Transcripts For BBCNEWS Breakfast 20171225

Years terror attacks. In her Christmas Day message, she will say the cities powerful identities had shone through in the face of appalling attacks. Im at the queens sandringham estate, in norfolk, where she will attend church this morning with the rest of the royal family, including prince harry and his new fiancee, Meghan Markle. Good morning, Merry Christmas. It is monday 25 december. Also ahead the pope urges the world not to ignore the plight of migrants forced to leave their countries because of violence. Christmas isnt all about presents and turkey dinners. Over a Million People will be working today. We will catch up with some of them. I have no idea what im singing. Louise is worried. And six breakfast presenters and a i,000 strong audience what could possibly go wrong . find out how we got on in our big singing challenge. And phil avery has the weather. Steph, very good morning to you. Here things are looking up, you have not just one but here things are looking up, you have notjust one but two very red faced men wishing you a Merry Christmas. I will have all the details in a few minutes. Good morning. First, our main story the queen will pay tribute to the cities of manchester and london in her Christmas Day broadcast, for the way in which they dealt with this years terrorist attacks. She is at her estate at sandringham with other members of the royal family, including prince harry and his fiancee, Meghan Markle. Our royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell reports. The queen recorded this years broadcast a few days ago at buckingham palace. Its main theme is the importance of home, a place she describes as a source of warmth and love. Looking back over the events of 2017, she praises the cities of london and manchester. The queen visited victims of the bombing at manchester arena, in which 22 people died as they left a concert. In her broadcast, she will talk about the powerful identities of manchester and london, which she says had shone through in the face of appalling attacks. On the table beside her in the broadcast, alongside pictures of Prince George and princess charlotte, are two photographs of her and her husband, one of which was taken on their wedding day in 1947. This year, they have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, and the duke of edinburgh retired from his separate programme of public engagements. In the broadcast, the queen will praise her husband for his support and, as she puts it, for his unique sense of humour. The worlds most experienced plucker. Laughter. The queen was absent from last years Christmas Day Church Service at sandringham, due to a heavy cold. But there is expected to be a full turnout of the family at church this morning, and among the group attending church will be prince harry and his fiancee, Meghan Markle, who are both spending christmas on the sandringham estate. It will be the first time someone who is yet to marry into the royal family will have joined their christmas celebrations, her presence a reminder of one of the events to which the family can look forward in 2018. And the queens Christmas Day broadcast will be on bbc one at 3 00pm this afternoon. Pope francis has urged the world not to ignore the plight of millions of migrants driven from their land, during Christmas Eve mass. The pontiff compared them to mary and joseph, recounting how they had to travel from nazareth to bethlehem, but found no place to stay. He said many migrants were being forced to flee from leaders who see no problem in shedding innocent blood. Meanwhile, services have taken place across the uk and further afield. Our religious editor Martin Bashir reports. At westminster cathedral, Cardinal Vincent nichols, leader of the Roman Catholic church in england and wales, framed his christmas message as a statement of concern for the way we tend to communicate with each other. He said we often prefer conflict to dialogue, hostility instead of a willingness to listen. Its a manifestation of a radical individualism. And, while the individual is hugely important, we have to know that we are also built to belong to each other. Were built to have relationships, and to work and find our best through relationships. He went on to say that, as we gaze into a nativity scene at christmas, we find one who can free us from the choking effects of disagreement and strife christ himself. And at the very beginning of the christmas narrative, here in bethlehem, in a land defined by walls of separation, a renewed call for reconciliation. Here in manger square, a Midnight Service has been held at the church of the nativity, where the archbishop ofjerusalem said that, whilejesus was born in a town under roman occupation, he was identified as the prince of peace. Guatemala has said it will follow americas lead, moving its embassy in israel tojerusalem too. Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales said he made the decision after speaking to israels pm, benjamin netanyahu. Donald trump had threatened to cut aid to nations that voted against the us in a recent un vote on the issue. A british woman being held in an egyptian prison for drug smuggling offences will appear in court later today. Laura plummer was arrested in october, when she was found with 290 tramadol tablets in her suitcase. The painkiller is legal in the uk, but not in egypt. Her family has maintained she wasnt aware the drug was illegal. If found guilty, she faces up to 25 years in prison. Surrey police are trying to identify a man who was found unconscious in a ditch yesterday afternoon. They have released pictures of the mans clothing in an attempt to track down his family. The man, who is thought to be in his 20s, is in a serious condition in hospital. Almost 200,000 people are currently serving as part of the uk armed forces, and for many on deployment, it means christmas away from loved ones. Yesterday bbc visited one military base in iraq as troops prepared to spend the day far, far from home. Iam not i am not going to pretend that it is not difficult to be in iraq over christmas. Of all the families are pa rt christmas. Of all the families are part of christmas, these are amongst the furthest away for the longest amount of time. This is my first christmas away from home in the army, and to be honest, i am christmas away from home in the army, and to be honest, lam here with the lads, i am here with the guys, i with the lads, i am here with the guys, lam with the lads, i am here with the guys, i am here with my friends. It is not with the family but it is quite good. As you can see it as a good atmosphere, it is good fun. After 21 years service, you get used to being away from home. It gets harder when you have a wife and child away from home. You wont get to see her open presence on Christmas Day. Some improvisation helps give a feel of christmas in the desert, but of course, not everything can be replicated. They have done quite well, doing it with old tyres, et cetera. What do i miss most . A good christmas dinner, i think, will be the one. You know, mums cooking. It is a reminder that british troops are still serving in iraq, rebuilding the country and others around the world, work that doesnt stop for christmas. Around 150 skiers have been rescued from a broken down ski lift in the french alps, after being trapped on it for several hours on Christmas Eve. Helicopters were used to rescue the people from their individual gondolas, which were around 82 feet above the snow, and rope was used to help the skiers get back down the slopes. The cause of the fault isnt known. It might be deepest winter at home, but englands cricketers will step out into the summer sunshine in australia later today for the first session of the next ashes test. They have already lost the series, but organisers expect a sell out at the melbourne cricket ground, as they try to rescue some pride. Play begins in australia at 11 30pm uk time. If you are relaxing at home, perhaps opening presents this morning, spare a thought for this team, who are still hard at work. Santa and his reindeer spent the night travelling the globe to deliver presents to children across the world. To make sure theirjourney went without a hitch, air Traffic Controllers from the us have been tracking the flight path of his sleigh. As you can see, he has already delivered billions of presents. He is currently heading for salt la ke he is currently heading for Salt Lake City in utah, i am reliably told by a couple of elves in the studio this morning. If you want to track santa, that is a great way to see where he is. The air Traffic Control team put that together for us. Later this morning, the royalfamily will make the short walk to st Mary Magdalenes church, on the sandringham estate. Our royal correspondent Daniela Relph is there. Good morning to you, and already lots of people who are hoping to catch a glimpse of them. Yes, good morning. Merry christmas. If you wa nt to morning. Merry christmas. If you want to get a prime position to see the royal family as they come to church ahead of the Christmas Service at 11am this morning, you have to get here early. The key was already building to the gates of the church, with lots of people wanting to see the royal family, but lots of people also wanting to get a glimpse of Meghan Markle this morning. A fairshare of of Meghan Markle this morning. A fair share of americans, perhaps more than usual in the crowd. I am joined by a few of them hoping to see meghan first of all, these girls are from mississippi and nebraska. Tell me, why are you here so early on Christmas Morning . Tell me, why are you here so early on Christmas Morning . |j tell me, why are you here so early on Christmas Morning . I am looking forward to all of the royals, meghan i forward to all of the royals, meghan , also her fiance, very good looking, so i am excited for that. And she is an american, does that. And she is an american, does that make you feel a bit more connect to the British Royals . Yes, i really excited to see what happens without marrying into the family. And pretty committed to come out so early on Christmas Day. Yes, we are about to leave so this is my last chance to see the royals in person. Really looking forward to it. What about having an american in the midst of the royal family . It is definitely intriguing, exciting. We have never had that before, so it is exciting. Also a bit of a family occasion this morning. Not everyone is opening their presents. We have joseph and lauren with their kids. Summer is ten and josh is nine. And blake is asleep in her dads arms. You have brought the whole family out early on Christmas Day. Why have you come here . We wanted to start a tradition, we thought it was a good chance for the kids to see the royal family. And as an american here, knowing there will be an american marrying into the heart of the British Royalfamily . It marrying into the heart of the British Royal family . It is marrying into the heart of the British Royalfamily . It is pretty neat. Looking after his daughter there. Who are you hoping to see . Probably kate and william, and the kids, Queen Elizabeth of course, and Meghan Markle and harry. Is there area Meghan Markle and harry. Is there are a lot of excitement back home about an american joining the British Royals . I think so, i think it isa British Royals . I think so, i think it is a unique opportunity. Do you wish you were home opening your presence, or are you happy to be here . I am happy to be here. Something quite special. And what about you, josh . I am feeling a little bit tired. It will be something you remember in years to come, i promise. I hope you all get a good position. You should do, so early on this morning. And everyone here of course gathering to see the royal family. We should see the queen driven to the church just before 11am, but ahead of her we are expecting to see most members of the royal family walking up to the main house of sandringham, up to st mary magdalene, and accompanied by Meghan Markle, which is a protocol. Normally partners of the royal family dont get to come to sandringham until they are married but an exception has been made for Meghan Markle, largely because her immediate family are in the United States and she has moved to the uk i had of her wedding in may next year. Prince harry asked queen whether she can come and she will be with the royal family today. A break of protocol but it will be the first time we see Meghan Markle as part of the wider royal family. Expecting to get ourfirst the wider royal family. Expecting to get our first glimpse at around 10 45am this morning. Everyone looks pretty wrapped up. Lets find out what is happening across the rest of the country. We are relying on our weather watchers as ever. If you happen to know a little boy by the name of david hudson, he was off doing his Christmas Shopping yesterday at a Garden Centre in leeds, and if you happen to be at the moment, david, there is the picture you sent to my collea g u es there is the picture you sent to my colleagues at bbc leeds, and are not sort it if it was sent that delivered it to me, not sure. What a present. It didnt cost apparent anything. With the licence fee in its own right. It is not particular seasonal at the moment, because we are yet again picking up on this mild southerly and south westerly wind, plenty of it at the moment, some of the gusts over 30 miles an hour on the south coast, and once again once this weather band begins its journey and once again once this weather band begins itsjourney across england and wales, during the course of the evening, you will know all about it, really quite punchy for a time and the wind picking up, it could be 60 miles an hour on the south coast at times. The rain already there across parts of scotla nd already there across parts of scotland and the far north west of england, once the rain moves further south it will open the door to something cooler, forget about double figure temperatures, already iam double figure temperatures, already i am told it is already three degrees also will, which is why when the moisture moves further east and the moisture moves further east and the cold air floods down, we will see a bit of a conversion, mostly over the Higher Ground of northern britain, of some of that rain into snow, and we are heading for a chilly night. If you are on the move first thing boxing day, there will be some ice around but some of our sporting fixtures, it is a big hunting day as well in some areas, dont worry because once the sun comes through, the frost on the ice will dissipate and there will be further snow showers because boxing day is a different beast, hello 3 8 degrees, and more cloud, wind and rain gathering down into the south western quarter to finish off your sporting boxing day. Maybe your shopping. Nipping into top flank, we have that cold air, and you can fill it in from here, because going into wednesday, we will push the area of cloud in wind and rain into the east, and look at this, no longer the high ground of scotland but easterby pennines, down to the Higher Ground of wilts, the childrens perhaps Higher Ground of wilts, the child rens perhaps later Higher Ground of wilts, the childrens perhaps later in the day, we could see a little bit of slushy snow just we could see a little bit of slushy snowjust beginning to pile up. Hardly christmas fare i know. There isa hardly christmas fare i know. There is a lot going on and it will be chilly as we go up towards the new year period, you can get all of it on our website. You and i are working, phil, what will you do for your christmas lunch . I have got the plans, it has become a christmas ritual, but those of you with a bit of may memory, may remember that i have been here for about the last four or five christmases, and at about 1130, 12pm, my family will be rocking up to enjoy the festive treat that is the bbc canteen, mr cheapskate treat that is the bbc canteen, mr chea pskate really pushing treat that is the bbc canteen, mr cheapskate really pushing the boat out and the family will be tucking in to whatever they want. They all come into the bbc canteen . Of course, who wouldnt i never knew that. Last year, i sat there looking at my children who are now ten and eight and at my children who are now ten and eightandi at my children who are now ten and eight and i looked at them and my son was tucking into two sausage rolls and a pilot tomato sauce and i think my daughter at a jacket potato. I will rename you the grinch, i think potato. I will rename you the grinch, ithink see potato. I will rename you the grinch, i think see you later on. Lots of people are working. If youll be spending today tucking into a turkey dinner and watching christmas films, you certainly wont be alone. But some people will be doing some pretty incredible things, like attempting to sail the hardest race in the world lets speak to jules salter. He joins us live from melbourne, and is the Team Navigator for team akzonobel. There is a bit of a delay on the line, Merry Christmas to you and also tell us where you are and how it is going . Happy christmas to eve ryo ne it is going . Happy christmas to everyone in the uk we are currently about a50 miles south of melbourne, it is Late Afternoon he now on Christmas Day, grey skies, the winds have dropped off a bit but the sea temperature is starting to warm up a bit, which is making things a bit warmer on board. And tell us that it about how you will be celebrating christmas, is there any room for a christmas, is there any room for a christmas dinner on board . Well, we try to save weight on the boat, so all our food well, we try to save weight on the boat, so all ourfood is pretty much freeze dried food, there is a fair bit of chocolate on board, so i think everyone has had a bitter chocolate, and i will probably have some kind of chicken curry, freeze dried, as my christmas dinner which should be ok. Really we are trying to get the boat into melbourne to train finish this lake as best we can. A little bit of tinsel has ended up on the boat, but thatis tinsel has ended up on the boat, but that is pretty much. It is not too bad to spend your day at work out on the ocean. It sounds brilliant, thank you very much forjoining us, ican thank you very much forjoining us, i can see thank you very much forjoining us, i can see someone in thank you very much forjoining us, i can see someone in the background without was on his head. Have a wonderful christmas with a ntlers. Wonderful christmas with antlers. What a way to spend your christmas, Christmas Day for some can bea christmas, Christmas Day for some can be a day ofjoy and celebration. For others it can be anxiety and even loneliness. To help us survive the day, weve got the breakfast version of the three wise men. Corinne sweet is a psychologist, Sally Hitchiner is an anglican vicar and grant harrold, a former royal butler and etiquette expert. We have it all going on this morning. Think you forjoining us. Sally, let me start with you. One of the tough things are christmas can be loneliness, and we have quite a few m essa g es be loneliness, and we have quite a few messages from people about that. It is important to acknowledge that not everyone has perfect family. Some people their Family Business goes over seven days, and for some they are spending christmas alone. You can get out of the house, gopher walk, go to a church, there will a lwa ys walk, go to a church, there will always be a service on and it is a great time to do something in your community, like go to church and get out and do something spiritual, whatever it means that you, to bring light into darkness and to have a moment of something that is bigger than the pressures that we all feel at christmas. We have had an email in from at christmas. We have had an email infrom a at christmas. We have had an email in from a viewer that said they are spending christmas alone so they have decided to makejulian reister and go out and help homeless people. Thats nice, isnt it. That is a brilliant thing to do, psychologically, the minute you reach out to somebody else you feel better, and i think a lot of mistakes that people make is waiting to something to happen to them, passively. Anything you do, smile at a neighbour, there may be other neighbours in your area that are alone today, just go to a local shop and say hello, just something we make some contact, one phone call to one person, even an e mail to one person. Just some contact will change the biochemistry in your brain and make you feel better. So many, christmas is a time when you remember loved ones who are no longer with us, and it is important to have space for that, to bring at the photos and have space to be sat on Christmas Day. There is not a love opportunity to do that, there is all this pressure to have the best day of the year. But we have two allow space for the full range of emotions and however we are feeling, and to talk to people, to go online, talk to samaritans who are always available. Thats a great point, they are their 24 7, you can phone them any time, there is no shame in picking up the phone and talking to samaritans. The other thing is, today is a day of mixed feelings, because there is so much pressure on it being perfect, we have Great Expectations of the perfect day, there is nothing worse than that actually, and if you have ups and downs, or you are recently divorced or separated, you have lost somebody you love, you are not feeling very well, the real, just give yourself space, go outside, go to bed a moment to give yourself a bit of breathing space. Really good advice. At the other end of this is the pressure when you have a house full of people, and helen as you keep things calm, how on earth. How do you feel about that . Keep things calm, how on earth. How do you feel about that7m keep things calm, how on earth. How do you feel about that . It is that feeling, when you have people in your home, it is about the right things, the things they like, the food they enjoy, the party games they want to do, dont force us upon them. You have to be a bit relaxed if they dont want to do that thing that you want to do, if they dont wa nt that you want to do, if they dont want to watch the queen s speech, thats fine. As a guest you have to be considerate of the host and assist them and help them and make sure you are a good guess. What about when to leave, you are like, are they actually going to leave . You dont want to overstate your welcome, you have people coming for lunch and they are there three days later. You want to have a timeframe as to when to go. As a guest, so you are invited to lunch, safer a few hours, have lunch, have a copy, maybe some chocolate at the end, coffey. But you dont want to be there in the evening, unless the host offers that. It is not polite to be sitting there and enjoying the Host Hospitality when the other things they need to be doing. Host hospitality when the other things they need to be doingm Host Hospitality when the other things they need to be doing. It is often a time when families come together, and sometimes that is the only time the families come together is at christmas, so there are probably is at christmas, so there are pro ba bly lots is at christmas, so there are probably lots of things that arent set at christmas because people, like sally was saying, you want the pressure of having the perfect day. It can be an explosive cocktail because we have such a range of family now, we might have exes, stepchildren, sort of complicated relationships. If we are all in a little colder and at christmas, it can be very explosive. It is very difficult for us as british people to say no or to define ourselves and to say no or to define ourselves and to have boundaries. If you do have people around, you can say, you are welcome from six to eight, and be clear about your boundaries. When we go beyond our boundaries is when we have too much, we have too much wine or sherry and that we might have too much of each other. Try and keep it limited, and if you have that difficult relative limited, and if you have that difficult relative difficult relative who is hanging around at the end of the table, try and limit them, treat them politely but have your boundaries. Getting out of the house, going for a family christmas walk can clear the air, reduce the pressure, give people a chance to do more than one thing, rather than just sit around chatting or playing a board game, one of my top tips is jigsaw puzzles, getting out of jigsaw puzzles, getting out of jigsaw puzzle. Introverts find it incredibly difficult at christmas. Because actually you are having to sit around chatting, which is the worst thing in the world. If you are the host, if you are feeling under pressure to talk to a lot of people, women in particular are not looking forward to this, it is going to be too much, you have to take yourself out, just to have a breather, go into the garden to five minutes, look at your plants, just look at the sky, talk to a pet, anything. A pet goldfish is a great one to listen. Butjust pet goldfish is a great one to listen. But just get pet goldfish is a great one to listen. Butjust get it off pet goldfish is a great one to listen. But just get it off your chest, to whatever is around you, talk to the Christmas Tree, and just say, i have had enough. |j talk to the Christmas Tree, and just say, i have had enough. I often talk to my Christmas Tree |j say, i have had enough. I often talk to my Christmas Tree i think christmas is this mix of three different festivals, we have the pagan yuletide festival which is about light and darkness, we have the victorian family focused, children focused christmas which is about having a perfect wonderful feast, and then there is a sort of religious element as well, about helping the poor and god coming down to be with us, and the solidarity of god with everyday people. I find it really helpful to jump between those three different aspect, and having space when the family pressures get too much, to jump space when the family pressures get too much, tojump into something more spiritual, and when the spiritual stuff is too much, to have some fun and enjoy the magic of children and santa claus and watch tv, i dont have children myself am, and there are some wonderful things on television this year. And have a bit of space, just some quiet. If you are a person is to get away from everyone , you are a person is to get away from everyone, have five minutes on your own, even in the loo is a great moment, tojust own, even in the loo is a great moment, to just say, own, even in the loo is a great moment, tojust say, and already, i just need some space. Grant, a little bit later, i want to ask you about some things not to do, and you are going to bring your dogs into the studio the three dogs are with me, one is only six month old, it is her first christmas, she is very confused about all the celebrations. Over, ijust heard her |j confused about all the celebrations. Over, ijust heard her i will be bringing them on later. There are probably lots of questions that people have about pets at christmas. Thank you very much, if you do have any questions you in touch with us, we know there are lots of you out there who might have questions to ask of these guys. Also lots of people working as well, notjust us, lots of people in all kinds of importantjobs lots of people in all kinds of important jobs out there, lots of people in all kinds of importantjobs out there, so send us your pictures, with us know what you are doing, you can e mail us. She your thoughts with us on Facebook Page as well, you can tweet us, about any up to dates stories, you can use the hashtag as well. And of course you can get all the latest information on the programme from there as well. Stay with us, headlines coming up shortly. Hello, this is breakfast, with steph mcgovern. Good morning. Here is a summary of todays main stories from bbc news the queen will pay tribute to the cities of manchester and london, in her Christmas Day broadcast, for the way in which they dealt with this years terrorist attacks. Her message was recorded at buckingham palace. She is now at her estate at sandringham, in norfolk, with other members of the royal family including prince harry and his fiancee, Meghan Markle. Pope francis has used his Christmas Eve mass to urge the world not to ignore the plight of millions of migrants. The pontiff compared them to mary and joseph, recounting the biblical story of how they had to travel from nazareth to bethlehem, but found no place to stay. He said many migrants were being forced to flee from leaders who see no problem in shedding innocent blood. At the church of the nativity, in bethlehem, Midnight Mass took place against a backdrop of heightened security. Fewer pilgrims than usual are in the city because of increased tensions between palestinians and israelis, following president trumps decision to recognise jerusalem as the capital of israel. Guatemala has said it will follow americas lead, moving its embassy in israel tojerusalem too. Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales said he made the decision after speaking to israels pm, benjamin netanyahu. Donald trump had threatened to cut aid to nations that voted against the us in a recent un vote on the issue. A british woman being held in an egyptian prison for drug smuggling offences will appear in court later today. Laura plummer was arrested in october when she was found with 290 tramadol tablets in her suitcase. The painkiller is legal in the uk, but not in egypt. Her family has maintained she wasnt aware the drug was illegal. If found guilty, she faces up to 25 years in prison. Surrey police are trying to identify a man who was found unconscious in a ditch yesterday afternoon. They have released pictures of the mans clothing in an attempt to track down his family. The man, who is thought to be in his 20s, is in a serious condition in hospital. Around 150 skiers have been rescued from a broken down ski lift in the french alps, after being trapped on it for several hours on Christmas Eve. Helicopters were used to rescue the people from their individual gondolas, which were around 82 feet above the snow, and rope was used to help the skiers get back down the slopes. The cause of the fault isnt known. When you think of christmas traditions, radishes might not be the first thing you think of, unless you live in the mexican region of oaxaca. Every christmas thousands of people come together to carve a nativity scene out of radishes. The customers now in its 120th year, and started when vegetable vendor is adorned their stalls with carvings to show off their wares. They are quite impressive, actually. I didnt realise you could do that much with a radish. Look at the hair on that. And you cant beat a carrot tash. It might be deepest winter at home, but englands cricketers will step out into the summer sunshine in australia later today for the first session of the next ashes test. They have already lost the series, but organisers expect a sell out at the melbourne cricket ground, as they try to rescue some pride. Patrick gearey reports. The ashes gone, and still they come. There is a reason englands fans are called the barmy army. When they are not watching cricket they are playing it, and they have called up mr root to their team, not the england captain, but his brother really, a professional himself who has had to wash his country lose the urn alongside everyone else. He is frustrated, but i think it is the sort of thing he will enjoy taking on, a tough challenge like this. Challenge is an understatement. Comment and criticism comes with cricket in australia. Rude has had to watch the ashes go, and he his captaincy be described as soft and childlike by Ricky Ponting root. He doesnt spend much time in our dressing room. I dont think you should try and be something you are not. Now he keep takes his team into a test like no other. It is a national occasion, notjust a sporting one. Australian values of history and competition mean there will be no going easy on england. This is the home to the most raucous supporters in cricket and they will be reminding whichever poor english fielder who has the misfortune of being posted there them exactly what the score is in the series, and exactly how bad it could get. Words cant hurt england, but runs do. Steve smith provides them and the aussie captain will play despite injuring his hand in training. Ashes series can numb as well is a conflict pain. It has been a good summer so far. Obviously won back the urn, which was the objective at the urn, which was the objective at the start of the series, and we have now got an opportunity to keep winning. That has been the message to the boys. Dont worry about 5 0 at this stage, they have to win this one first. Even on Christmas Morning, even with the series decided, they come to watch practice in melbourne. Or the 90,000 will be here on boxing day to pick over the ashes leftovers. More than 90,000. As part of our bbc sing series, we presenters were set a challenge. Could we pull off a Live Performance at manchesters Bridgewater Hall, singing in front of more than 1,000 people, with only eight hours to learn our lines . How did we get on . Lets have a look. I feel like i should ifeel like i should put i feel like i should put out a warning, if you are somebody who struggles with terrible noise, this is not a film to listen to. Dramatic music plays. Six Breakfast Television presenters. At manchesters Bridgewater Hall. Their challenge, to learn a christmas classic. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Applause. And sing to a full house of more than 1000 people. Thats a lot of people whose ears could be potentially bleeding by the end of this. Presenters will perform with the gospel choir, manchester inspirational voices. But will they remember the words . Lots of toys and. laughs . Will they remember the tune . I literally dont even know how it should be. The challenge is on. Iam shaking. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. The Bridgewater Hall is sold out. In the audience, to give much needed support, sean, and louisa s husband. They have never sang before, individually or as a choir, and they have learned it in one day. Wow. Hopefully they have learned the words and im sure they will do well. Im a big fan of dan, so i am looking forward to seeing his performance. Good luck, do well, breathe before you do it and just have a good time. Presenters will need all the help they can get. They have had just a couple of hours to learn, rehearse and perfect the song. I have no idea what i am singing. Louise is worried. The words keep going out of my brain, it is two lines, it is ridiculous and embarrassing. There you go applause. Guiding our presenters, the remarkably patient leader of manchester inspirational voices, wayne ellington. You do bring a real sense ofjoy into what you are doing. He has this great way of making you feel like you are diana ross. And every mother s child is going to start. When you clearly are not, when you are a dying cat. He is an amazingly optimistic man. Because he sees talent where we are not seeing talent. Merry christmas. Merry christmas. Laughs. Wayne has been an absolute wizard. A magician. Every mother s child is going to spy. Take wayne out of the equation, where all in trouble. Joy to the world. The concert has started, wayne and his choir bringing joy to the world. Meanwhile, backstage. Apparently my trousers are gone. And every mother s child is going to spy. This is the suit and he has put my trousers on and walked out. It sounds awful, doesnt it. They know that santas on his way. Charlie, do you want to borrow my dress . Lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. My trousers, do you randomly pick up other peoples trousers . Thats enough, we need to get ready, goodbye. With just minutes to go, wayne gathers the presenters for a final pep talk. Should anything go out of place, any notes or anything like that, you just have to tighten up, keep your eyes on me. Im hoping that they are going to feel comfortable and just be ok. Ijust hope bbc sing we will see what happens. Why did we agree to this . It gives me great pleasure to announce our special guests, the bbc presenters, naga muchetty, mike bushell, louise minchin. Applause. And charlie sayt hold onto your hats everyone. Here we go. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire jack frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like eskimos Everybody Knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season brighfi tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight they know that santas on his way tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight they know that santas on his way hes bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh and every mothers child is gonna spy to see if reindeer really know how to fly applause. And so im offering this simple phrase to kids from one to 92 although its been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you. They know that santas on his way hes bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh and every mothers child is gonna spy to see if reindeer really know how to fly and so im offering this simple phrase to kids from one to 92 although its been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you. cheering and applause . Didnt she do well she did brilliant, i am so proud. Absolutely fantastic. Uplifting, gets you right here. Applause. They were brilliant, they were up for a laugh, thats the main thing, thats what you do at christmas. They were so brave to do it they really went for it. I really thought they did brilliantly. Got away with it they were so kind to us im going to give the audience ten out of ten. That song ever again. Sorry if anyone was offended by that. Terrible singing but it is fair to say, not everyone did like our singing, one viewer sent in this picture of her two dogs, who heard our rehearsals who ran behind their beds to hide. Think if that, i agree with you. Thank you for that. Philip | with you. Thank you for that. Philip i am sure you have a wonderful singing voice but could not be there. I used to think i did a good duet with George Michael when i was driving in the country, and we were pretty good together, to an audience of zero. Give us a line before you go . I couldnt possibly. Moving swiftly on, you are very brave to do it, as the woman said. Christmassy, isnt it . Not really if you look at the window. The weather watcher pictures are coming in, and thatis watcher pictures are coming in, and that is one of the finest pylons in the spirit of christmas are have ever seen, probably supplying the house in stevenage. If you are travelling this morning, the weather will not getting your way, that is the real bonus of what we have had over the past few days. Sunshine is in short supply. We are getting this mild southerly and south westerly wind across the greater part of england and wales. That sunshine is in short supply, if you are new this frontal system, that is a lot of cloud in wind and rain, which will eventually sweep across many parts of england and wales, and you will know when that has arrived. They had a bit if you are on the move, it is mild and is where we have been for the past few days. Write me that weather front, a lot the past few days. Write me that weatherfront, a lot of the past few days. Write me that weather front, a lot of rain, especially over Higher Ground in the northern parts of england and scotla nd northern parts of england and scotland and ireland. North of it, its not double figures. Four, five, six degrees for all parts of the british isles. As we get towards boxing day, that weatherfront british isles. As we get towards boxing day, that weather front is coming through, you will know when that one has gone through. Behind it, much cooler air, turning showers wintry, especially on the high ground, if you are looking for a white christmas, this is not quite the one for you. There will be a device first thing, a chilly start, but if you are thinking about boxing day sporting fixtures, that is a decent day, it will not stop you getting anywhere though there will be some wintry showers into Higher Ground in the north of scotland, some showers elsewhere, a much brighter day but much fresher as well, 3 eight celsius, rather than the 10 12 that well, 3 eight celsius, rather than the 10 12 that many are enjoying today. Then a lot more cloud, wind and rain moving across the southern half of britain, and then on its northern flank, cold air coming in from the north, following these isobars all the way through the northern parts of norway right down towards this massive piece of moisture, it is going to convert some of that rain to snow. The peaks and the pennines coming down towards the high ground of wiltshire and eventually to the chilterns and it is 3 6. Eventually to the chilterns and it is 36. If eventually to the chilterns and it is 3 6. If you have a hat, scarf and gloves were christmas, you will need it by wednesday. Thank you phil, i still cant get over the fact that you take your family to the bbc canteen to christmas dinner. It is a Family Tradition of this time of year, and it is one of the cheaper options. Our very own scrooge, thank you. If youll be spending today relaxing and watching christmas films, im sure there are lots of people who are. But spare a thought for all those people out there who are having to work. Lets speak to one of them now we can speak to nick mcleod. Hes also working today. But somewhere very different at the gannet offshore oil rig in the north sea. How are things going out there . Good morning, things are steady, the weather is quite nice, we have a supply boat alongside, and all the crew are in the festive spirit, you can see some behind me. Crew are in the festive spirit, you can see some behind melj crew are in the festive spirit, you can see some behind me. I have been out to that rigged before with you quys out to that rigged before with you guys and you have quite the canteen, soiam guys and you have quite the canteen, so i am expecting you will have a good dinner at least . We do indeed. This is a time of year when the catering crew have their busiest day and really put on a great spread us, we have lots of prawns and salmon to start with and turkey and venison, so everyone is looking forward to it. Tell us a bit about what your job involves, it is about supplying oil, but day to day, what are you all doing . So onboard at the moment we have 71 people, and the platform produces oil and gas, about 35,000 barrels a day that we produce, and we continue to produce that today. We have the Catering Team to maintenance and operations team, and the vast majority will continue to work through the day, although we will have some time off this afternoon to relax a and enjoy christmas a little bit. What about being away from your family, i know quite a few guys who are out on the rigs and it can be quite tough at this time of year. It sure is, it is an opportunity to say thank you to eve ryo ne an opportunity to say thank you to everyone at home who supports the quys everyone at home who supports the guys out here, it can be tough being away, Technology Helps now, so things like skype on facebook take it easier to see the kids unwrapping presents, but it is part of the job, most guys i used to it and the vast majority get into the spirit adhere, and look forward to having christmas when they go home before they come out. Has centre managed to has sa nta cla us out. Has centre managed to has santa claus managed to land his way on the helipad . The night it did say there was some strange noises on the helipad, and we have received a big parcel of gifts, so everyone on board, the Welfare Committee wrote a letter to santa claus about a month ago, so later this evening after we have eaten there will be some giftgiving for all the team out here. Next, thank you for talking to us and Merry Christmas to you and all of your fellow workers at on the rig. Now we will go to mark pilgrim who was also working today at the elephant enclosure in chester zoo. Very christmas to you, how are things there . Things are good this morning, the staff are starting to arrive, to do the usual tasks of looking after the animals. Is Christmas Day different for you guys or is it still the same type of stuff . It is a bit special, christmas is always a bit special, there is no business in the zoo today, so it means that we can get thejobs done have today, so it means that we can get the jobs done have a little today, so it means that we can get thejobs done have a little more easily, and it always feels a little bit special on Christmas Morning to come in and it is the same for the animals, it is routine as normalfor them, to spend a day with their families, but for us it is a little bit friend, with no public here. We are looking at some pictures now of the elephants there, can you tell us who you have behind you as well . M is quite hard over my shoulder, i suspect mya is one of the elephants behind me, the calves have been out this morning, we have three calves, they have been moving around trying to muscle in on the he feed as well. Do they get any special christmas treats . Not particularly, ithink that christmas is really a time, a family time, and one of the important things about family about elephants is that they are family oriented. They spend every single day with their families, so in our herd for example we have the grandmother, her two daughters are here, and her three grandchildren, so actually it is a real family day for the elephants at chester zoo. Thank you so much, mark, i imagine your arm is pretty tired from holding up the phone, have a wonderful christmas and say Merry Christmas to everyone who is working with you today. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to everybody from us here at chester zoo. Wonderful. We are now going to talk strictly come dancing. Joe mcfadden might have been crowned this years strictly come dancing champion, but today its the turn of former contestants to waltz their way onto the dance floor for the strictly Christmas Special. Tim muffett caught up with the dancers and celebrities in rehearsals. They have got me doing to viennese wa ltz , they have got me doing to viennese waltz, which is lovely. It is nice that she finally has a decent partner. That was about 45 seconds a bit of a royal theme this year, you have been to buckingham palace, and had a photo with the duchess of cornwall. You had a dance with her i did, she is a very close friend of craig, shows she says. Everyone says strictly changes your life, have you been dancing since then . It does. This is now my life. We arejust we are just watching it back now to see if there are any tiny improvements we could make,. Compared to brian conley, howard does he rate . They are two different styles of dancers, so it would be unfairof me to styles of dancers, so it would be unfair of me to compare. I love you brian, i love you, and. I love you colin. What are you doing here . We are doing a jive, it is a jive for colin, for me it isjust running around. Before i used tojust for colin, for me it isjust running around. Before i used to just listen to music, now i know that you do a foxtrot to this, oh you do a jive to this. Do you do that at dinner parties . I kind of keep it in. What is it like being back on the dancefloor . Right now feels ok, when you hear the announcer, kimberley dancing thejive. , i you hear the announcer, kimberley dancing the jive. , i will be like. What requests do you get for the Christmas Special . We have practised reindeer ears, this is a chine shiny reindeer tummy. This is of a lou irving, what is this . Gold. Jeremy vines golden shoes . They are absolutely huge. This . Gold. Jeremy vines golden shoes . They are absolutely hugem has a special coating. Wipe down. After christmas dinner has a special coating. Wipe down. After christmas dinner i have to descend from the ceiling on some sort of start and when i did strictly i was never allowed to fly. They made gold shoes and there may be no one else who can wear size 12 shoes in gold. Music. 0h, 0h,| oh, i wish it could be Christmas Every day. When the bells are. laughs . How different is the atmosphere on a Christmas Special compared to the highly competitive live shows, does it feel different . We get christmas lunch and there is a cheese and Biscuit Party as well, which we never had. Cheese is not good for the voice, though, is it . Ru competitive with each other . Not really. Are they competitive with each other . laughs . Applause. That looks good, doesnt it . stay with us, headlines coming up. Hello, this is breakfast with steph mcgovern