”

When asked whether he is enjoying his Oscar nomination, he says: 'There is no question of losing yet. It will happen in its own good time. But I know I'm not going to win, and that's fine with me. Robert Downey Jr. is going to win, and he incredibly deserves it…

“The fact that I'm nominated along with him, Robert De Niro, Ryan Gosling and Mark Ruffalo is incredible, I'm just happy to be in the room.”

Speaking about This is Us, he added: “People still come up to me to hug and tell me how the show changed their lives. How it gave them a form of catharsis. I didn't know it would have such an impact. It was really wonderful.'

Also appearing was Colman Domingo, who talked about playing the title role of 1960s civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in Rustin.

He said: 'He's not that well known in the US because he's been pretty much erased from history for being openly gay…

“His story is amazing, and he was an amazing person in every way. I really hope this movie puts him back in the history books. I think the more I become empowered, he becomes too and that's a beautiful thing.”

Asked about the Obamas' approach to producing the film, he says, “They were very hands-on. They provided notes on the script and clips of the film and because we were filming during Covid, they made sure we looked after ourselves and each other. We became very close and warm.'

When he heard the news of his Oscar nomination, he said, “I was cleaning the bathroom to distract myself when I got a text from my manager…

'When my husband heard the news on TV, he burst into tears and lay on the floor. I thought, 'I guess I should have done that.' I didn't know what to do because I was so shocked.'

Domhnall Gleeson appeared to be speaking about his new Channel 4 romantic drama series Alice & Jack, saying: 'It's about love and how good people can hurt other people. It's beautiful and moving and I'm really proud of it. It's beautiful.'

When asked about his fans, he joked: 'People seem to remember me most about a comedy sketch I did years ago when I pooped in a soda bottle. They shout at me on the street. I want to shout back, 'I've been to The Revenant for god's sake!'

The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 2 February 10.40pm. Also available on BBC iPlayer

By A. James for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 10:58 PM EST, January 8, 2024 | Updated: 10:58 PM EST, January 8, 2024

The Crown’s Imelda Staunton looked worlds away from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as she attended a screening of the latest episode of the Netflix show in London on Sunday.

The 67-year-old actress, who plays the monarch in the series, left the royal regalia at home and instead opted for a chic olive sweater and matching trousers.

Imelda also wore a funky youthful bob for the BFI Southbank event and tucked her feet into a pair of chunky brown boots.

She was joined by the show’s director, Stephen Daldry, 63, as they later took to the stage to answer questions after the screening.

Imelda previously revealed she was ‘inconsolable’ after learning The Queen had died while filming The Crown in September 2022.

Speaking on the Graham Norton Show she said: ‘Lesley Manville [who plays Princes Margaret] and I were filming and were told there might be sad news and asked if we wanted to continue.

‘We carried on and finished the day. Strangely enough, in the schedule I had 10 days off, which were the 10 days of mourning. I was inconsolable that evening.

‘Of course I would have been sad, but I think it was fueled by living with her for so long. I think when I went back to work people found it hard to look at me.”

The star also spoke about playing The Crown’s final version of Elizabeth II, having previously been played by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman.

Imelda said: ‘Everyone knows this version of her, so it felt very present and I felt a little bit more pressure.

“In these last six episodes, there are specific issues that she was dealing with at this point in her reign, which is dramatically interesting to play: Margaret is gone, the Queen Mother, and we have Charles and Camilla.”

Imelda also spoke about Elizabeth’s memorable speech to the nation after Princess Diana’s death in 1997.

She said: ‘I listened to it every moment of the day for I don’t know how long. When we came to do it, I didn’t talk to anyone because it was a very serious moment and a serious time, and I thought I would try to recreate that. It was very quiet on set and I got lost in the moment.’

As the infamous royal family drama came to an end, viewers quickly admitted on social media that they were “heartbroken.”

They shared their dismay that The Crown was finally coming to an end after six series and told how the final scenes were ‘so sad’.

On X – formerly known as Twitter – someone wrote: “I just finished season 6 of The Crown, part 2. Oh my God. Wow.’

A second said: ‘Okay this is really sad,’ while a third said: ‘The Crown final is so sad.’

A third tweeted: ‘The last episodes are out.. [broken heart emoji]’, and another wrote: ‘The Ritz episode. Heartbreaking. And absolutely beautiful.’

Another added: ‘This show was absolutely stunning and so well done. I will miss it so much. Thank you Peter Morgan.”

Viewers also praised the show for briefly bringing back former stars Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, who played Queen Elizabeth II in the earlier series.

The moving scene saw the two actresses appear on the shoulder of Imelda Staunton, the last actress to take on the role, in the drama’s closing moments.

However, the second half of series six received a very mixed response from reviewers, with the introduction of Kate (Meg Bellamy) and William (Ed McVey) in St. Andrews receiving a lukewarm reception.

Some were also critical of that the image of Carole Middleton‘s desperate attempts to make a match for her daughter.

Tony Blackburn has announced that he is stepping down from his popular BBC Radio London show after ‘many happy years’.

The radio DJ, 80, took to Twitter on Thursday to share the news that he will be leaving the BBC Radio London show because it is ‘time to move on’.

He confirmed that his last episode on Soul On Sunday will air on Sunday as he prepares to bid farewell to the show in a matter of days.

Tony clarified that he will still be continuing with his BBC Radio 2 programme as well as other BBC shows despite stepping down from BBC Radio London. 

Taking to X – formerly known as Twitter – he announced: ‘Hi everyone, just thought I’d let you know that after many happy years on @BBCRadioLondon I have decided to leave the station and this Sunday will be my last Soul On Sunday. 

‘Over the years we have had a lot of fun with some fantastic live shows for Children in Need and have played some great music. 

‘I will still be continuing @BBCBerkshire @BBCOxford and @BBCRadioSolent on Sunday afternoon and off course on the great @BBCRadio2.

‘This is totally my decision and thanks to the many happy years there, but time to move on. Thanks for listening.’

In a follow-up post, the former I’m A Celebrity star thanked his ‘kind’ fans for their messages following his news and teased some other exciting shows he has lined up.

He penned: Thanks very much for all your lovely messages today you really are very kind. I look forward to playing lots of Soul Music for you in the future, in fact coming up on @BBCRadio2.

‘I have two Sounds Of Soul shows on December 26th at 12pm and on New Years Day also at 12pm, so the great music goes on and I hope you will join me.’

Taking to social media, fans were quick to share their devastation that he will be stepping down from his popular show.

One wrote: ‘You will certainly be missed Tony, by me & many many others Wish You All The Best.! x.’

Another said: ‘Goodbye farewell thank you for the laughs the music and you Mr B,’ and a third penned: ‘Good luck Tony.’ 

A fourth commented: ‘I wish you well Tony – you are totally within my music tapestry of my life as listened to you early on back in 1970s none more passionate about music than you sir – massive respect and gratitude to you truly.’

And another gushed: ‘Tony you deserve at least a bit of a break from your busy schedule.

‘Still hard at it after all these years, you have played the sound tracks to so many lives in those years. Long May it continue, you are an inspiration.’

Earlier this year, Tony temporarily pulled out of his popular Sound of the 60s Tour and Radio 2 show earlier this year after he was taken ill.

At the time, he said he had a chest infection but in August, he confirmed he had life-threatening conditions sepsis, pneumonia and blood poisoning.

He said he had only just fully recovered over the summer after he was discharged from the Wellington Hospital in London in May and continued to have daily injections afterwards. 

‘I was doing three a week at one time forgetting that I’m now a little bit older, so I ended up in hospital for two months with sepsis and pneumonia and blood poisoning,’ he said on BBC Radio Scotland.

‘And I didn’t realise how unwell I was until one day in the hospital my whole family were gathered around the bed. And I thought “this isn’t good”.

‘A couple of weeks ago I went to see my specialist and he said ‘you are cured’, so that was a nice thing to hear.’

After a three-month break, Tony returned to his tour but only went ahead with one show each week, rather than the three per week he had previously planned. 

Tony is the latest star to step down from a BBC Radio show, after Clara Amfo quit her presenting job on BBC Radio 1’s Future Sounds earlier this week.

The DJ, 39, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 with Aljaz Skorjanec, issued a statement on Tuesday and shared a post of her in the recording studio on Instagram.

She penned: ‘With immense gratitude and thought given, I have made the choice to say goodbye to Future Sounds on @bbcradio1.⁣

‘I’ll save the long paragraphs (cos you know I love ’em!) for my final show but for now, I will say I’m so proud of the work I’ve been able to do on every type show over the years from the 8th floor, up and down UK and random pop stars houses! 

‘I’m grateful to have had the ears of the listeners who have consistently shown up for me.⁣

‘I’m enamoured by every production team I’ve had the privilege of working alongside for each and every broadcast.⁣ 

‘I’m so honoured by the incredible artists and their hardworking teams who have chosen the show to share their work and intimate thoughts, constantly providing one of the most precious things we all need to keep going in this wild world’.

She concluded: ‘I’m energised and excited for my next chapter as part of the network and beyond!⁣ ⁣See you at 6pm Clara x’.⁣

Clara, thought to earn around £150k per year, was flooded by comments from her fans and famous friends, with fellow Radio 1 star Greg James writing: ‘Love yeeeeeeeeeew ’ and Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball gushing: ‘oh clara new adventures ahead. huge love to you goddess x’

Strictly’s Angela Scanlon penned: ‘Yes babs!! Up up and away xx’ while Loose Women’s Judi Love added: ‘The world is ready for your next move!!’

Stacey Dooley commented a series of clapping hands emjois, while Claudia Winkleman posted a string of hearts. 

Jack Saunders – who presents the station’s Future Artists and The Official Chart shows – will be taking on Clara’s role from April 15. 

He took to his own Instagram to announce the news, and shared a slew of throwback snaps of himself as a teenager starting in radio.

Alongside he wrote an earnest caption, writing that he had been inspired by Radio 1 DJs as a child and had long held a dream to present Future Sounds.

Jack wrote: ‘The show (and it’s previous entities) is the premier taste making music show. It has influenced the music taste of generations and I am so BLOODY EXCITED THAT I BROKE DOWN IN TEARS AT A RESTAURANT YESTERDAY WHEN I FOUND OUT that I will get to be the new host of Future Sounds from 15th April 2024.

‘You and me and the best new music on the planet, I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend my weekday evenings. We did it’.

Clara previously explained how she had wanted to be on the radio since she was a child, telling Metro in 2021: ‘I have really distinct memories of being in my room alone as a kid and just listening to the radio for hours, pretending to be the presenter.

‘I would either repeat their words or remix, thinking my 10-year-old self could do better.’ 

She started out as a general office assistant at Kiss FM before becoming a presenter there and joined BBC Radio 1Xtra as host of the weekend breakfast show in September 2013.

She joined Radio 1 in 2015, taking over from Fearne Cotton to host the Live Lounge and interviewed Jay-Z, Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar and Ariana Grande in that time.

Clara then took on Annie Mac’s Future Sounds show on Radio 1 from July 2021 until her exit this week.

Outside of radio she has appeared on Strictly, Celebrity Gogglebox, The Weakest Link and RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World.

Clara’s surprise exit is the latest in a mass exodus of radio presenters from the BBC recently.

Earlier this month, Claudia Winkleman announced she will be quitting her Radio 2 show after 15 years on air, with Romesh Ranganathan set to take over. 

The presenter, 51, shared the news with her listeners during her show admitting she wishes to spend more time with her children.

She shares Jake, 20, Matilda, 17, and Arthur, 11, with her film producer partner, Kris Thykier, 50, who she married in 2000.

Claudia’s final show will broadcast in March, after which she will be replaced by Romesh from April. 

The media personality explained how it had been an ‘absolute privilege’ to host the show as she thanked her listeners. 

She began: ‘I would love to share mind, firstly, I’m going to say it out loud and with vim, I love Radio 2.’

‘It is an absolute privilege to be here every Saturday, chatting to amazing guests, being with Sally and mainly read your fantastic messages. 

‘But here’s the thing and it is such a boring cliché so I apologise. Time is going too fast. My daughter is getting ready to leave home and she was 3 about 5 minutes ago. 

‘I still have a little one who wants to be with me. I don’t know how long that will last and I just need to be at home more. 

‘So my news at 10 is that I am leaving – but I have two pieces of exceptional news. One – the person taking over is one of the funniest and smartest people on earth. 

‘We are going to love listening to him every Saturday at 10. Think of this if you will as an early Christmas present. 

‘The one and only Romesh Ranganathan is going to be here from April and he is majestic. 

‘Number two, the second piece of good news, is before I leave in March the bosses have said I can play, and I’m unapologetic about this, an obscene amount of this.’

She went on to play Oasis’ hit track You Gotta Roll With it. 

Claudia joined BBC Radio 2 in 2008 to host comedy quiz series Hot Gossip before moving to Friday nights to host the Claudia Winkleman Arts Show. 

In 2016, she began presenting Claudia On Sunday and moved to her Saturday morning slot in February 2021, replacing Irish broadcaster Graham Norton who moved to present a show on Virgin Radio.

The same week of Claudia’s exit, beloved BBC radio presenter Andrew Peach also hung up his headphones after 31 years working at the corporation.

The star hosted BBC Radio Berkshire’s breakfast show, which he branded The Peach Show, for 18 years having previously worked elsewhere at the Beeb.

He worked on a number of high profile stories, including the coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and also interviewed Prime Minister Teresa May. 

Reflecting on his career, Andrew said: ‘I’ve broadcast from Washington, Prague and Dusseldorf – and I’ve endured the ups and downs of being a Reading FC fan through countless play-off final defeats and our promotion to the Premier League in 2006…

‘This job has been the greatest privilege. Daily radio shows like this are, above all, a relationship. A warm and authentic relationship with the audience…

‘We’ve chosen to spend time together day after day, month after month, year after year. That relationship is so precious and I know I will miss it desperately…

‘The programme has brought people together, applied a bit of pressure here and there and meant that, from time to time, we’ve changed things for the better…

‘Although it’s time for me to find some new mountains to climb, I am so grateful to have enjoyed more than 30 years in my dream job.’

Last month, Carol Vorderman was axed by BBC Radio Wales for breaching the broadcaster’s new social media guidelines.

The former Countdown star, 62, who has been at the station for five years, said she was ‘not prepared to stop’ venting her ‘strong beliefs’ on Twitter and Instagram. 

Carol shared a statement confirming she had left the station, saying she was not willing to give up voicing her opinions on the UK government online.

She said: ‘The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines, which I respect. 

‘However, despite my show being light-hearted with no political content, it was explained to me that, as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines would apply to all and any content that I post all year round.

‘Since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I’ve ultimately found that I’m not prepared to lose my voice on social media, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil this country finds itself in.

‘My decision has been to continue to criticise the current UK Government for what it has done to the country which I love – and I’m not prepared to stop. 

‘I was brought up to fight for what I believe in, and I will carry on. Consequently I have now breached the new guidelines and BBC Wales management have decided I must leave. We each must make our decisions.

‘I’m sad to have to leave the wonderful friends I’ve made at Radio Wales. I wish them, and all of our listeners, all the love in the world. We laughed a lot, and we will miss each other dearly. But, for now, another interesting chapter begins.’ 

The BBC said: ‘Carol has been a presenter on BBC Radio Wales since 2018. We’d like to thank her for her work and contribution to the station over the past five years.’ 

In addition to her weekly show on BBC Radio Wales, Carol also hosted topical news quiz show Have I Got News For You on BBC1 in May this year.

Carol had been accused of ‘flagrantly breaching’ the BBC’s impartiality rules with her anti-Tory outbursts, which have included calling ministers ‘a lying bunch of greedy, corrupt, destructive, hateful, divisive, gaslighting crooks’.

The BBC brought in new social media rules for its presenters following outrage earlier this year over Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker’s tweet which comparing the Government’s Rwanda policy to Nazi Germany. 

These prevent high-profile stars from attacking political parties and individual politicians as well as weighing into controversial issues before elections or referendums. The rules apply when their show is on air and in a two-week window before and after. 

Earlier this year, Ken Bruce also jumped ship from the BBC after 45 years for commercial rival Greatest Hits Radio, declaring: ‘I’ve done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2’.

At the time the Scottish broadcaster, 72, said ‘the time is right’ for him to move on from the weekday mid-morning show he’s presented since 1986 – with just a two year gap between 1990 and 1992 – having first walked into the corporation in 1977.

In January, he informed his 9million listeners he was leaving, but insisted he is not retiring, but heading into commercial radio and taking his much-loved PopMaster quiz with him. 

But in September Ken revealed he decided to jump ship before he started to become ‘bitter and entrenched’, saying: ‘It was a long time and I thought I’m doing the same thing every day.

‘There was a point of saying that I can’t enthuse over all the new music I’m having to play as much as I could over the old music. And I didn’t want to get to the stage where I was badmouthing some of the music [or] pretending to like it.’

The father of six elaborated: ‘I certainly did think I’ve got a bit more to offer. I didn’t want to be declining over the next three or four years and still doing the same show, but everybody around me getting younger and thinking, ‘Am I the old bloke in the corner here?’

‘I was the youngster on the station and then almost overnight I became the veteran, and I didn’t want to become the old grump in the corner saying ‘things aren’t what they used to be’, or [to] any new idea say, ‘No, we tried that, didn’t work’, which does happen. I just felt I would get more bitter and entrenched.’

Ken then claimed BBC bosses terminated his contract early, stating he intended to work right up until the end of March, but his final show aired March 3.

He said on Twitter: ‘I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let’s enjoy the week ahead.’

In response, a BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March. 

‘Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. We wish Ken all the best for the future.’ 

His slot was then taken over by Vernon Kay, but lost 1.4 million listeners in its first three months without Ken.

BBC Radio fans have repeatedly accused the network of ageism as the late Paul O’Grady, Steve Wright, 69, Graham Norton, 60, and Simon Mayo, 65, all left and were replaced with a younger line-up in the last couple of years.

The month before his tragic death, Paul admitted: ‘Radio 2 has changed, it’s not what it was. They’re trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn’t make sense because you’ve got Radio 1.’

Vanessa Feltz, 61, and Craig Charles, 59, have also moved on, with Vanessa saying her exit in August 2022 was because she was a woman over the age of 60 and claiming older presenters are ‘not valued in the same way’.

The start of the festive season is finally here, which means Christmas adverts have begun gracing screens across the UK.

December 25 is still 46 days away, but many retailers have already unleashed their big budget ads in an attempt to get a head start in the annual race to win the hearts – and cash – of the British consumers.

John Lewis, which famously kick-started the trend for extravagant Christmas commercials, has surprised viewers with a jolly campaign – a million miles away from the usual tear-jerkers the British retailer typically creates.

But while John Lewis might have been the first to commence the festive tradition, they have come into fierce competition from brands across the country.

From Aldi to Morrison’s and Marks and Spencer’s, here, FEMAIL has rounded up the Christmas adverts released thus far, so the public can judge the best for themselves.

JOHN LEWIS 

John Lewis Christmas adverts are known for pulling at the heartstrings with their tales set to tear-jerking acoustic hits.

But this year, viewers won’t be reaching for the tissues.

The retailer has broken with tradition and opted for a bright and joyous campaign, themed around celebrating traditions old and new. And for only the second time in the 16 years it’s been making festive ads, it has used an original song instead of a cover of a classic hit.

Andrea Bocelli provides the soundtrack to this year’s heartwarming tale about a little boy called Alfie, who asks his grandmother for a seed to ‘grow your own perfect Christmas tree’.

He plants it, and is delighted to see that instead of the typical festive fir, his pot is sprouting an animated, carnivorous Venus flytrap, dubbed ‘Snapper, the perfect tree’.

Causing panic in his family, Snapper grows and grows, soon towering over little Alfie and his parents.

The next scenes show a blossoming friendship between Alfie, who is played by first-time child actor Teddy from Bournemouth. 

The boy and plant become two peas in a pod, with Snapper flipping the pages while Alfie reads, and the pair doing arts and crafts together. 

But like a badly behaved puppy, the plant causes chaos in the household by chewing decorations, chasing after the family dog and knocking over lamps and furniture.

Finally frustrated, a dejected Alfie has to watch Snapper be cast away into the cold.

They replace the Venus flytrap with a conventional fir tree while the boy sadly looks on, missing his friend.

On the other side of the window, a wistful Snapper watches the family celebrate without him.

However on Christmas morning, Alfie steps out into the garden and goes to pet his beloved plant, shaking off his frost and snow.

He plants a present down at the base of the plant, and soon the rest of the family joins in.

Snapper gobbles the offerings up, spitting out festive gifts for the family – everything from headphones to Lego sets and slippers. 

Andrea’s theatrical repetition of the lyrics ‘la vita è una festa’ – meaning life is a celebration’ – provides an inspiring melodic composition that matches the tone and mood of each shot.

The retailer’s theme this year is the marking of old and new festive traditions with the strapline ‘Let Your Traditions Grow’.

The campaign – the first by Saatchi and Saatchi for John Lewis – aims to capture how the unusual and unexpected, over the conventionally ‘perfect’, can lead to family joy. 

Charlotte Lock, customer director for John Lewis, said the campaign aims to honour both the old and new.

‘We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas – from classic traditions like pantos and putting up the tree to evolving new ones like crafting our own presents and Zoom get-togethers,’ she explained.

‘Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special.

‘The film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions and shows that a “perfect” Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions.’

Andrea’s Festa, which means ‘celebration’, is written and produced by Le Feste Antonacci specifically for the John Lewis advert. 

‘I am delighted to take part in this wonderful and unique tradition of Christmas storytelling,’ Andrea remarked.

‘It is very special for me given the great support this will bring to both the John Lewis and Andrea Bocelli foundations. Joy to all of your worlds this Christmas!’ 

The soundtrack will be released in longer form as a charity single with some of the proceeds from the sale of the single going to the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures charities, which help care experienced young people and families in need. 

There is also plenty of merchandise: the Snapper collection will be available in all John Lewis shops as well as online, and selected Waitrose stores.

ALDI

Kevin the Carrot is back for another Aldi Christmas, this time touring William Conker’s Christmas factory with the likes of spoilt little sprout and greedy, gluttonous grape.

This is Kevin’s eighth year as the Aldi’s festive mascot and this year their advert has taken more than a little inspiration from the famous Willy Wonka.

Narrated by acting legend Jim Broadbent in the style of a poem, the advert tells the story of Kevin’s trip to the factory alongside Grandpa Grate and four other competition winners. 

The group are shown through Conker’s factory – which is filled with festive treats including a choux bun Christmas tree, a mince pie conveyor belt and a gravy river. 

But while Kevin celebrates the giving nature of Christmas, other winners are more self-serving and end up in some sticky situations. 

The pun-filled advert begins with an excited crowd gathered at the gate of the factory before Conker makes his big arrival. 

‘Welcome to my world of festive innovation,’ says Conker, as the group enter the factory filled with workers called ‘plumpty dumptys’. 

‘Look, trumpeting sprouts!’ shouts Kevin, as a boat carrying a group of Brussels sprouts playing the trumpet travels along the gravy river. 

The narrator then says: ‘The guests were told politely they really shouldn’t touch but the greedy, gluttonous grape didn’t listen very much’ – at which point grape jumps into the river and starts to slurp up the gravy with a straw.

‘My beautiful gravy,’ Conker wails. 

But grape soon faces the consequences as he becomes engulfed by gravy. 

Next to have their bubble burst is the ‘sulky, sour rhubarb’ who ‘always puts herself first’. She pushes two plumpty dumptys out of the way to get the best view of the river, but when she blows a bubble of gum, a flying lightbulb quickly pops it with a holly leaf, leaving rhubarb covered in sticky gum. 

The factory tour moves on to the mince pie conveyor belt, where snowman heads are squashed by giant mechanical hands and turn into icing sugar to top the treats.

‘I want a mince pie,’ shouts spoilt little sprout – before leaping off the platform and onto the snowman-head pully, knocking over a plumpty dumpty in the process. 

Both Sprout and the plumpty dumpty are hooked onto the machine and carried up to the giant hands. ‘I can see his plum crack’, says Kevin, as the plumpty dumpty is hooked onto machine by his trousers. 

The advert then shows Sprout between the giant hands before it cuts away and a squishing noise is heard as Conker puts a leaf over Kevin’s eyes. 

No Christmas dinner is complete without a dessert, so the next stop in the factory is to the chocolate pudding maker – where cakes are coated in melted chocolate. 

The narrator says: ‘Christmas isn’t selfish, it’s not all ‘me me me’. Yet nobody had mentioned this to the mischievous kiwi.’

Kiwi excitedly stands beside the puddings before leaping onto one to catch the melted chocolate coming out of the tap. However the cake is then plunged into a cooler and Kiwi ends up hardened into the cake. 

‘Only Kevin the Carrot clearly understood the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of being good,’ the narrator continues, as Kevin is seen handing out gifts to the plumpty dumptys. 

Conker says: ‘Congratulations Kevin, you’ve passed the test. I’d like to present you with the cheese to the factory.’

At this point, a block of cheese in the shape of a key rises from the floor.

‘Wow, that’s huge Willy’ says Kevin. ‘Can I share my good fortune with everyone?’ 

‘That’s the spirit,’ replies Conker – at which point the doors to the factory open and an array of fruit and vegetable characters come flooding in. 

The advert ends with a message saying ‘Seasonal goodwill was truly in the air for Christmas is a time that’s sweeter when you share’, accompanied by a cheerful crowd of characters from Aldi’s Christmas past, including Ebanana Scrooge and Marcus Raddishford. 

It then zooms out with a variety of Aldi sweet treats and Christmas dinner essentials, including turkey, roast potatoes and cheese boards, on display. 

Jemma Townsend, Marketing Director at Aldi UK, said: ‘Christmas is made magical by coming together and sharing the joy of celebration even in tough times- just like Kevin wants to with his Christmas wish.

‘It wouldn’t be the festive season without Kevin the Carrot on our TV screens; we know our shoppers will love seeing him getting into the Christmas spirit as we welcome him back for his eighth year with us.’

BOOTS 

Armed with a shopping bag filled with gifts, the pair embark on an epic journey together, from the local high street to the snow-capped landscapes of Santa’s home.  

On their travels, kind strangers help them on their way, and, in return for their generosity, the girl gifts a special item from Boots to show their appreciation. 

From a Dyson Airwrap for the pilot, to a Benefit Volumizing Mascara for the train conductor, by the time they reach Santa, they have just the one gift left… a pair of Boots Travel Flight Socks, perfect for the big journey ahead of him.

The film begins with a cheery mother and her young daughter as they exit a Boots superstore.

While ‘I’m Gonna Get There Somehow’ by Val Doonican plays in the background, the young girl suddenly stops, clearly spotting something amiss. 

Her cheery demeanour vanishes when she spots someone busking on the snow-filled pavement, alongside a miniature version of Santa.

Armed with a Boots shopping bag filled with gifts, this marks the beginning of an epic journey together for the family, as they embark on a mission to deliver presents to Father Christmas himself – ensuring to extend the same generosity to others along the way.

The festive ad sets out to remind viewers that there is a present for everyone when you shop at Boots.

Pete Markey, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots said: ‘At Boots, we want to help customers to celebrate the people who deserve to be appreciated.

‘Family, friends, colleagues, or anyone in the local community who has made a difference to their lives this year. 

‘Christmas is the perfect time to express our gratitude to others and with our extensive range of great value gifts and amazing offers, Boots really does have something to help make everyone in your life feel valued this Christmas’.

Nearly 50 per cent of Boots’ seasonal gift range is priced at £10 or less, plus customers can snap up amazing deals all season long, with the much-loved Star Gift programme, biggest ever Black Friday and more Price Advantage offers than ever before. 

The Boots Christmas advert follows the release of other festive productions, including a star-studded ad from M&S Food. 

Dawn French returns as the M&S Food fairy in this year’s festive advert, where she is joined by Hollywood actors and Wrexham football club co-chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds .

Meanwhile, Lidl hopes to pull on the heartstrings of the nation with their advert, which sets out to remind viewers about the power of small gestures.

Very’s advert Let’s Make It Sparkle, debuting flamboyant flamingo characters Cherry, Kerry, and Terry alongside remastered Girls Aloud track Merry Christmas, Everybody.

Meanwhile, Lidl’s heart-warming Christmas ad reminds viewers of the power of small gestures.

Brimming with Christmas spirit, the advert tells the story of an adorable raccoon who goes above and beyond to make one little boy’s day extra special.

AMAZON 

While many supermarkets have opted for A-listers, popstars and famous faces of Hollywood for their 2023 Christmas advert, Amazon took a different approach.

Instead of banking on star power, the retail giant is hoping to pull of the heartstrings this festive season, with a sweet video about life long friendship and joyful memories.

The 60-second advert, shared exclusively with Femail, tells the story of three life-long friends reviving the joy of their youth atop a snowy hill.

Called ‘Joy Ride’, the spot features a rendition of The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’ played by a 40-piece orchestra. 

Against this musical score and snowy backdrop, the ad is an ode to friendship – a heart-warming story that unfolds as the three older women gather on a park bench and sip hot drinks, wistfully watching on as playful children and teenagers sledge down the hill in their local park.

While the world around them whizzes by, the friends stay seated, quiet and still. But not for long. 

The lead character takes in the scene, noticing that her friends are looking out longingly.

With that, we see an idea spark within her and a mischievous smile appears. 

She opens the Amazon shopping app on her mobile phone and adds padded seat cushions to her shopping basket.

The very next day, the delivery arrives and, back to their special spot, the friends are presented with the Amazon box. 

When they open it, they are mystified with its contents.

But with their interest piqued, the leader of the group encourages her friends to follow her to the hill.

The scene cuts to the friends, now ankle-deep in fresh snow, placing the new seat cushions in their sledges. 

With a reassuring smile, their excitement and anticipation take hold and they join the (somewhat younger) crowds on the snowy slopes.

Laughter, cheers and an emotional flashback to their youth spent together on the same slopes comes flooding back. 

The vivacious trio are full of life as they zoom down the hill with their arms waving in the air.

Once the women reach the bottom of the snowy hill, they rise to their feet and, with enthusiasm, begin the walk back up the hill. 

Their excitement is palpable as they get ready for another exhilarating ride down the snowy slope.

The ad is the start of Amazon’s integrated ‘Joy is shared’ festive brand campaign and will run across TV, streaming and online until the end of December, it will first be shown on TV during Coronation Street on ITV tonight.   

The global Christmas campaign aims to show how joyful holiday moments are made more special when they’re shared and that having fun doesn’t have to stop at a certain age. 

‘This year’s Christmas campaign is inspired by our Amazon customers and their thoughtful ideas and traditions,’ said Jo Shoesmith, VP Global CCO, Amazon told FEMAIL.

‘The stories we tell serve as a reminder that sometimes the joy you receive from doing something special, for those you love, can uplift us all at this time of year. 

‘We also wanted to give these wonderful women the chance to celebrate the different facets of themselves and how they express joy, regardless of their age.’

 Debenhams

Viewers will step into the beautiful candlelit ‘Golden Room’ with Debenhams ambassador Lisa Snowdon as she applies her Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, surrounded by a shimmering warmth and elegance merge to create a sense of enchantment.

They can then explore the magical ‘Winter Forest,’ with TV personality, podcaster and Debenhams ambassador, Sophie Habboo as she spritzes her YSL Libre Eau de Parfum – offering an ethereal glimpse into her fantasy forest landscape.

Join Debenhams ambassador, Zandra Rhodes can be also be seen spraying her Coty fragrance in the retro and vibrant ‘Flower Power’ world, where nostalgia, colour and style collide and blossom.

Elsewhere the retailer’s celebrity partners and popular Youtubers, Sophia and Cinzia feature MAC, where they invite you to experience the icy charm of the ‘Glacier’ wonderland filled with shimmering silver beauty.

Meanwhile Alison Hammond – also a celebrity partner – can take you into the ‘Starry Night’, standing atop a spectacular moon and applying Estee Lauder lipstick as she welcomes you to revel in the celestial skies.

Lastly, you can soar up into the clouds with TikTok viral dance sensations, Brookie and Jessie, embracing their role as ‘Christmas Angels’ featuring Made By Mitchell, as they bring the joy and spirit of the season to life with their iconic dance moves.

Daniel Finley, Chief Executive Officer, Debenhams said: ‘Debenhams has long been recognised as the trusted go-to retailer, that captures the hearts and imaginations of shoppers of all ages. 

‘With our Wonderland is Waiting campaign, we aim to rekindle that emotional connection and invite customers to join us in celebrating the magical nature of the holiday season. 

‘The unique personalities of our celebrity ambassadors and partners are really brought to life in each of the films, as well as showcasing our unrivalled online shopping experience and extensive range of brands on offer.’

Sainsbury’s 

This advert asks the very important question of what Santa really eats for Christmas.

Starring Never Gonna Give You Up singer Rick Astley – and real life Sainsbury’s workers for the first time – the creative feature puts a fun twist on traditional ads.

It opens in a busy supermarket store with shoppers browsing the aisles for the big day, when a young girl hops up to the tannoy to make an announcement. She asks’ ‘Hey Sainsbury’s, I have a question, it’s about Santa…’

It cuts to shocked shoppers and staff looking concerned over what she is about to ask, while Santa himself even gasps in horror.

A look of relief floods their faces when she continues: ‘What does he have for his Christmas dinner?’

The question sparks a flurry of responses from Sainsbury’s colleagues while they’re seen working in stores and delivering shopping to customers’ doors.

As the colleagues share their recommendations, each item magically appear on Santa’s Christmas dinner table.

Back in the store, Rick Astley has his own idea about what Santa might like, innocently asking ‘how about some cheese?’.

To which Sainsbury’s workers say: ‘C’mon Rick, cheese before pudding, you know the rules.’

Disney

Disney launched its holiday campaign called May Your Wishes Come True – focusing on the power of wishes – for its 100th anniversary. 

The advert, called A Wish For The Holidays, takes inspiration from the soon-to-be released Walt Disney Animation Studios’ movie Wish.

The ad is directed by Grammy Award-winning Nigerian/British director Meji Alabi and features scenes representing six geographical locations and languages. 

It tells the heartwarming stories of families and friends from around the world, who are united by a universal wish to be together with their loved ones during the Christmas, recognising a range of festive traditions.

Director Meji Alabi said: ‘I feel lucky to have collaborated with such a diverse group of people on Disney’s Holiday campaign this year. 

‘There were so many stand-out moments for me during the filming, but I think the most memorable was watching the South African kids choir sing their lines. It truly gave me goosebumps.’

The ad includes the globally recognisable song A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella, rearranged to enable multiple performers to come together with one united voice. 

English-language voice of Asha and Academy Award-winning actress and singer Ariana DeBose delivers the opening line in the English version, and voice actresses in markets around the world sing it in other languages.

The ad has been globally produced by Ridley Scott Associates across the US, UK and South Africa and developed in collaboration with the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products internal advertising agency Yellow Shoes.

Joss Hastings, VP Global Marketing, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing, said: ‘Holiday traditions may look different around the world but however and wherever you’re celebrating, we all share the wish to be with the ones we love during this special time of year.’

Morrisons

Morrisons b rings back all the festive 80’s nostalgia as it is set to a rendition of American rock band Starship’s classic power ballad Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.

During the ad, oven gloves that reside in kitchens up and down the UK, come alive to sing their support for hosts and chefs as they prepare their celebratory feasts on the big day.

The ad starts with a familiar scene: a father, in his pyjamas and a Santa hat, making his way to the kitchen to preheat the oven at the crack of dawn on Christmas Day.

Families are then seen preparing food for the festive , supported and serenaded by their favourite oven gloves.  

During the song’s chorus, the gloves jump out of drawers in a choreographed dance as the Christmas pudding gets set alight.

The ad, which was directed by Tim McNaughton, finishes with the oven gloves checking in on the delicious mains cooking in the oven before the meals are proudly served up to rapturous applause.

Rachel Eyre, Morrisons Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, said: ‘This Christmas – and every Christmas – great British food should be the star of the show and so our ad showcases Morrisons brilliant Christmas range. 

‘But there’s always a lot to do when preparing the big Christmas meal and some classic 1980s power ballad encouragement is clearly in order. 

‘And so we’ve made the trusty oven glove the tuneful cheerleaders of the nation’s Christmas chefs and we hope they enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it. Nothing’s gonna stop us making this Christmas the best for our customers.’

Mark Elwood, ECD at Leo Burnett UK, said: ‘The humble oven glove is at the heart of every Christmas across the UK. 

‘Everyone has a pair in their kitchen drawer or hung up on the oven, whether they’re a fresh new set or the ones that got scorched while making Christmas dinner in 1993. 

‘Our singing oven gloves are there to support hosts up and down the nation whilst making their Christmas dinner special. Bringing a little festive joy to the nation with an 80s banger that everyone can sing along too. #GloveOke anyone?’

VERY

Very launched its new Christmas advert Let’s Make It Sparkle, debuting flamboyant flamingo characters Cherry, Kerry, and Terry alongside remastered Girls Aloud track Merry Christmas, Everybody.

The humorous Christmas campaign positions the digital retailer and its customers as vibrant, pink flamingos and encourages them to transform everyday experiences into something wonderful.

The TV ad opens with a dull cityscape, where grey pigeons and pink flamingos are dutifully Christmas shopping. However, this everyday activity is transformed into something magical.

Pink thunderclouds roll in and the pigeons are left awestruck by a team of pink delivery flamingos who are gracefully carrying Very parcels. 

As the parcels are delivered, Kerry, Terry and Cherry’s homes erupt into enormous, clouds of pink glitter.

Jessica Myers, Chief Marketing Officer at Very, said: ‘We know Very customers are as imaginative and enthusiastic about everyday moments as they are about Christmas, and we want to celebrate and enable that sense of joy and fun all year round as part of our commitment to our purpose; helping families get more out of life. 

‘Let’s Make It Sparkle brings that spirit to life brilliantly, and we’re so excited for the opportunities this new creative platform will open up in 2024 and beyond.’ 

LIDL 

Lidl’s heart-warming Christmas ad reminds viewers of the power of small gestures.

Brimming with Christmas spirit, the advert tells the story of an adorable raccoon who goes above and beyond to make one little boy’s day extra special.

The story begins when the raccoon looks curiously through a window to see a family excitedly decorating a Christmas tree – when their dog accidentally smashes the little boy’s favourite monkey Christmas decoration.

Wanting to cheer her son up, the boy’s mother picks up a cuddly toy while doing the weekly shop at Lidl, but accidentally drops it on the cycle home. 

Having spotted the toy monkey stranded in the cold snow, the heroic raccoon jumps into action and crosses the city by any means possible – climbing road signs, riding the tube, and sailing on a log across a river – all to reach the family home and put the toy under the Christmas tree.

Peter de Roos, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, says of the campaign: ‘At Christmas, there’s nothing more magical than seeing the joy a gift can bring to a child, and we want to help make sure this joy reaches all families.

‘Our hope is that by bringing back the toy donation points we are making it easier, for those customers who can, to donate directly to local good causes by giving them a small way to make a real difference and help those that need it the most.’

Alongside the release of the festive advert Lidl  also announced the return of its Toy Bank, a nationwide donation drive that last year saw over 80,000 toys donated to children who may not have otherwise received a gift. 

From today until 16th December, customers can drop off new and unopened toys and games, to be gifted to children that need support in their local area. 

In addition, the retailer will for the first time be selling toys of the festive advert stars – with all proceeds going to Neighbourly. Both the raccoon and the monkey are available in a super cuddly plush toy – perfect for any super fans or for generous customers looking for donation inspiration. 

M&S FOOD

Dawn French returns as the M&S Food fairy in this years festive advert and she is joined by Hollywood actors and Wrexham football club co-chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

The ad follows a young girl’s lost mittens called Left and Right, who look for some Christmas cheer.

Fairy is determined to cheer up the mittens after they were separated from their owner Lilly and lost in the snow.

Fairy springs into action and introduces them to the magic of an M&S Christmas. 

They discover the very best of the retailer’s festive food, ending with a mouth-watering Christmas feast complete with all the trimmings. 

The mittens ultimately have their best and most delicious Christmas ever.

Voice of Fairy, Dawn French, said: ‘I’m so excited to be returning to my role as the Fairy this Christmas, and what a treat to bring to life some new friends, the lovable lost mittens ‘Left’ and ‘Right’! 

‘It was a delight introducing them to the joys of a British Christmas and a traditional fabulous festive feast.’

TK MAXX 

TK Maxx unveiled its fun Festive Farm Christmas advert which features a group of adorable animals cat-walking out of their barn in their stylish new TK Maxx outfits.

As the iconic intro of Eve and Gwen Stefani’s early noughties hit Let Me Blow Ya Mind begins to play, we see a series of creatures strut through the snow, showing off their fabulous Yuletide presents.

First out the barn doors into the snowy scene is a turtle neck-clad alpaca busking a crossbody bag, swiftly followed by a pair of ducks rocking Harry Styles-inspired pearls, an elegant silk scarf and suave pink bow tie. 

Bringing up the rear is an irresistibly cute hedgehog scurrying out into the cold in a cosy pink cashmere woolly hat.

The iconic ‘lil’ goat’ makes its return from the 2020 TK Maxx Christmas campaign, joining the stylish winter parade. 

The farmer questions his wife: ‘Did you buy all the farm designer outfits? I thought we were keeping it small with the gifts this year?’. 

The wife replies, ‘Oh I did, love,’ and the pair share a laugh as they watch their animals sashay into the distance.

The ad closes on an alpaca smelling a divine designer candle before sneezing and blowing it out. 

Eagle-eyed viewers will also spot a festive Christmas bear on-screen, in the hands of the couple’s excited young granddaughter. 

From the retailer’s festive charity gifts collection, a donation of £3.00 from the sale of each bear, which is priced at £9.99, will be donated to help TK Maxx’s long term partner, the Princes Trust, continue transforming the lives of thousands of young people.

Deborah Dolce, Group Director commented: ‘Our festive campaign celebrates everything our customers love about TK Maxx at Christmas. We know people want to show friends and family they care with beautiful, quality gifts, but we also know most of us are still watching our finances carefully.’

BAILEYS

Emmy Award-winning Hannah Waddingham has starred in Baileys’ Christmas advert, alongside the Gold Vocal Collective, who play the choir.

The actress takes on the role of conductor in the joyful 20-second commercial. 

It kicks off with the star suggesting the choir break for a Baileys, leading up to their harmonious acapella performance as the brand’s signature Christmas ‘Choctail’ is prepared.

The rim of the martini glass is dipped in chocolate sauce, then coated with shortbread crumbs, before the indulgent cocktail is poured in.

To complete the presentation, a shortbread snowflake serves as a garnish, followed by a cheerful toast from the conductor to the camera. 

WAITROSE

Waitrose’s first Christmas campaign with new partners Saatchi & Saatchi has the brand promise of Food to Feel Good About at the core of its creative. 

The 90-second advert features TV presenter Graham Norton and showcases a selection of festive food and drink offerings. 

A glamorous couple can be seen hosting a Christmas party, with each guest bringing an impressive dish, with items from panettone to turkey on offer.

Every inch of the house is adorned with extravagant decorations, including a dazzling Christmas tree, standing in the bay window of the living room.

Guests, decked out in sequined mini dresses and sharp suits, start dancing to the party anthem Just Can’t Get Enough by Depeche Mode.

Graham Norton makes his entrance, wearing a tuxedo and carrying an assortment of desserts.

Suddenly, one partygoer stumbles, sending a decadent platter of mince pies into the air – but fear not, they are swiftly rescued.

Two police officers knock on the front door, but when they catch a glimpse of a pudding in the hallway, say: ‘Excuse me, we’ve had multiple reports of a…Florentine-inspired panettone.’

Then, a power cut causes the entire property to plunge into darkness. 

But one woman, holding a cheese plate, reassures guests, saying: ‘It’s okay everyone, there’s more cheese!’ 

Cheers erupt from the guests as they resume dancing in the dimly lit room.

Meanwhile, Graham Norton enjoys a mince pie while reclining on the sofa. 

SPORTS DIRECT

Sports Direct has partnered with some of the UK’s biggest sports talent for their Christmas advert.

It features Manchester United’s Mason Mount (for the third year running) who leads up line-up including Lionesses Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.

They join Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and his teammates Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus alongside Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Ez.

More footballers come as Spurs star James Maddison makes an appearance while boxers Johnny Fisher, Conor Benn and sprinter Zharnel Hughes complete the line-up.

Entitled Dream Big, the campaign opens with Little Legend Macy, a young girl whose Christmas wish is to become the best sports star in the world. 

Macy fulfills her desires by becoming a champion boxer, athlete and footballer – competing with a host of famous faces.

In the boxing ring, she transforms into a towering figure, dwarfing male contender Conor Benn. Next, Macy goes head-to-head with an athlete on the track, where she successfully distracts him to secure a victory at the finish line. 

Then, on the football field, she becomes a goal keeper, performing a dramatic leap to block a penalty shot.

Macy is met with congratulations from Mason Mount – leaving her utterly astonished when she returns to reality. Back in her living room, there’s a knock at the door. It’s Brazilian footballer Gabriel Jesus, holding a huge present. 

M&S 

‘Twas the month before Christmas and Marks & Spencer has dropped a surprise with festive advertising which is sure to jingle some bells. 

In a television campaign, M&S appears to be encouraging shoppers to do what they want this Christmas, instead of being hidebound by endless chores, the demands of others and the tyranny of festive perfection.

Using a starry line up of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, actresses Zawe Ashton and Hannah Waddingham, and TV star Tan France, the M&S missive for 2023 is to put yourself and your own needs first.

Thus we have Sophie turning a kitchen blow torch she is using to toast the meringue roof on her giant gingerbread house, onto a pile of unwritten Christmas cards and gift tags. 

‘I’ll do anything for love, but I won’t do that,’ sings a Meatloaf-alike on the backing track, as a bonfire of goodwill erupts on Sophie’s kitchen table. 

Meanwhile Zawe Ashton, best known for her role in Channel 4 sitcom Fresh Meat, loses the will to live playing charades to a sofa full of people who don’t understand her mimes. 

In a plot jump that isn’t really explained, Zawe is suddenly on the roof of her home, going full Tarantino in her sequins, using a roll of wrapping paper like a baseball bat to whack a blameless elf across the city skyline.

At a party somewhere else, Tan France — the fashion expert from Netflix hit Queer Eye — is wearing a white bow tie. 

He sighs at the style affront, but still puts a child’s hideous loo roll angel on the top of his tree instead of the tasteful star decoration he prefers. 

But he draws the line at playing board games. Enough is enough, he thinks, before throwing a tantrum and said game into a tropical fish tank.

Cue Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso actress and Eurovision Song Contest co-host, and the real star of this show, a glamorous character who wants to sneak out of the house to do something – but has to stay at home and glue cotton wool balls onto a snowman instead. 

That is until the madness grips her, and she goes outside to throw all her party hats and festive baubles into a woodchipper instead. Then Zawe’s luckless airborne elf lands at her feet, prompting a wicked smile on Hannah’s face.

ASDA 

He’s synonymous with Christmas – and this year Michael Bublé appears in a festive advert for Asda.

Giving fans a sneak peek of its Christmas campaign, and a taste of what’s to come, Asda released a 60-second teaser that sees the singer make his merry debut as the retailer’s latest seasonal recruit.

The teaser, which premieres this morning on ITV at 9.40am during Good Morning Britain, sees Asda colleagues relaxing in a break room mid-shift until they’re disturbed by an unusual ‘gurgling’ sound as the clock ticks to midnight. 

Journeying through a stunning festive warehouse to find its source, they eventually reach a door marked ‘MB inside. Do not open ’til 1.11.23′. 

As the door swings open, a lone figure is revealed, silhouetted in the spotlight: it’s Bublé, who turns to the camera and breaks into the classic ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’. 

‘”Shall we?”, he asks with a smile, before the ad reads: ‘Pop the Bublé, it’s officially Christmas.’ Asda’s full 90-second advert is due to air on 4 November.  

David Hills, Asda’s Chief Customer Officer, said: ‘At Asda, we absolutely love Christmas and this year we’re once again on a mission to bring that warm, festive feeling to households across the UK. 

‘Today, we’re putting the speculation to rest and confirming that the legend that is Michael Bublé is partnering with us this Christmas to put on a showstopping performance. 

‘With Bublé’s undeniable ability to spread seasonal smiles and our commitment to quality, at great value, we’re a match made in heaven, proving Asda is a one-stop-shop for families seeking magic this Christmas.’

ARGOS 

TV toy favourites Connie and Trevor are the stars of Argos’s new Christmas campaign. 

Toy doll Connie, dressed in a glitzy pink jumpsuit, commands attention in the clip as she showcases the gifts on offer at the retailer during a dance performance.

Her trusty sidekick Trevor, a toy dinosaur, is supposed to be recording the stunning show – but instead he accidentally films the view of himself.  

The film ends as Connie cartwheels across the festive table asking, ‘please tell me you got that, Trev?’ but it is unveiled that Trevor has in fact been recording himself the entire time whilst Connie claps to herself proudly.

The tale, a modern day take on the classic ‘toys come to life’ narrative, builds on Argos’s brand platform – ‘There’s More To Argos’ – which launched earlier this year. 

It aims to showcase the vast array of most-wanted products on offer from the retailer, from toys, home and beauty, to cutting-edge tech.

Developed by The&Partnership, the film was directed by Traktor and animated by Untold, with the characters voiced by People Just Do Nothing’s Ruth Bratt and This Country’s Charlie Cooper. 

The disco classic Le Freak by Chic is played to accompany Connie’s big performance.

Laura Boothby, Head of Campaigns at Argos, said: ‘There was no better way to show off what you can find at Argos this Christmas than bringing back our loveable and family-friendly characters Connie and Trevor. 

‘In a festive-themed adventure, the dynamic duo spotlight just a few of the incredible products our customers can buy this Christmas, and bring them to life in a witty and playful way – igniting the Christmas joy our customers can find at Argos.’

Matt Moreland and Chris Clarke, Creative Directors at The&Partnership, said: ‘We wanted to pull out all the stops for the latest Argos instalment. It is Christmas after all. 

‘So we teamed Connie up with some stylish merch, a world class choreographer, and a remix of one of the best disco tracks of all time. Surely nothing could go wrong?’

While many supermarkets have chosen A-listers, pop stars and famous Hollywood faces for their 2023 Christmas advertising, Amazon has taken a different approach.

Instead of relying on star power, the retail giant hopes to win people’s hearts this holiday season with a beautiful video about lifelong friendship and joyful memories.

The 60-second ad, shared exclusively with Femail, tells the story of three lifelong friends who relive the joy of their youth atop a snowy hill.

The spot is called ‘Joy Ride’ and features a rendition of The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’, played by a 40-piece orchestra.

Set against this musical score and snowy backdrop, the ad is an ode to friendship – a heartwarming story that unfolds as the three older women gather on a park bench and sip hot drinks, watching wistfully as playful children and teenagers sled down the hill in their local park.

As the world around them rushes by, the friends sit quietly and quietly. But not for long.

The main character takes in the scene and notices her friends looking outside longingly.

With that we see an idea come to her mind and a mischievous smile appears.

She opens the Amazon shopping app on her mobile phone and adds quilted seat cushions to her shopping cart.

The next day the delivery arrives and, back at their special place, the friends are presented with the Amazon box.

When they open it, they are amazed at its contents.

But now that their interest is piqued, the group’s leader encourages her friends to follow her to the hill.

The scene cuts to the friends, now up to their ankles in fresh snow, placing the new seat cushions in their sleds.

With a reassuring smile, their excitement and anticipation take hold and they join the (slightly younger) crowd on the snowy slopes.

Laughter, cheers and an emotional flashback to their childhood together on the same slopes return.

The lively trio are full of life as they zoom down the hill with their arms waving.

Once the women reach the bottom of the snowy hill, they stand up and enthusiastically begin the walk back up the hill.

Their excitement is palpable as they prepare for another exhilarating ride down the snowy slope.

The ad marks the start of Amazon’s integrated festive brand campaign ‘Joy is shared’ and will run on TV, streaming and online until the end of December. The advert will be shown for the first time on TV tonight during Coronation Street on ITV.

The global Christmas campaign aims to show how joyful holiday moments become more special when shared and that fun doesn’t have to stop at a certain age.

“This year’s Christmas campaign is inspired by our Amazon customers and their thoughtful ideas and traditions,” Jo Shoesmith, VP Global CCO, Amazon told FEMAIL.

“The stories we tell remind us that the joy that comes from doing something special, for the people you love, can encourage us all at this time of year.

“We also wanted to give these amazing women the opportunity to celebrate the different facets of themselves and the ways they express joy, regardless of age.”

Maya Waterman, the actress who plays the character of “Joy Ride,” said, “I am incredibly proud to have, quite literally, taken the lead as one of the stars of a global holiday advertising campaign.

‘Nostalgia in old age can often be interpreted as something overly sentimental that you long for, so I’m extremely proud that we were able to turn that story on its head and tell a story about three women who are not just reliving memories. , but create new ones. I hope audiences of all ages can relate to that feeling of shared joy.”

Annie O’Donnell, one of Maya’s lifelong friends in the story, said, “At our age, it’s not uncommon to be typecast. And while I enjoy playing the role of someone’s dear grandmother, it’s always exciting to show a different side.

‘An opportunity to shake off prejudices and show that we are not only ‘young at heart’, but still throw ourselves into life’.

The ad is a big departure from other ads this year, which seem to rely on star power.

Alison Hammond, Lisa Snowdon, Sophie Habboo and designer Zandra Rhodes – to name a few – feature in the star-studded Debenhams Wonderland is Waiting Christmas advert.

Elsewhere, Sainsbury’s is bringing the star power with Rick Astley, who is in store shopping for his Christmas party.

Dawn French returns as the M&S Food Fairy in this year’s festive advert and she is joined by Hollywood actors and co-chairmen of Wrexham Football Club, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

The M&S main ad also uses a star line-up of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, actresses Zawe Ashton and Hannah Waddingham and TV star Tan France. The M&S mission for 2023 is to put yourself and your own needs first.

Waitrose’s first Christmas campaign with new partners Saatchi & Saatchi has the Food to Feel Good About brand promise at the heart of its creations.

The 90-second advert features TV presenter Graham Norton and showcases a selection of festive food and drinks.

Sports Direct have teamed up with some of Britain’s biggest sporting talents for their Christmas advert.

It features Manchester United’s Mason Mount (for the third year in a row) leading the line-up, including Lionesses Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.

They join Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and his teammates Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus alongside Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Ez.

More footballers arrive as Spurs star James Maddison makes an appearance, while boxers Johnny Fisher, Conor Benn and sprinter Zharnel Hughes complete the line-up.

While Asda opted for A-list singing sensation Michael Buble.