This Morning back for another Christmas Day special

It’s been a tough couple of years for This Morning, but nothing will stop the show from bringing some sparkle to Christmas Day…

Pull out the aubergine baubles, throw out the toxic-smelling gravy and make sure there’s no sight of Holly. It’s Chrismas Day This Morning – and depending on how you view it, it’s either ITV bosses being very lazy and lacking any creativity with the schedules or it’s a festive special for those who love the daytime magazine show – you decide.

For the fourth year running This Morning will deliver a special two-hour Christmas show featuring plenty of festive fun!

Fronted by a sequin-clad Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary – in a jumper knitted by his Norwegian mother-in-law – the duo are also joined in the studio by Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle, games master Gyles Brandreth, and John Torode MBE in the kitchen with his top tips on how to upgrade your Christmas Dinner.

The show will head ‘Down Under’ to speak with British expats wanting to wish their families a Merry Christmas and meet Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher, viewers will also get to see Santa Claus himself and an unforgettable Lapland adventure with some Make-A-Wish UK families before Alison, Dermot, Josie, Craig and Gyles sit down to open their presents to one another.

Whilst all were grateful for their gifts, it was Alison who was the most surprised by hers.

Dermot: “You’ve got something lovely. So, at the moment you’ve got the day off but where are you performing panto right now?” 

Alison: “In Birmingham.” 

Dermot: “Yeah, whereabouts?” 

Alison: “The Hippodrome.” 

Dermot: “The Birmingham Hippodrome. Well it’s a very special place for you and a lifelong dream that you’re performing there.” 

Alison: “Massively!” 

Dermot: “So we took the liberty of doing something… Can we just take a look at this? So, we’ve named a seat ‘Alison Hammond, TV Queen and pantomime star’. That’s named after you in perpetuity forever.”

Alexandra Burke and twice Grammy Award winning Gregory Porter provide some magical music performances, plus TV legends Brian Conley and Brenda Blethyn pop by to discuss what to watch this Christmas – including the EastEnders Christmas special and a Vera Christmas special – before Dermot, Alison, Josie and Craig go head-to-head playing some brilliant party games!

This Morning, 10 am, Christmas Day on ITV1 and STV