In an exclusive revelation, comedian and Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr has used his new festive television special to seemingly extend an olive branch to his former close friend, singer Paloma Faith. The pair's friendship famously fractured after Alan, as a 'Traitor' on the BBC game show, chose Paloma as his first 'murder' victim, leaving her feeling utterly betrayed.
A Christmas Plea for Forgiveness
During 'Alan and Amanda’s Spanish Christmas' for BBC One, Carr delves into the deeper meaning of the season in a conversation with co-host Amanda Holden. "It’s a weird one but Christmas is about celebration but it is also about forgiveness," he reflects. "There is an under current. It’s a very emotional time. Beneath all the tinsel and all the presents and the cheers, it can be quite tender if you’ve struggled or lost someone."
He poignantly adds, "Nothing hurts like seeing that empty seat at your Christmas table," in comments many fans interpret as a direct, heartfelt signal to Paloma. Following her shock exit from Celebrity Traitors, Faith had exclaimed, "It’s bang out of order. I feel betrayed," highlighting the depth of the rift.
Spanish Sun, Festive Fun and Charity Success
The new show, airing on Monday December 22 on BBC One, sees the duo return to the Andalusian village of Moclin. This is where they previously renovated a property for a separate series, transforming a £55,000 run-down building into a luxury bed-and-breakfast. The venture proved a huge success, with the property later sold to a Welsh couple for £200,000, who now operate it as a holiday let.
All proceeds from the sale were donated to Children In Need and Comic Relief. In this Christmas special, Alan and Amanda throw a lavish party for the local Spaniards who assisted with the renovation, immersing themselves in festive traditions including flamenco dancing and setting up nativity scenes.
Tipples, Traditions and Tipsy Antics
True to form, the two celebrities – who openly enjoy a drink – are delighted to discover many Spanish Christmas customs involve alcohol. They enthusiastically join a Cava tasting session. Amanda Holden remarked to locals, "You do dancing and shots? This is a tradition we need to take back."
Alan joked, "I don’t know why we haven’t moved here." The festive spirit is further embraced with Christmas jumpers; Amanda wears one featuring Alan's face, and he dons one with hers, leading to playful banter about their depicted likenesses.
Alan also shared an amusing anecdote about a bizarre yet practical gift from his mother: a wooden nose on which to rest his glasses so he can find them in the morning, which he admits he still uses. As filming wrapped, the celebratory mood took its toll, with Amanda appearing particularly worse for wear, prompting Alan to humorously call, "Party’s over. Taxi for Amanda."
While the show is packed with lighthearted fun and cultural insights, it is Alan Carr's contemplative words on forgiveness that are set to capture the public's attention, offering a potential path to mending his high-profile friendship just in time for the holidays.
