Christmas is always EXTRA SPECIAL

Graham Norton on the festive season, travelling and his favourite celebrity guests

- VICKI POWER

As Christmas zooms towards us, Graham Norton is decking the halls of his studio for two star-studded festive editions of The Graham Norton Show. Graham's gift to us this holiday season is the promise of witty conversation and amusing anecdotes from the biggest showbiz stars on the planet.

He's not allowed to divulge the names of his guests yet, but it sounds like there'll be plenty of ho-ho-ho-ing in the studio. 'The holiday episodes always feel extra special because the decorations and sparkle put everyone in a jolly mood,' says Graham. 'The sense of excitement about the holidays seems to infect the guests and the audience - and even me!'

Graham tells us he'll spend Christmas with his partner Jono McLeod, a Scottish film-maker, and other family members. He always looks forward to the season. 'Like everyone else, it means a break from work, a chance to see family, and to eat and drink too much,' says Graham. 'I like the stuff that you only get to eat at Christmas, so I really look forward to things like stollen, plum pudding and After Eights.

'I get in the mood for the holidays by decorating the house,' he continues. 'My favourite Christmas tradition is putting up the tree and getting out all the ornaments.'