Alan Carr leads Virgin Radio star-studded Christmas 2025 line-up

Fresh from his Celebrity Traitors triumph, Alan Carr joins Virgin Radio later this month to host a special festive show.

The station’s Christmas schedule includes some of the biggest names in entertainment and music taking over key shows across Christmas and New Year.

Alan Carr kicks it off, as he broadcasts “live from the Top of The Tower” on 20 December between 10am and 1pm, playing his favourite tracks along with the trademark humour that helped crown him a national treasure this year.

East 17’s Tony Mortimer takes over Christmas Day from 3pm until 7pm with a show built around festive classics, personal stories and the band’s long-standing connection to Christmas.

He reflects on the year Stay Another Day beat Mariah Carey to the top spot and revisits the group’s iconic white parkas, which continue to spark memories for fans each December.

Each evening across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day will feature one of Virgin Radio’s three “wise men”.

Cast’s John Power starts things off on 24 December. Richard Ashcroft follows on Christmas night. Pete Doherty completes the trio on Boxing Day.

All three will look back at their standout musical moments from this year, including festivals, new releases and their reactions to the huge Oasis reunion that dominated the 2025 live circuit.

A major New Year’s Eve event will take listeners from 2025 into 2026. Scissor Sisters’ Ana Matronic, New Order’s Peter Hook and Faithless icon Sister Bliss will each deliver exclusive DJ sets.

The station plans this as a long-form soundtrack for parties, gatherings or anyone staying in, with eight hours of uninterrupted music from 6pm on 31 December until 2am on New Year’s Day.

Chef and broadcaster Tom Kerridge will also play a key role through the season. He steps in for Tom Allen from 14 December to 4 January on Sundays between 10am and 1pm.

Kerridge offers cooking tips, kitchen advice and a soundtrack shaped by his personal favourites. Virgin Radio says his shows are designed for people hosting Christmas gatherings, last-minute Boxing Day plans or simple New Year’s Eve “what-now” moments.