It was a Soapy Christmas!

So we've eaten all we can and drank more than we probably should, and those TV Christmas classics have been re-run one too many times! Did you all have a good Christmas?

Now it's those awkward few days inbetween Christmas finishing and New Year's Eve, where nobody really knows what to do with themselves... So how about we have a catch up over what was good and was was a lump of coal over the festive telly period? Yep? Then let's go... 

Christmas TV is manly about the soaps, of course! I actually watched all four of the main ones on Christmas Day. I've always been an EastEnders fan first, Hollyoaks comes in second and then Corrie. I don't normally watch Emmerdale, only dipping in and out every so often.

I think every soap fan everywhere was waiting for the big EastEnders one. Yes, Linda finally told Mick that Dean raped her and the scene between the two was highly emotive. I think during that one episode, in 65 minutes, we saw every emotion in Mick. We were promised 'nuclear' when it kicked off, but that was saved for Boxing Day. And for me, that's where the big day episode fell a tad short. I hate saying that, because the dynamic of the episode, the acting from the cast and the strong storylines were more than great, but I felt the episode lacked the big oomph we were promised. I felt as though if the Boxing Day half hour, and the last half hour of the Christmas Day episode were put together, then it would have worked a little better for the impact - what do you think?

Linda Henry, Kellie Bright, Danny Dyer and Matt Di Angelo gave beautiful performances and deserve the biggest round of applause. It was also a very good flip, having Shirley side with Dean. Ironic that the one time she stands by him is when she should really walk away. What will happen to Dean now? Will he get away with his crime?

Mick's been left heartbroken, as Linda's up and left him and her engagement ring behind, after overhearing Mick tell Tina and Stan about her rape. I think this plot still has a way to go. But nothing will ever be the same for the Carter's again. And  haven't even mentioned the fact that Mick now knows Shirl's him muvva! But he doesn't seem to care about that right now. He has bigger things to worry about, and rightly so.

The other main stage on Christmas Day over on EastEnders was the Beale/Branning's family Xmas. And the present left for baby Beth. It was Lucy's jewellery box, and I swear it was left by Abi. She's twisted enough to do that... These two families are going to step right up to the forefront for the NYE episodes where the hunt for Lucy's killer is dramatically stepped up.
We know that there's going to be a massive car smash and someones going to end up dead during the New Year's Day ep. Is the crash and the death linked? I say so...

To me, it looked like Emma Summerhayes in the passenger seat of the car, and she has been giving Abi driving lessons... So I say that the pair crash, and Emma, who will have found out who Lucy's killer is, ends up dead before managing to tell all. Dum Dum Dummmm (or Duff, Duff, Duff!!)

My cousin has also come up with her own theory on Lucy's killer, and now thinks it could be Cindy. The limelight's been off the teen mum, but Jessica (my cousin in question) has noticed her make sly looks over dinner tables, etc, at the mention of it. I guess we'll all know in just over eight weeks time, when the 30th celebrations begin!

Overall, Enders got a 9/10 Christmas mark from me!

Hollyoaks gave us an hour special on Christmas Eve and JP and Ste's wedding was a hoot! A hoot which ended in Sinead revealing Ste to be her baby's dad, and then getting herself run over by Sienna and Dodger. Merry Christmas!

Sinead needed an emergency operation, and her baby is fine and well... I skim over that because I don't think that was the man point of the plot. Sinead's accident gave way to Diane reuniting with her daughter, after disowning her following the reveal of Sinead and Tony's affair. It also allowed Tony to be the one left with nothing and no-one, and opened Ste up to John Paul, where he was honest about sleeping with Sinead and another man... A big storyline to continue into the New Year.

The accident with Sinead also left Dodger being tied up once again by his psycho twin and taken back to the basement of their mothers house. Fate, Sienna believes, intervened and the pair are destined to be together. With Dodger leaving soon, I can't see this ending happily for him. Especially as it's now been revealed that Will Savage will be making a return and have a helping hand in Dodger's exit. Will, who's currently behind bars, is appealing his sentence for murdering his wife Texas, and mother Anna. He was the surprise Christmas returnee!
Imagine a Will and Sienna team-up? I shudder at the thought!

A heads-up - watch out on NYE's hour long special... A big secret is revealed to one poor Oakster - and it leaves more than one person devastated and lives are sure to be ruined for good.

Hollyoaks got a 7/10 from me this Christmas... 

Coronation Street was a good one on the day. As always, Corrie brings light with the shade. Steve's depression and Kylie's leaving were the main stories, and they were done really well. Now that Kylie has departed, having been kicked out by David and picked up by her ex, and Max's dad, Callum, what will become of the Platt family?

Callum will surely be back in town, and rumour has it that he's going to be fighting David for access and possibly custody of little Max. As his biological dad, Callum has right's over David - but is Callum really interested in his son, or does he just want to cause trouble?

David's brother Nick had a very Merry Christmas with his new fling, Erika, who is Liz McDonald's pal. What do you think of Erika? I like her, and think she could be a great new character, but I'm not sure she has staying power. She and Liz are too alike, and there's only room for one! I do like the change she's bought to Nick, however. He needed that. The character was beginning to wain in my opinion.

The unhappier end of Christmas was Roy Cropper ending up behind bars, after attacking Gary Windass, who was robbing the cafe till. Having had enough of being bullied by the local hood-rats, Roy lost his temper and attacked Gary, not knowing it was him, with a bat.
This will open up new stories for Roy, who no doubt is still grieving Hayley. I like his friendship with the new Nasir matriarch, Yasmeen. She's a strong-willed, out there kind of woman, and I think she's a little like Hayley in that respect...

Steve's depression is also about to be realised, leading up to the big bus crash. During the Christmas ep, I found myself giggling at Steve's actions, and then feeling frustrated watching him, which I imagine are the emotions people go down if they're living with someone with the kind of depression Steve's dealing with. You know something's not quite right, but the person is still that same person you know underneath. The funny side to Steve is still there... I'm looking forward to seeing him get the help he needs, and how his family cope. His relationship with Michelle has already become victim to his depression, and she will soon try to move on with newcomer Hamish, played by James Redmond. But once she finds out about Steve's plight, she'll surely rush back to his side..?

Corrie got a Christmassy 8/10 from me!

As for Emmerdale, I feel a little bit of a fraud if I sit here and write lots about it, as I said earlier, it's not a soap that I religiously watch - but rather dip in and out of. The Christmas ep, however, was comedic and dramatic. Bernice turning up in Andy's bride, Katie's, wedding dress to win him back was brilliant!
I know that Sammy Winward, who plays Katie, is set to leave Emmerdale next year - and how she leaves is a talking point for fans.
Having just given Belle, who I hear is suffering with schizophrenia, a job, many are thinking that an accident could occur and Katie could end up no-longer in the land of soap living!

The Christmas Emmerdale won a 7/10 from me...  

So all in all, this festive season, the soaps did well, didn't they!

Here's to the New Year fireworks... And I don't mean the ones in the sky!

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What will YOU be watching over Christmas?

It's that time of year where we begin the mad rush towards Christmas - work deadlines become ten to the dozen, shopping needs to be completed and any spare time we end up being lucky enough to have means catching up on sleeping and (of course) testing out the latest type of Mince Pie that's been created for Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda (or any of the other brand supermarkets out there...)

Hence, the lack of Telly Jolly postings over the course of this last week and a half..! I'm sorry - did you miss me?!

I have, however been speaking to the lovely people over at Ladbrokes who have given me some interesting telly info, on what their customers are most looking forward to watching over the festive week ahead.

On the big day itself, the nation will be watching an average of 4.32 hours of TV, and soap-wise,
EastEnders Lucy Beale’s murder twist is the soap storyline that viewers are most looking forward to this Christmas.

The twist in Lucy's murder mystery is tipped to be the most anticipated Christmas plot - with the New Year being a big turning point, as the suspects - which at the moment is the ENTIRE cast (apart from Stacey - she was already in prison at that time!) - are cut to just eleven.

Steve Mcdonald’s depression storyline over on Coronation Street is the second most anticipated soap plot for this Christmas with 13% of people saying it is the soap storyline they are most looking forward to. Steve's depression is said to cause the New Year bus crash, which will leave a huge number of characters in danger...

I'm also looking forward to Hollyoaks' big Christmas Eve special... Where Ste and John Paul get hitched. But, beware - look out for a shock face from the past lurking somewhere, too!

We all know that the specials all come out to play at Christmas, and the Ladbrokes survey proved that Downtown Abbey is the show that most women (my mum included!) are looking forward to on Christmas Day, where men are excited for the Doctor Who special...

Mrs Brown's Boys comes in highly ranked, with 14% of people looking forward to seeing Mammy and her family!

Miranda is also back with a special finale, and Ladbrokes customers are sure that the awkwards funny-lady will be accepting Gary's proposal this Christmas. as 19% think she'll choose him over Mike, who only gets 5% of the vote.

So, with 80% of us apparently choosing to watch the Tellybox on Christmas Day, what are you most looking forward to setting your beady eyes on?

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EASTENDERS - The baby is Mick's!

According to the Daily Mirror, Linda Carter is pregnant with her hubby Mick's baby.

Linda has been horrified since finding out that she's expecting, after being raped by her brother-in-law Dean Wicks, and has been going back and forwards with the decision to keep the baby or not.

Earlier this week, Linda made the decision once and for all to keep the child, after a heart to heart with Mick, who still doesn't know about his wife's attack.

Later this week, a scan allows Linda to work out when the baby was conceived, and therefore she realises that Mick is the father, reports the Daily Mirror.

But things won't stay 'cushty' (as Mick would say) for long, because secrets and lies are going to spilled over the festive season in the Carter household. And when Mick finds out what Dean did, actor Danny Dyer has promised that the results will be 'nuclear'.

I'm wondering whether Linda will end up having the baby after all...

She'll obviously be overjoyed to realise that her new son or daughter belongs to Mick, but will the stress and pressure of the rape revelation, and Mick's angry outbursts when he finds out, trigger a tragic miscarriage?

Only the powers that be, over at EastEnders HQ have the answers... and I'm sure they'll be keeping schtum, for now...

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The Missing - Was he found?

Me, along with the majority of people I know, have been hooked to The Missing for the last eight weeks. And last night we got our conclusion... 

The fate of little Oliver was revealed. So don't read on, if you haven't yet watched the final episode of this series.

It turns out that the young boy was accidentally run over by drunk Hotel owner Alain, who believed he had killed Ollie. However, when he called on his brother Georges, who then called in a favour from a Russian criminal to take care of disposing of Oliver's body, it was revealed that Ollie was not dead. 

Georges was further horrified to discover that the Russian had killed Oliver. But had he really?

At the beginning of last night's ep, we saw the famous drawing that Oliver had done of his dad, on a shed made of snow. Young teen boys all did a runner, as a big, strange stumbling man - faceless at this point - came toward them. This made us think 'actually, Oliver could still - must still - be alive...' 

Oliver's parents, Tony and Emily, seemingly accepted the fate of their boy. He was dead. But Tony, towards the end of the episode clearly hadn't moved on. Talking to Julien, he decided that Ollie could be alive and in Russia. Julien told Tony to accept and move on with his life. But Tony had drawn the same stick-man drawing as Ollie's on a notepad whilst on the phone... 

Back in Russia, in the final scenes, was where the chilling end to the series took place. The big, stumbling man now had a bearded face. It was Tony. He had travelled to Russia, believing his boy was there. 

When Tony knocked on the front door of a flat in an apartment block, a teen boy answered... 

Tony handed the frightened looking lad the picture he had, which Ollie had drawn of him. The boy, in my opinion seemed to recognise the picture. But Tony was soon dragged away by the police for harassment. The last shot was of a scared looking Tony, confused maybe. A broken man. 

And that was the end. 

It's left fans wondering whether the boy was really Oliver - or if Tony had made the drawing in the snow, and wrongly thought this boy was his son. 

An eagle-eyed fan on Twitter, posted this photo:

The 'e-fit' from a newspaper, was the same actor as the boy who Tony believed to be Ollie...

If you read the Daily Mail, they think that Oliver was killed and all of this was a figment of a broken Tony's imagination. Others believe that Ollie was alive, and was the 'Russian' boy. 

There was good news at the end of the credits last night, too, as it was confirmed that The Missing would be back for a second series, but revealed that it would focus on a 'new case'. 

The trailer voiceover, provided by Baptiste, explained: "To lose somebody can destroy a person. But to find them again, when so much has passed, that can be worse."

Brothers Harry and Jack Williams will return to write the series, and said:

"We always knew the story of Oliver Hughes would have an ending. But in writing the first series we found there were many themes and issues we didn't have the chance to explore,"

So - what did I think of The Missing's conclusion?

It confused, and annoyed me, at first to an extent that we didn't get a full conclusion. But thinking about it now, it was very clever of the writers to leave the ending 'open', as such, so that each fan can believe what they made of it. 

Sadly, in life, some poor families are living with this conclusion each day... So really, The Missing's ending was as near to reality as could be. 

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CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER - Will this be the BEST line up yet?

Emma Willis is the mother of Big Brother, so if there's anyone to trust with whether the new series of Celebrity Big Brother is going to be a smash, it should be her!

And she does...

Speaking about the launch of the next series, which will start in January, Emma reckons that the casting is always "the best thing" about Big Brother. 

Although she usually keeps herself in the dark about the contestants until the last minute, this time round, she's taken a sneak peek.

"I normally stay very blind to it all but this year I've actually seen part of a list very early. This is going to be one of the best ever series of the show. I have such high hopes for the series - that's how good I think it's going to be. You won't not recognise anybody if it stays like this. This year seems like a proper stellar cast and that's always great to watch."

With people such as Calum Best, Daniella Westbrook and Katie Price rumoured to go in, I wonder f any of those names are on the list Emma talks about?

Emma also revealed that her dream housemates would be Paul O'Grady, Lindsay Lohan and Tom Cruise - and added that she is excited about the new twisted fairytale theme.

"I've seen the mood boards and the new eye for the series, It's got me very excited. I'd describe it as a dark fairytale theme. My favourite movie of late is Maleficent and it's totally like that. Angelina Jolie is amazing in it. I've seen all these visuals and it literally looks like my favourite movie. I think I actually want to dress up for the launch night. I'd love to be the wicked but tortured Queen."

Emma also addressed the stick she sometimes receives for presenting Big Brother's Bit on the Side with Rylan Clark, as well as being at the forefront of the main show. 

"I could have just given it up but to be honest I love it and it's where I get to be a fan again.know. I get a lot of stick from people saying I'm not impartial, but I think I am. When you're doing a debate show you have to post positive and negative statements about everyone. I try not to be negative but if someone's gone in there and acted like a plonker then how can I be impartial? 

It's tricky in that respect. But I love it. I get to stand in a room with fellow Big Brother fans and talk about the show. Doing the main show I'm at the helm and running the show and being very professional but then late nights during the week I get to go into a little studio and talk to people who are just as bonkers about it as me."

I for one love the Emma/Rylan pairing for BBOTS - and can't wait for the new series to begin... 

Who would you all like to see in the house, come January?

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Ben Haenow has The X Factor

What a final! One of the best in years, in my opinion. And Ben won it.

After Andrea was voted out on Saturday night, unfortunately without a poorly Mel by his side, I didn't mind who won. 

I've been championing Fleur since the beginning of the lives - and Ben was always my second - so this was the perfect final for me. 

When it came down to the winner's single, however, I think that Ben just clinched it and his version suited him a little better than Fleur's suited her. No doubt these two will now have a great career ahead, with Syco already signing Fleur - allegedly! 

Whether any of the other final 12 have what it takes to carve out a decent career in the industry, like Olly Murs, One Direction and Ella Henderson, who all performed this weekend, remains to be seen. But Ben and Fleur definitely both have what it takes. 

Talking of Ella Henderson... And no disrespect here... But I thought her duet with Andrea was a bit of a let down for him. As excited as he said he was, if I had ended up with Ella (who's just graduated from The X Factor herself!) while two other finalists had superstars like Ed Sheeran and Labrynth, I'd be a tiny bit gutted. 

But I guess it shows how well Ella has done. And the respect she must have in the industry.

Fleur and Ben both looked as though, as much as it would have been nice to win themselves, they didn't mind which of them took the crown and seeing the genuine joy on Fleur's face when Ben was announced winner was lovely.

I went to download Ben's winners single straight away - the first time I've ever done that - which goes to show just what a good year it's been.

Well done, Fleur - and a bigger well done, Ben! I'm lookibg forward to hearing what you both have for us!

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EASTENDERS Christmas Trailer - The Truth Will Out!

The EastEnders Christmas trailer is here! 

The dramatic, explosive, gripping promo proves that the festive period over in Walford is not to be missed.

As Mick furiously trashes the Queen Vic, Dean threatens Linda over her baby secret, Ronnie warns Nick to beware and Emma Summerhayes makes a mysterious phone call telling the person on the other end that she knows they killed Lucy. 

The other shock scene is a car - dramatically crashing right across the Square. 

Who's in the vehicle? Has Emma caught out the right killer? How will Linda expose Dean? 

Find out in the 65-minute extravaganza on Christmas Day, 9pm, on BBC1.

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The X Factor - It's the Final!

It's Christmas! (Almost!) Which means that it's also The X Factor final,,, Who's excited?

Fleur, Ben and Andrea are getting ready to battle it out with a massive two shows at Wembley Arena this weekend, full of great songs and an even greater line-up of artists. 

It's been announced that the winners single this year differs, depending on who actually wins... Ben and Fleur have both recorded One Republic's 'Something I Need' and Andrea has done Whitney Houston's 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength'. 

While we know that the finalists will also be performing a duet each, with  top-secret special guest's, the trio are keeping schtum, so far, about what they'll be singing - but they have revealed ONE song choice, on top of their winner's singles, and that's their favourite performance from the series. 

So - here are this weekend's FINAL song choices:

Fleur East:

Can’t Hold Us (originally by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis)

Uptown Funk (originally by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars)

Winners Single - Something I Need (originally by One Republic)

Ben Haenow:

Demons (originally by Imagine Dragons)

Song of the series: Man In The Mirror (by Michael Jackson)

Winners Single - Something I Need (originally by One Republic)

Andrea Faustini:

Feeling Good (originally by Nina Simone)

Song of the series: Earth Song (originally by Michael Jackson)

Winners Single - I Didn’t Know My Own Strength (originally by Whitney Houston)

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New EastEnders series for 30th

We know that February is the highly anticipated EastEnders 30th Anniversary, and the celebrations will be starting early - in January - with a new series, commission for BBC iPlayer, called EastEnders: Back to Ours.

The series will relive some of the most iconic moments in the build-up to the 30th anniversary and
cast members will be seen sitting in their on-screen homes, watching some of their own characters' memorable scenes, Gogglebox style, I say!

While re-watching their alter egos' highlights, the actors, including  Shane Richie (Alfie Moon), Jessie Wallace (Kat Moon), Diane Parish (Denise Fox), Tameka Empson (Kim Fox), Rudolph Walker (Patrick Trueman), Himesh Patel (Tamwar Masood) and Nitin Ganatra (Masood Ahmed) will  all share their memories and behind-the-scenes stories. 

Clips featured will span through EastEnders' entire history, including some from when the show first launched in 1985.

Speaking of his involvement, Shane Ritchie said: 

"What a wonderful time I had sitting on the sofa with Jessie watching 12 years of Kat and Alfie. We laughed, we cried and we giggled as we remembered the past 12 years."

EastEnders: Back to Ours will launch in the week commencing January 5 in the run-up to EastEnders' live week for the 30th anniversary, which will also see the return of Barbara Windsor, as Peggy Mitchell. 

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Mrs Brown's Boys 'unlikely' return

According to Digital Spy, the BBC comedy controller, Shane Allen, has said that Mrs Brown's Boys is probably never going to return for a full series. What a feckin' cheek! 

Just like old favourite The Royle Family, Mrs Brown's Boys may only be limited to Christmas special's in the future, because of Brendan O'Carroll, who plays the comedy mammy, has such a busy, busy schedule - even more so ever since Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie premiered earlier this year.  

Shane Allen had reportedly said that it would be 'hard to get another series' and that he's in talks with Brendan about other projects, as the comedic actor 'wants to stay with the BBC'.

The bad news for fans will have the blow softened, however, as Mrs Brown and her family will be returning to our screens for two brand-spanking new specials over the festive period on both Christmas and New Year's day, with two more seasonal episodes due to air next year. 

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Mrs Brown's Boys news NOT true...

Earlier, I mentioned that according to Digital Spy, BBC comedy controller Shane Allen, has said that Mrs Brown's Boys is probably never going to return for a full series. BUT Danny O'Carroll has just tweeted me to say it's not true... 

Or in his words:

Just like old favourite The Royle Family, Mrs Brown's Boys was said to only be limited to Christmas special's in the future, because of Brendan O'Carroll, who plays the comedy mammy, has such a busy, busy schedule - even more so ever since Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie premiered earlier this year.  

Shane Allen said that it would be 'hard to get another series' and that he's in talks with Brendan about other projects, as the comedic actor 'wants to stay with the BBC'.

But since Danny's tweet, it looks like it's great news for fans of the show... even more so because we've not got long to wait before Mrs Brown and her family return to our screens for two brand-spanking new specials over the festive period on both Christmas and New Year's day, with two more seasonal episodes due to air next year. 

So, just for today - we can ignore Digital Spy! Yay!

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The X Factor - Take That join the Final

It's the final of The X Factor this weekend and it's just been revealed that Take That are joining an epic line up of star guests!

Gary, Howard and Mark are getting used to being a trio, after Jason's departure, but are taking it clearly in their stride as they are fresh from scoring a No.1 album, No.1 single and a sell-out tour.

The boys will open Saturday night's final, singing Rule the World with the three X Factor finalists, Fleur, Ben and Andrea. I can imagine that being a right show-stopper!

Joining Take That on Saturday will be Ed Sheeran, who's going to be performing his new track, Photograph, and Meghan Trainor, who will be singing the smasher All ABout The Bass.

I'm guessing that either Ben, Andrea or Fleur will be sent home Saturday night, leaving just two remaining finalists for Sunday night - where Sam Smith will be belting out Stay With Me, along with a 200 strong choir.

Before the winner is crowned, X Factor stars Olly Murs and One Direction will also both take to the Wembley Arena stage. One Direction will be showing off their new song Where Do Broken Hearts Go and Olly will be teaming up with Demi Lovato to perform his new song, Up, from his number one album Never Been Better.

The three finalists have been touring round the country in their finalist buses this week, along with heading back to their hometowns. Have you seen their buses?

Join in the fun on Saturday night at 8.30pm on ITV3 and again on Sunday at 8pm.

Who wins? I hope Fleur - but as Big Brother would say if it were his show - YOU DECIDE!

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CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER - New 'Fairytale' Eye revealed

It's baaacckkk! Well, it will be soon, and it'll make the blow of the festive period ending just a little bit lighter. 

Celebrity Big Brother is returning and the brand spanking new eye and theme for January has been revealed today. 

And as you can see, the pupil of the eye is a moon, with fluffy white clouds and twisted vines surrounding it. 

Twisted being the optical word, as the theme is 'Twisted Fairytale'... I love it already! 

Channel 5 has has said that the house has been re-decorated to include 'whimsical elements that conjure up a magical atmosphere full of possibility and curiosity', but it's also been warned that the celebs should be on guard as 'there are hints that something more sinister may be lurking'... 

Celebrities rumoured to be entering the house this new year are Calum Best, X Factor fave Stevi Ritchie and Patsy Kensit. 

An official representative for Channel 5 has said:

"Will the celebrities relish their fairytale adventure or will it become a living nightmare? As always in the Big Brother house, celebrities should expect the unexpected as there will be secrets, twists and surprises around each corner."

Of course, Emma Willis is back as the front woman, and Rylan Clarke will be returning to Bit on the Side.

Who's excited?!

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The X Factor - Lauren just misses out on the final

Last night we saw Lauren leave The X Factor right before next week's final. What did you think?

Saturday night's show was one of the most on point, exciting semi-final's in a long while for The X Factor, in my opinion. 

I must sound like a broken record each Monday morning - but Fleur Fleur Fleur! She was above and beyond the others. When Simon said across all of his shows that she performed one of the best three performances he ever saw, I think he was pondering over Leona Lewis. 

You can't compare Leona and Fleur, as they're so different, but since Leona I don't think we've had a performer quite as amazing as Fleur has been. That second song wasn't even a contestant performance. It was a superstar's one. (Please, don't call me Louis!)

I think the public got it right last night, with Ben also going straight through to the final. His first performance was great - I fell in love with it (and him, a little!) - and I really hope that he grabs second place next week. 

Andrea and Lauren was also good - and I felt for Andrea having to follow Fleur's Uptown Funk, because no matter what he did, it would have left him slightly in the shade. 

If I'm being honest last night's results show went how it should have. And Lauren looked fine with going home. She, I think, actually took it better than Andrea would have. 

Lauren did herself, Cheryl and her loved ones proud...

Can I also say how excited I was to see Michael Buble on the show last night..! Couldn't NOT give him a mention! 

Are you happy with the final three?

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EASTENDERS - Babs is back!

EastEnders are steam rolling ahead towards their 30th, and this news could be the icing on the cake for many fans...

Barbara Windsor is bringing Peggy Mitchell back once again for a special appearance during the anniversary week - which will consist of one live episode, live segments in other episodes and, of course, the reveal of Lucy Beale's murderer. (No, I highly doubt it's Peggy!)

Having said that, though, Peggy could easily have a starring role in the murder reveal, especially if a Mitchell is the culprit. Could the killer tell Peggy all? After all, she'd do anything to cover for a loved one - so Peg could take the information back to Portugal with her...and no one else - apart from us viewers - need know. Yet!

Barbara is thrilled to be returning for the special episode, saying:

"I am absolutely thrilled that Peggy has been included in the celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of EastEnders, What an incredible achievement for all the production, cast and crew, past and present."

EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: 

"Barbara and Peggy are intrinsically linked with EastEnders and when we planned our explosive anniversary episodes, Peggy was the first name on our list of hoped-for returns. Barbara has not only created one of EastEnders' most iconic characters but she's also hugely loved and missed by everyone here. We couldn't celebrate 30 years of EastEnders without Barbara Windsor."

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THE X FACTOR - Semi Final!

Tomorrow's the semi final of The X Factor. Already!

The theme is going to be 'Countdown to Christmas', which fills me with joy. Who doesn't love a Christmas song?!

Andrea, Fleur, Lauren and Ben will each sing two songs and hope they manage to reach the big final next weekend. I actually hope Ben, Fleur and Lauren make the final. As I've said prevously, Andrea for me is a great voice, but not The X Factor.

Fleur's my winner!

Any how - here are this week's song choices:

Boys

Andrea Faustini -

O Holy Night (by Mariah Carey) and Wrecking Ball (by Miley Cyrus)

Girls

Lauren Platt -
Stay Another Day (by East 17/Girls Aloud) and Story Of My Life (by One Direction)

Overs

Ben Haenow -  

Please Come Home For Christmas (by The Eagles) and Hallelujah (by Leonard Cohen)

Fleur East - 

All I Want For Christmas (by Mariah Carey) and Uptown Funk (by Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson)

HOLLYOAKS - Will Dodger die at Sienna's hands?

Over the last few years, we've seen Sienna go from kooky, to crazy, to outright mentally unstable. Yes, it's obvious as to why the poor girl may have issues, having unknowingly fallen pregnant by her long-lost twin brother at 13, and being locked in a basement by her dear dad, who's also a few couple of slices of bread short of a sandwich, until she gave birth. We know the rest of Si Si's story up til now, but boy, is it about to get even bumpier.

During the lead up to the festive period, we'll see Sienna become increasingly agitated at Dodger's attitude towards her, and Nico. So agitated, that she decides to kidnap her twin, after knocking him over the head with a spanner, and taking him to their mother's old house,  handcuffing him to a radiator. Sienna then takes Nico, who's recovering from her kidney transplant, and keeps her captive too, all while she lives in a happy bubble, preparing Christmas for her family!

Sienna believes that Dodger will soon come round to the idea of shacking up with her (forgetting about their twin bond!) and take responsibility for Nico.

Nico, however, soon realises that her mum has lost the plot, and with Dodger in a state, she decides that she must escape and get help. But the teen is still weak from her operation, and is in no fit state to trek across a forest and back to Hollyoaks village to raise the alarm.

It's not Nico, though, that we should be concerned for. As we know, Danny Mac, who plays Dodger, will soon be leaving Hollyoaks for good - but how, remains to be seen.

Imagine if Sienna's crazy ways ended up resulting in her brothers death?

I can see that happening, more than Dodge just upping and leaving Maxine, or Theresa and baby Myra-Pocahontas behind.

Regardless of how this storyline ends - I'm not sure where Sienna will end up next. She's been sectioned/imprisoned, kidnapped by her own father, shown remorse for her wrong-doings and then started her madness up all over again.

Whatever it is that the powers that be have in store, I hope that we'll see Si Si stay for a while yet. She's mad. But I do like her!

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The X Factor - Louis loses again...

Ah Lou Lou... He's not had much luck since Shayne Ward won The X Factor, back when. And he once again won't have the winner this yeat, after Stereo Kicks were voted out last night.

After a sing-off with Cheryl's last remaining girl, Lauren, the eight-piece boy band were sent home in the public vote, after the judges took it to deadlock.

Cheryl stuck with Lauren, as Louis stuck by Stereo Kicks - while Mel B also opted to save the group - much to Cheryl's obvious annoyance. Did anyone else notice her little dig-quip? Simon then stuck by who sang the best, and that was Lauren...

I thought these two would be in the bottom two after Saturday night's show.

Ben and Fleur (yes, still my faves!) were exceptional and Andrea was always going to get the votes after his Hero rendition. I can't help, though, but be a little underwhelmed by the Italian lately.

You can't take away what a voice he has, but Andrea, for me, seems like a one-trick pony. He's great at ballads and would make a nice album. But that's not The X Factor, to me. In fact, the best all-rounder - and therefore, the person with The X Factor, is Fleur East.

She and Ben must make the final - and I hope Lauren's there, too, as she gives more versatility than Andrea.

Who are you hoping makes the final?

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