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Scott fully embraced the “day before the day before Christmas” energy from the off, repeatedly reminding everyone where they were in the festive calendar and inviting anyone still working to make themselves known. Schools were done, inboxes were quiet, and the show leaned hard into shared Christmas brain, festive logistics and the sense that normal rules no longer applied. Almost immediately, the show latched onto one of those very Scott Mills debates that refuses to die: how you open Christmas presents. A viral clip from Sheila explaining her horror at discovering some families open everything at once sparked instant outrage. Scott was adamant that presents are opened one by one, with everyone watching, and anything else was “not Christmas”. Ellie backed him, Claire joined in, and listener messages came in thick and fast defending every possible method — including opening one present a day, which Scott treated as deeply unsettling. This debate threaded its way back into the show repeatedly, becoming shorthand for “we are now fully in Christmas chaos mode”. Tin Whistles, Secret Santa and the Point of No Return The tin whistle saga escalated again — because of course it did. Ellie revealed she’d been given a tin whistle book for Secret Santa, immediately prompting Scott to confirm that this meant the tin whistle era was far from over. Ellie also confirmed the actual instrument was back in the studio, which Scott treated as both a threat and a promise. Secret Santa fallout continued, with Emilio’s gift situation becoming a running mystery. Scott repeatedly returned to the idea that Secret Santa should never involve everyone opening presents at once, reinforcing his belief that gift-giving is entirely about watching reactions. Listener messages took the tin whistle chaos to new heights, including one from someone who’d ordered 32 tin whistles for their workplace. Scott issued an on-air apology “to the entire office”, while Ellie laughed and attempted — unsuccessfully — to shut the idea down. By the end of the segment, it was clear the tin whistle had gone from Christmas party moment to full show lore. The Good Morning Minute: Christmas Heroes The Good Morning Minute focused on people working right through Christmas. Messages came in from ambulance crews, nurses, care home staff, delivery drivers, pharmacists, butchers, bus drivers, supermarket workers and panto technicians. Scott read out names, jobs and locations, regularly reacting mid-message, while Ellie jumped in to clarify places or shout-outs. The tone stayed warm and appreciative without becoming heavy, with Scott repeatedly thanking listeners for keeping things running while everyone else switched off. The sheer range of jobs mentioned became part of the point, reinforcing how many people are still going while the rest of the country slows down. Mariah Carey and Peak Christmas Music Mariah Carey’s presence loomed large over the entire show. Scott treated her seasonal dominance as an unquestioned law of nature, returning to her repeatedly as both reference point and inevitability. At this stage, Mariah was less an artist and more a condition. Scott acknowledged listener messages about the saturation of Christmas music, but brushed aside any resistance, pointing out that by Christmas Eve Eve the decision has already been made. Ellie backed this up, with Scott making it clear that Mariah Carey is not optional at this point in December. Songs were framed as moments rather than just tracks, with Scott leaning into the shared understanding that hearing Mariah now triggers a specific emotional and seasonal response. Listener messages reflected everything from delight to resignation, all of which Scott treated as valid — but irrelevant. Elmo Appears Elmo’s appearance landed squarely in the sweet spot between festive and surreal. Scott introduced Elmo without over-explaining anything, immediately interacting as if this was an entirely normal Breakfast Show development. Elmo spoke about Christmas, kindness and festive feelings, with Scott gently guiding the conversation while allowing the inherent absurdity to breathe. Ellie reacted in real time, laughing and leaning into the moment rather than grounding it. Listener messages came in quickly, many expressing disbelief, joy or confusion, which Scott read out with relish. Elmo responded warmly, reinforcing the Christmas themes of kindness and togetherness without tipping the segment into parody. Emilio’s Cheesy Christmas Film Quiz Emilio brought a Christmas film quiz to the table, focusing on deliberately cheesy festive movies. Scott approached the quiz with enthusiasm and mild scepticism, frequently interrupting to question plots, titles and logic. Ellie joined in, with answers prompting side discussions about whether anyone actually chooses these films or whether they simply happen to people at Christmas. Listener messages added further suggestions and corrections, expanding the list of films far beyond the original quiz. The quiz became less about right answers and more about collective recognition of Christmas film madness. The Handover with Gary Davies As the show wrapped, Scott handed over to Gary Davies, immediately checking in on Gary’s Christmas Eve Eve setup. Conversation turned to wrapping presents, with Scott asking whether Gary was a sit-down or stand-up wrapper, and whether ironing boards were involved. Gary revealed his preferred method, prompting Scott to share his own, including references to wrapping while standing and his ongoing treadmill habits. The post 23 December 2025: Elmo, Emilio and Mariah Carey first appeared on Unofficial Mills.View the full article

Christmas Eve Eve Eve on Radio 2 Scott opened the programme by encouraging listeners to bring festive energy as Christmas approached. Messages came in from people commuting, working through the holidays and preparing for Christmas Day, with Scott positioning the show as company during a busy and emotionally charged time of year. Festive music featured heavily from the outset, reinforcing the countdown to Christmas. Early in the programme, Scott shared a viral police bodycam clip involving a runaway goat in Wiltshire, playing audio from the officers involved. Ellie and the team reacted live, with Scott joking about the situation sounding like a scene from a film. The clip became a recurring reference point as the show continued, setting a playful tone for the morning. Scott and Ellie discussed the recent team Christmas drinks, which had taken place the previous Friday. Ellie described events from the afternoon, while Scott prompted listener reactions and texts asking about what had happened. The conversation moved between light teasing, shared anecdotes and references to how the team had been feeling since the event. Running jokes returned throughout the show, including Scott referring to himself as a “bow-fluencer” following comments made about Strictly styling. Ellie and the team challenged and expanded on the joke, while Scott referenced comments made about him on other BBC stations. These exchanges continued intermittently across the morning. Ellie Brennan’s Tin Whistle Moment A major early segment focused on Ellie Brennan’s tin whistle performance from the team’s Christmas drinks. Scott set up the moment by explaining that Ellie had learned the instrument specifically to perform part of Fairytale of New York. Ellie repeatedly stressed that she had never played a tin whistle before, lowering expectations ahead of the reveal. Scott played audio recorded during the event, capturing Ellie’s performance alongside reactions from colleagues in the room. The clip included cheering and encouragement, which Scott and Ellie discussed immediately afterwards. Ellie reflected on hearing it back on the radio and described how it felt performing in front of colleagues. Scott replayed listener messages responding to the performance, with Ellie reacting to praise and comments from listeners who said they had followed the build-up to the moment. The segment expanded into discussion about the atmosphere at the Christmas drinks and how the team had supported each other during the performance. The conversation shifted to the aftermath of the event, with Scott and Ellie discussing recovery timelines and how different members of the team were feeling. References were made to Rennies, tiredness and the emotional group huddle that had taken place later in the afternoon. The segment ended with further teasing about whether certain team members had attended the drinks at all. Scott and Ellie joked about social media posts appearing the following day, extending the narrative beyond the event itself. Pause for Thought: Paul Corenza Paul Corenza joined the programme to deliver Pause for Thought, introducing a reflective segment focused on radio history and Christmas storytelling. He explained that the BBC’s first-ever radio drama was broadcast on Christmas Eve in 1922 and was titled The Truth About Father Christmas. Paul outlined how only the title had survived for many years. Paul described researching the drama’s author, Phyllis Twigg, and discovering she had written under a pseudonym. Through further investigation, he located a related short story at the British Library, which revealed details of the original drama’s narrative. He explained the story’s plot, describing Father Christmas as a wise man who declined to travel to Bethlehem. The character later regrets the decision and commits to generosity towards children to mark the birth of Jesus, linking Father Christmas traditions with the nativity. Paul confirmed that the rediscovered story has been adapted for broadcast on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds on Christmas Eve. He provided transmission details and explained the significance of restoring the BBC’s first radio drama to the schedule. After the reading, Scott spoke with Paul about their shared interest in radio, referencing broadcasting history and the role radio plays during Christmas. The segment concluded with Christmas greetings and details of the upcoming Radio 4 broadcast. Anneka Rice and Junior Choice Anneka Rice joined Scott to discuss hosting Junior Choice on Christmas Day. Scott introduced the programme as a long-running Christmas tradition, and Anneka spoke about listening to it as a child before later becoming its presenter. She referenced the show’s history and longevity on BBC radio. Anneka described Junior Choice as a programme that reaches listeners of all ages, including families listening together and people spending Christmas alone. She explained how the show acts as a companion on Christmas morning and why that role matters to her personally. Scott and Anneka discussed the type of music featured on Junior Choice, with Anneka explaining that novelty and humorous songs are preferred over pop or conventional Christmas tracks. She encouraged younger listeners to submit requests. Anneka outlined how listeners could get in touch, providing email details and asking contributors to include their names and where they would be spending Christmas. Scott reinforced the invitation and referenced past listener involvement. The segment included discussion of traditional Junior Choice songs, with Scott asking Anneka to choose between familiar favourites. Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West) was selected, with both referencing its place in the programme’s history. Strictly Come Dancing Winner: Karen Hauer Scott spoke to Karen Hauer following her win in the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final. Karen described the immediate aftermath of the result and explained that she had not expected to win. She said she had no prepared speech and initially questioned whether the announcement was real. Karen spoke about her approach to the competition, explaining that she focused on enjoying the experience rather than outcomes. She described the final as overwhelming and referenced the reaction of presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. She discussed her partnership with professional dancer Carlos Gu, describing the intensity of the process and how closely they worked together throughout the series. Karen mentioned that she had rarely spent time apart from Carlos during the competition. Karen confirmed that the glitterball trophy was at her home and said it was placed on the mantelpiece. Scott asked where Carlos’s trophy might be, prompting further discussion about their partnership. The conversation concluded with references to Christmas preparations and Karen’s plans following the final. Scott congratulated her before closing the interview. Hollywood Guests: Jack Black and Paul Rudd Jack Black and Paul Rudd joined Scott in the studio to discuss their new film Anaconda. Scott introduced them as Christmas guests and immediately engaged them in conversation about being in the UK. Jack referenced plans to explore different locations while visiting. The interview included discussion of British television, with Jack naming Gogglebox as a programme he regularly watches and follows closely. Escape to the Country was also mentioned, with Jack describing watching it extensively during the COVID period. Scott prompted discussion about working together on Anaconda, with Jack and Paul explaining that the film involves characters recreating their favourite movie. They described time on set, including singing and playing music between takes. Paul discussed watching the completed film at its premiere and how rarely he revisits his own work. Jack spoke about watching the film with his family and noticing their reactions during the screening. Scott invited the pair to choose a song from the Radio 2 jukebox, with Feliz Navidad selected. The segment ended with Christmas greetings and details of the film’s release. The post 22 December 2025: Tin whistles, Strictly glory, Jack Black and Paul Rudd first appeared on Unofficial Mills.View the full article

Conor Knight also in for Sam on the 3rd-4th January.

Jeremy Vine off for at least 3 weeks in January. Tina Daheley sits in.

My vote goes to James cussack his weekend show is very good hope he gets a daytime show soon 

“It’s Friday… and you are so near your Christmas break now.” “This guest list feels like we put loads of names in a hat and picked them at random.” “Christmas is not meant to be stressful — we’re here to cheer you up.” Big Guest Friday Energy and Proper End-of-Term Vibes Scott Mills burst into Friday morning mode knowing full well this was the final proper working day for huge swathes of the nation. From the opening link he leaned hard into the relief, excitement and smugness of listeners finishing school or clocking off until January. Ellie Brennan and Stefan Powell were firmly in festive spirits too, with Ellie’s glamorous-but-chaotic Christmas party prep becoming an instant talking point. Scott delighted in the shared experience of outfits, work drinks starting at lunchtime, and the strange emotional release that comes with switching on your out-of-office for the final time Christmas music was dialled all the way up, and Scott made no apologies. He repeatedly reminded listeners that the show’s mission was simple: distraction, joy and sing-alongs in a week where the news can feel heavy. Messages poured in from teachers on the last school run, delivery drivers finishing shifts, and families already gathering — exactly the audience Scott loves talking to at this time of year. The Good Morning Minute became a roll call of last days, last bells and children vibrating with excitement Pause for Thought: Cath Woolridge Cath Woolridge delivered a Pause for Thought that stopped the show in its tracks. Speaking candidly about miscarriage, grief and the emotional intensity Christmas can amplify, she shared how a season that looks joyful on the surface can feel isolating and painful underneath. Her reflection on revisiting the same Christmas tree two years later — and realising how far she had come — resonated deeply with listeners. Scott responded with rare stillness, thanking Cath for sharing something so personal on “the biggest show in Europe”. He also spoke directly to listeners who struggle at Christmas, reminding them they’re not expected to feel festive on demand. Messages flooded in immediately describing Cath’s words as “exactly what I needed today”, underscoring how powerfully the moment landed. Richard Coles: Pop Star, Priest and Festive Murder Richard Coles joined Scott already radiating Big Guest Friday warmth, humour and gentle chaos. Scott played The Communards early on, prompting Richard to reflect — with dry amusement — on royalty statements still arriving decades later, including a famously precise payment from Ecuador. It was vintage Coles: witty, self-aware and quietly delighted by the absurdities of pop stardom. Conversation quickly turned to Richard’s new cosy crime novel Murder Under the Mistletoe. He explained his love of setting the scene before the crime, joking that half the book is usually “feisty old ladies clashing” — something he insists mirrors parish life perfectly. Scott revelled in the festive murder trope, declaring Christmas the ideal time for fictional mayhem. Strictly inevitably came up, with Richard recalling his famously short but unforgettable run. He described his Paso Doble and Flash Gordon routine with affectionate embarrassment, while Scott reassured him that “making an impression” absolutely counts. Richard’s mother’s brutally honest critique — likening him to “a walrus that had been tased” — had the studio in stitches. Bread sauce became an unexpected bonding moment. Richard declared his love for it with evangelical zeal, instantly finding a kindred spirit in Susan Calman. Scott looked on delighted as the pair connected over festive carbs, calling it “the most Radio 2 argument imaginable”. Richard also reflected on how Strictly forges lifelong friendships, agreeing with Scott that dancing together is “more like an affair than an affair” — hastily clarifying he meant emotionally, not literally. He left the studio with book firmly plugged, dignity intact and festive chaos fully embraced. Susan Calman: Sleeper Trains, Stand-Up and Daleks Susan Calman arrived straight from the sleeper train from Scotland, proudly declaring herself “the voice of the Caledonian Sleeper”. She described the joy of boarding, changing into pyjamas, drifting off — and waking up near Motherwell, which Scott declared “a deeply Scottish rite of passage”. Susan explained her love of trains, revealing she even honeymooned on the Orient Express. She and Richard bonded over shared sleeper train encounters, while Scott marvelled at Susan hearing her own recorded safety announcements while onboard. Talk turned to Susan’s upcoming stand-up tour — her first in a decade. She admitted returning to live comedy feels terrifying but thrilling, especially with a treasure trove of Strictly, cruising and life stories now ready to unleash. Scott empathised, praising the unique magic of live laughter. Strictly memories flowed freely, with Susan recalling her deep friendship with Kevin Clifton, including their matching tattoos. She spoke warmly about how the show leaves you with friendships for life, something Scott wholeheartedly agreed with from his own experience. Susan also revealed perhaps the most Susan Calman fact of all: she owns a Dalek, a K-9 and a Weeping Angel. Scott immediately pitched her as a future Doctor Who companion, an idea Susan embraced with unfiltered joy — especially when Russell T Davies himself texted the show mid-segment. Denise Welsh: Waterloo Road, Pop Stardom and Speaking from the Heart Denise Welsh arrived glowing, fresh from pre-Christmas sunshine and armed with stories. She admitted she’s never cooked Christmas dinner, instead relying on an “Amazon warehouse situation” at home. Scott admired the honesty and the commitment. Denise spoke passionately about returning to Waterloo Road after 15 years. She described nerves walking back onto set, only to be reassured when younger cast members already knew her character thanks to lockdown re-watching. “It was like putting on an old pair of shoes,” she said. She explained working closely with writers to preserve Steph Haydock’s DNA, even joking that her comeback storyline involving chlamydia was “the perfect welcome back”. Scott declared it the least festive plotline imaginable — which only made it funnier. The mood shifted as Denise paid tribute to William Rush, speaking with genuine emotion about his kindness and the devastation felt by those who worked with him. Scott thanked her for addressing it so openly, letting the moment breathe with respect. Then came the twist: Denise is genuinely in the Christmas Number One race. Her track Sleigh Bells was played in full, with Bradley Walsh visibly stunned. Denise laughed through the madness, sharing stories of her brief 90s chart career and joking about “beef with Kylie and Mariah”. Bradley Walsh: TV Royalty and Weekend Protection Bradley Walsh joined the studio to huge affection, immediately ribbed for being “on at least half of British television”. He cheerfully admitted most Christmas shows are filmed months earlier, shattering illusions without apology. Scott pressed him on Strictly hosting rumours, but Bradley masterfully dodged, insisting the job would “ruin his weekends”. His detailed description of his perfect winter schedule — football, Strictly, The Jungle and beer — only made Scott more suspicious. Bradley spoke warmly about Blankety Blank, describing it as the most fun he can have in a studio because “I don’t do the heavy lifting”. He teased upcoming celebrity editions and shared how much joy he gets from genuine laughter. Family came up too, with Bradley proudly mentioning his son Barney and his love of working close to home. Scott praised him as one of Britain’s great entertainers, a compliment Bradley accepted with trademark modesty. As the segment ended, Scott bundled Bradley’s entire festive TV dominance into one line: “We wouldn’t have it any other way.” Bradley laughed, agreed — and promised more chaos on screens everywhere. The Easiest Quiz, Tina Dehealy Lore and Party Prep The Zero Percent Club continued with Andrea from Worcestershire seeking redemption after a Polaroid-related failure earlier in the year. Despite strong starts, she faltered on Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick, prompting widespread listener outrage on her behalf. Scott conceded the quiz might have “a bit of a Grinch problem today”. Tina Dehealy became a recurring off-mic presence — or absence — as Scott joked about her mysteriously avoiding party logistics calls. Her reputation as the nation’s busiest delivery driver continued to grow, much to listener amusement. Ellie Brennan’s travel updates kept things grounded as roads filled up, while Scott continued hyping the team Christmas drinks later — including his tin whistle “soundcheck”, which absolutely nobody requested. Handover with Vernon Kay Scott wrapped the show by handing over to Vernon Kay, sharing affectionate banter and reflecting on what’s been a huge year. Vernon teased a 2025 roundup, while Scott celebrated the Breakfast Show’s ability to mix joy, reflection and ridiculousness — especially at Christmas. Before leaving, Scott gave a heartfelt mention to Zoe Ball ahead of her final regular show, encouraging listeners to send love. It was a warm, generous sign-off — exactly in keeping with a Big Guest Friday that felt festive, funny and deeply human. The post 19 December 2025: Big Guest Friday with Walsh, Welsh, Calman and Coles first appeared on Unofficial Mills.View the full article

It's all been sounding really strong this year. Says a lot that it's hard to choose one.