Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have returned to the Spanish village of Moclín for a Christmas special of their renovation series, Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job. The one-off episode, airing on BBC One and iPlayer, sees the duo throw a festive party to thank locals who helped with their summer project.
The pair immerse themselves in Spanish Christmas customs, including the Belen, a traditional nativity set, which they placed in the foyer of their renovated house, Casa Alamanda. Alan described it as “religious and festive and beautiful,” evoking nostalgia for school nativity plays.
Amanda plans to adopt the Spanish tradition of making a Roscón de Reyes, a brioche-like ring cake often containing a hidden ceramic figure. She bought the ceramics to hide inside. Alan, meanwhile, will enjoy sherry from Jerez, introduced to him by a local expert during filming.
The show highlights differences between British and Spanish celebrations. Amanda noted that while UK festivities often end on Boxing Day, Spain continues through to January 6, Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes), a major event. Alan praised the Spanish approach: “They go large and I love that.”
Both observed the strong sense of community and inclusion of children in Spanish traditions, with kids participating in music, singing, and dancing in costume. Amanda remarked, “They were all willing to take part.”
