50 m. ago David Walliams' 'brutal reset' as he looks ahead to lonely Christmas

As David Walliams looks ahead to a lonely Christmas, a PR expert has shed light on the transitional period he faces, against a backdrop of lost friendships and shifting tastes in comedy

Politics

65 m. ago Goodbye June review – Kate Winslet’s Christmas heartwarmer is like a two

Star turns from Helen Mirren, Andrea Riseborough and Toni Colette can’t stop cartoony sentimentality smothering this film directed by Winslet and written by her son Joe AndersKate Winslet’s feature directing debut is a family movie, scripted by her son Joe Anders; it’s a well-intentioned and starrily cast yuletide heartwarmer, like a two-hour John Lewis Christmas TV ad without the logo at the end. There are one or two nice lines and sharp moments but they are submerged in a treacly soup of sentimentality; in the end, I couldn’t get past the cartoony quasi-Richard Curtis characterisation and the weird not-quite-earthlingness of the people involved. Having said this, I am aware of having been first in the queue to denigrate Winslet’s Christmas film The Holiday, that is regarded by many as one of the most successful films of all time.Helen Mirren is the June of the title, an affectionate but sharp-tongued matriarch who is diagnosed with terminal cancer in the run-up to Christmas, and h...

Events

70 m. ago Coronation Street star says 'calm before the storm' in sweet Websters Christmas update

The stars who play the iconic family in the ITV soap were seen out away from the cobbles

Events

84 m. ago Ellie Simmonds addresses Strictly presenting role and who she's backing to win

The Paralympic star swimmer talks Strictly shockers, Christmas kisses, and the complexity of becoming a mum as someone with a disability

Politics

88 m. ago The same Christmas songs have been in the charts for the last 20 years in a row

It really might end up feeling like Christmas every day - at least when it comes to hearing the same festive songs, a study suggests. Many hits appear 'on repeat'

Politics

98 m. ago Super flu: Where are the hotspots in London as 'tidal wave' of virus rips through the capital

Health chiefs are urging Londoners to get the flu vaccine amid fears of a virus surge ahead of Christmas

Science

1 hour ago 'If you've got the flu, stay at home or wear a mask' say Health Chiefs as they urge Britons to get vaccinated

Britons battling coughs and colds were today begged to stay at home, as health chiefs doled out Covid-era advice amid fears the raging superflu could cause Christmas carnage.

Society

1 hour ago NHS urges everyone in Greater Manchester to take 5 key actions before Christmas as flu cases soar

Flu cases are rising ahead of Christmas - here's how you can protect yourself and others

Sport

1 hour ago David Walliams set for 'lonely' Christmas without son after 'cancelled' career

David Walliams, who was 'cancelled' over offensive remarks, has revealed he will be spending Christmas without his son or ex-wife

Politics

1 hour ago 'I was caught in a cycle that I couldn't claw myself out from

Tom Patrick was supported by Mustard Tree at a time he needed it most - he has shared his story with the M.E.N to support our Christmas Appeal

Events

1 hour ago 'Most beautiful' city has best Christmas market and is perfect for cold months

The city is home to one of the UK's best Christmas markets with tourists regularly visiting each year to try the food and mulled wine

Politics

1 hour ago West Lothian primary pupils build creativity with festive hard hat designs

The creative design initiative invited children to showcase their imagination by transforming construction hard hats into Christmas themed creations, with nearly 200 primary school pupils across Scotland getting involved.

Politics

2 h. ago Super flu hospital cases in London jump 47% in a week as NHS faces worst

Londoners are being urged to get the flu vaccine in the next few days to get maximum protection by Christmas Day

Science

2 h. ago Christmas sausage rolls recipe includes 4 festive ingredients for a sweet and nutty flavour

This sausage roll recipe is perfect for Christmas parties and gatherings, and is a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce and cooked chestnuts

Events

2 h. ago Queen Camilla invites seriously ill children to decorate Clarence House Christmas tree

Queen Camilla has kicked off the festive season as she threw a festive party at Clarence House for children that are struggling with serious illnesses

Politics

2 h. ago My First Tropical Fish 2025: Here are the 17 best breeds of colourful tropical fish for beginners

If you’re thinking about splashing out on your first aquarium this Christmas then these are the best fish to fill it with.

Politics

2 h. ago Mischief makers: The story behind the funniest theatre company in town

Mischief are returning with a new production, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, and tells us about their remarkable success story

Politics

2 h. ago Post office confirms final Christmas cut off date for sending letters and parcels

One in five have missed the deadline for the Christmas post before - make sure it's not you this year

Politics

2 h. ago Last chance to be vaccinated against flu in time for Christmas, UKHSA warns Britons

The number of people in hospital in England with flu is at a record high for this time of year

Events

2 h. ago Home Bargains shoppers fuming after spotting ‘bizarre and ridiculous’ small print on Christmas stockings and sacks

AT Christmas time, there's nothing families like more than matching items. From pyjamas to personalised stockings and tree baubles - they all create the picture-perfect festive look. And shoppers have been racing to Home Bargains to snap up cute 'alphabet stockings' in store for each member of the family. The striped knitted miniature version is...

Economics