However, if you’re bored of Love Actually and The Holiday, you might as well check out this week’s Netflix “alternative” Christmas movie starring a former Disney Disney star.
Assistant Editor, Social News, Samantha Bartlett
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Many people are excited to watch the upcoming Christmas film (stock image)(Image: Nico De Pasquale Photography via Getty Images)
With the nights getting dark and cold as autumn is upon us and winter approaches, many people are searching Netflix for something to watch, and what better way to get ready for Christmas than a festive film. If you’re bored of the likes of Love Actually and The Holiday though, you’re in luck, as this week Netflix is releasing an ‘alternative’ Christmas film starring a former Disney star.
Olivia Holt portrays Sophia, a sharp-witted retail worker who tries to rob Christmas Eve’s most notorious department store in Jingle Bell Heist. The only issue is that Nick (Connor Swindells), a pitiful repairman, also wants the same prize.
Sophia and Nick’s relationship is threatened as they are forced into an uneasy alliance and as their feelings for one another grow.
Olivia, a US actress, is best known for playing the roles of Kim Crawford and Lindy Watson in the Disney Channel original film Girl vs. Monster and Olivia is best known for her roles in the Disney Channel original movies Girl vs. Monster and Kickin’ It on Disney XD.
Sophia voiced characters in Ultimate Spider-Man, Tinker Bell, and the Legend of the NeverBeast and also appeared as Young Georgia in Shake It Up.
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Connor Swindells meanwhile is best known for starring in Netflix show Sex Education as well as the Barbie film and series SAS Rogue Heroes.
Many people were enthralled to see Olivia playing a novel role, as well as the possibility of working with Connor.
One person gushed, “Olivia Holt is a brilliant actress!” as the trailer came out. She needs to appear in more films of this caliber.
While another stated, “Anything Olivia Holt is in I’m watching.
A third chimed in, “I’d like to see Olivia Holt resurrect!”
While a fourth added, “I’ve been a fan since her Disney days, and I’m so excited to see her in this.”
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Another person also wrote, “I didn’t believe that having these two acts together this year was what I needed.”
While another reaffirmed: “OLIVIA AND CONNOR” NEVER MAGNIFIED
Martin Henderson updated his fans on a frustrating situation on Instagram.
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A warning was issued by Martin Henderson.
Virgin River’s Jack Sheridan star Martin Henderson was forced to take to Instagram yet again to warn fans over a scam.
The New Zealand actor has been subject to fake accounts numerous times before, and was frustrated to hear scammers were targeting fans once more.
Ahead of the release of Virgin River season seven, he posted a video with the caption: “Hey guys, hope y’all are doing well. Bummer to have to keep reminding people of this, but……please know that I do not communicate with anyone our user of THIS Instagram account.
It is a scam if you or someone you know is being contacted by any other accounts on any platforms other than this one @martinhendersonofficial. Be cautious, everyone.
He claimed in the video that he had received numerous messages from fans complaining that they had been contacted by people who claimed to be him, and that this is the only post I’ve ever made.
He continued, “It’s not me. I’m not requesting any money or reaching out to anyone.
“I’m not in a hospital, I’m totally fine. I don’t require money or assistance. So, yes, I only wanted to mention this once more.
Please be aware that it is false if you are being contacted. Alexandra Breckenridge, his Virgin River co-star, was surprised by the comments.
She remarked, “I can’t believe this is still happening. Which fan responded, “It’s still happening, @alexandrabreck. Every week, I make reports. The majority of them are taken down, but they continue to arrive.
In February 2025, one woman lost $375, 000 (£275, 000) in a Martin Henderson romance scam.
She even made the move to New Zealand in the hopes of meeting Martin, who she believed to be Martin.
The woman had intimate details of her life with the scammer, who had been in contact with her for two years.
She was aware that she had been duped when a friend sent her a news article about the real Martin Henderson, who was allegedly hospitalized in South Africa, riding in a bike rally in New Zealand.
When a woman received a message from a pretending agent for the actor, saying Martin liked her comments and wanted to talk to her, she first connected with the scammer on a Virgin River fan page.
The woman was informed that the scammer’s Instagram warnings were intended for other people, despite the real Martin Henderson telling his followers about imposters on his official Instagram page.
Marks and Spencer has launched its 2025 family Christmas pyjama range, with styles to suit every family member from adults to babies, and most are now on sale for as little as £6
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Marks & Spencer has launched its Christmas pyjamas(Image: Marks & Spencer)
There’s nothing better than a matching moment, especially when it comes to Christmas pyjamas, and we love nothing more than finding some great sets for the whole family. So when Marks & Spencer launched its brand new 2025 Christmas PJ range – and then they landed in the early Black Friday sale – we couldn’t wait to snap up a set.
The new collection has everything from tiny onesies for babies to satin sets for adults, and of course the obligatory full family sets so everyone can match. The early Black Friday sale has also seen many of the sets slashed by up to 20%, meaning some items – like this adorable Pure Cotton Christmas Food Print Sleepsuit – are now just £6.40.
READ MORE: Here’s how to get Tom Daley’s new Christmas cardigan and win £500 for the festive season
READ MORE: Shop Keira Knightley’s chic chocolate brown bomber jacket from hit Waitrose Christmas ad
For families with a sweet tooth, the striped candy cane pyjama sets are perfect. For adult men, the green and white striped version is now £28 down from £35, whilst the matching boys set (for ages one to 16 years) is £14.40. Meanwhile the adult women’s pink and white set is £28 down from £35, whilst the co-ordinating girls set is also £14.40.
For fans of something more traditional, the iconic Spencer Bear sets are also available in identical sets for the whole family. They feature a cosy grey sweatshirt with Spencer on the chest, and red and white tartan print cotton long trousers for that classic Christmas feel.
If you’ve got your eye on the cute Christmas Food Print Sleepsuit we mentioned earlier, you can also make sure any parents and siblings can co-ordinate with the newest addition to the family. The matching sets come in navy and feature long sleeve tops and trousers for all the family, and come in a soft and comfy cotton which are on sale between £5.60 and £20.
However, M&S isn’t the only place to snap up some cute and cosy Christmas PJs this festive season. Chelsea Peers has slashed the price of its Christmas pyjama range in preparation for Black Friday weekend, with some sets now priced as low as £19.50. There’s everything from chic and sophisticated satin sets and stripe prints to cosy teddy bear prints and classic tartan patterns.
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Next has also launched a great selection of Christmas PJs this year, with options for men, women and little ones. There’s plenty of prints, patterns and colours to choose from, as well as lots of essential accessories for keeping snug, like slippers, dressing gowns and fluffy socks.
The performer, 42, who goes by the real name Donald Glover, has spoken out about his health emergency over the weekend at Camp Flog Gnaw Festival.
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Donald Glover said he suffered a stroke last year(Image: 2025 Penske Media/Katie Flores/Billboard via Getty Images)
Around 90,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK – a stark reality that Donald Glover has now also faced. The American performer, famously known as Childish Gambino, has revealed he suffered a major health scare in 2024, which forced him to cancel the remainder of his tour.
While the 42 year old began feeling ill during a gig in New Orleans, Louisiana, last year, he continued performing and decided to head to the hospital afterwards. Here, doctors diagnosed him with a stroke, according to reports.
At the Los Angeles Camp Flog Gnaw Festival, Glover said, “I had a really bad pain in my head in Louisiana, but I did the show anyway.” I had a stroke, and the doctor said, “You had a stroke, so we went to Houston,” so I went to the hospital. And I was like, “Oh, I am still copying Jamie Foxx,” as I first thought.
They discovered a hole in my heart,” he later said. So I had this surgery, and then I had another surgery. […] They say that everyone lives in pairs, and that the second life begins with the realization of this fact.
A stroke typically occurs when the blood flow stops, affecting movements and speech. Because they can have serious or even fatal consequences, sticks are medical emergencies that call for immediate medical attention.
While Glover did not reveal the cause of the hole in his heart or the specific type of stroke he experienced, it is important to be aware of two main stroke types. The first type, known as an ischaemic stroke, accounts for approximately 85% of all stroke cases, according to the Stroke Association.
These occur when a blockage completely stops the blood supply to the brain, causing damage to brain cells and frequently causing various distressing symptoms. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, specific symptoms may include speech difficulties, paralysis on one side of the face or body, and loss or loss of senses all in one case.
Meanwhile, a further 15% of strokes are caused by bleeding within or around the brain, known as haemorrhagic strokes. Although symptoms are very similar to ischaemic incidents, patients are more likely to experience very sudden or severe headaches.
These are often called ‘thunderclap headaches’, which patients frequently describe as the worst pain they have ever felt, similar to being struck on the head. Official advice from the Stroke Association adds: “Many people think that strokes only happen to older people, but stroke can strike anyone, at any time.
“It’s vital to know how to spot the signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else. Use the FAST test to help you recognise the signs. While most people who have a stroke are older, younger people can have strokes too, including children. One in four strokes in the UK happens to people of working age.”
The three most prevalent stroke signs, as well as:: Face, Arms, Speech, and Time, were quickly identified by the FAST test, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time:
Can someone smile when they have a facial flaw? Have they squirted in their eyes or mouths?
Arm flexibility: Is it possible to raise both arms simultaneously and maintain a position?
Can someone understand and speak clearly when you say something? Is their language slurred?
If you notice any of these signs, call 999 immediately.
Although the symptoms of a stroke can quickly fade, the victim is not necessarily safe. In fact, these flimsy symptoms could indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini stroke,” which could give rise to a serious stroke that might occur soon.
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Guidance from the NHS adds: “Do not drive yourself to A&E. The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.”
Other symptoms can appear. The NHS says these can include:
confusion and memory loss
finding it challenging to speak or think in words
down one side of your body and weakness or numbness
(Nausea or vomiting) feeling or being sick
a severe headache
experiencing a haze or falling over
One or both eyes experience blurred vision or sight loss.
One cheeky habit they displayed during Angry Ginge’s Bushtucker Trial left Ant and Dec as clearly unimpressive, leaving him struggling to get his stars for camp.
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Ant and Dec were criticised by I’m A Celeb fans(Image: ITV)
I’m a Celeb fans have hit out at mischievous Geordie show hosts Ant and Dec for one thing they did during YouTube Angry Ginge’s gruesome Bushtucker Trial on Sunday night’s episode.
Ginge was chosen to take part in the Terror Flying Tours trial, and had to stick his head into various different ominous boxes in order to win stars for camp – joined, as is now tradition, by a few rather scary companions.
Fans who were watching from home, however, could not resist noticing that the pair were making the star laugh as he attempted to remove a star from a metal screw with just his tongue.
READ MORE: Lidl to make ‘festive first’ offer for UK shoppers from November 27
In the first box, Ginge attempted to remove the stars from a lizard-filled box, as cheeky as Ant’s cheeky comment, “Tongue gets very dry doesn’t it? ” Ginge giggled as he distancingly said, “Shut up, but it was a little dry, we had to lubricate it.”
With only ten seconds left to complete the challenge, Ant remarked, “This is going to be a great meme.” However, Ginge completely lost his composure as he laughed aloud and failed to capture the star before time ran out.
And the hosts’ interference didnt go unnoticed. ON X, one viewer slammed, “Can’t lie it bugged me how much Ant and Dec were talking during Ginge’s trial #ImACeleb.”
Another criticized Ant and Dec for being quiet while Ginge is conducting the trial because they are offending him and laughing at things that aren’t funny and also didn’t see the funny side! I didn’t watch much of this series, but that made me turn off! #ImACeleb”.
Another fan said, “I feel like Ginge’s demise was largely due to Ant and Dec. #ImACeleb.” Another slur: “Let Angry Ginge concentrate on #ImACeleb, stop talking Ant and Dec.” Fifth added, “I wish Ant and Dec hadn’t distracted Ginge there. If they hadn’t made him laugh, he might have received that second star.”
However, Ginge eventually won back by calling Ant “d***head*” after the pair laughed at him, and the audience adored his mannerism. “Love Ginge #ImACeleb,” one user said. Only he could pass for “comedy gold” by calling Ant a d******d. Another continued, “It’s nice to see Ginge return to Ant and Dec #ImACeleb.”
The 24-year-old’s trial was not a complete failure, as the Salford-based You Tube sensation walked away with ten out of a possible twelve stars despite Ant & Dec’s poor efforts.
Meanwhile, a source has claimed to the Mirror that the Salford-born star, 24, who has already proved uber-popular with viewers back home, is set to be inundated with offers when he leaves the jungle.
They asserted that “Brands have quickly discovered that he’s not just a viral creator, he’s genuinely relatable, he speaks the language of real people, and he connects with an audience that many large corporations have struggled to reach.”
Angry Ginge’s “authenticity,” as he was raised in a council flat with his mother and sister, is said to be one of his star qualities that is reportedly piqued particular interest.
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Get Me Out of Here Because I’m A Celebrity! continues to air on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player every night at 9 p.m.
The “killer” was Sarah Cox, who has raised more than £11 million for Children in Need, who has opened up about the effects of her 135-mile journey.
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Sara Cox confessed that she hasn’t been “sleeping well” after her arduous five-day run(Image: BBC)
Sara Cox has confessed that she hasn’t been “sleeping well” after completing her arduous five-day run for Children in Need. Sara, the host of BBC Radio 2’s drivetime show, recently finished a 135-mile run over five days — the equivalent of five marathons — raising more than £11 million for the charity.
She admitted that it was the “hardest thing” she’d ever done after crossing the finish line, beginning it in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, and finishing it in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, on Friday, November 14.
Since completing the distance, Sara is apparently still struggling with the after-effects as her body continues to recover from the gruelling challenge. In fact, the 50-year-old presenter was “shocked by how much it hurt”.
Sara told The Times: “Since finishing the Children in Need challenge, it’s been really tough. I am not sleeping well. I am so stiff and sore, especially my knees and shins, because they took a pounding.”
In a further admission, Sara explained how walking her dogs was a difficult task: “Normally I am so fast, but I took the dogs out this morning and I was hobbling. They were like, ‘What is wrong with you?’
She continued, “I didn’t realize I had a high pain threshold, but I was shocked by how painful it was.” They kept promising that it would be unfair. This was steep hills, not undulating. The killer was going down. Because of how agonizing each step was, I had to turn backwards.
Over the course of her journey, reportedly the longest ever undertaken by Radio 2 (co-hosts Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay undertook their own challenges in previous years), Sara received messages of support.
One such message, from the future king Prince William, was played by Scott Mills on his Radio 2 breakfast show. In his message, William offered his “massive congratulations”, reports The Guardian.
You’re only a little further away, he said, and I know the people of Pudsey will welcome you with big open arms, big hugs, and, hopefully, lots of your favorite crumpets.
Keep going, “You’ve done fantastically well, and the country is so proud of you.”
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In the aftermath, Sara said she’d “never known pain like it”, but had also never had eye contact with “so many amazing women”, who she explained had “powered” her through the feat.
Sara traveled across four counties, including Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, with a Pudsey Bear backpack as her starting point on November 10.
