Kirstie Allsopp, known to many as the popular presenter of Location, Location, Location, has opened up about her plans for Christmas and an unusual present from Phil Spencer
Matt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor
10:04, 29 Nov 2025
Kirstie Allsopp was left ‘devastated’ after a career blow(Image: Getty)
Kirstie Allsopp has admitted she was left “devastated” following a “disappointing” setback in her career. The 54-year-old became a household name presenting Location, Location, Location on Channel 4 with Phil Spencer.
The beloved pair have fronted the successful programme for over 25 years, since it first launched in 2000. Kirstie has also expanded into various home-focused programmes, including her yearly Handmade Christmas show and the Kirstie’s Handmade Treasures series.
However, the presenter faced disappointment when her daytime crafting competition wasn’t brought back this Christmas.
Speaking to The Sun’s TV Mag, Kirstie said: “I’m not going to beat around the bush – we were devastated not to get the Christmas competition show re-commissioned.
“It was disappointing, but we understood. So we said: ‘Okey doke, we’re just going to make this year’s special the show we’ve talked about for a few years.”
Kirstie will return to screens with Handmade Christmas(Image: Getty)
Kirstie hopes her Handmade Christmas, broadcasting at 8pm on Channel 4 on Thursday, will emphasise how people can embrace the festive season without “killing themselves” by attempting too much.
She believes households should “give everyone an opportunity to shine” rather than one individual trying to “be a martyr” by shouldering all the main responsibilities.
The television personality suggests circulating an email amongst relatives beforehand asking what contributions people can make to lighten the load. She describes her own Christmas celebration at home with husband Ben Andersen and their two children as a “collective endeavour,” which she believes will “really make a difference”.
Phil and Kirstie host Location, Location, Location together(Image: Getty)
Kirstie acknowledges that viewers of her Handmade Christmas programme will witness some of the challenges she faced whilst preparing for the festive season, including an ill-fitting tablecloth and candlesticks that didn’t match.
Meanwhile, she reveals that long-standing colleague Phil presents her with an unconventional Christmas gift annually. “Phil gives me a ham every year,” she told The Sun.
Kirstie explains the family savours a ham on Christmas Eve and then continues enjoying it between Christmas Day and New Year. She describes it as going “goes great” with scrambled eggs or toast.
“I think it’s one of the most useful Christmas gifts, because it lasts,” she added.
Kirstie, however, confesses she selects a different Christmas present for Phil each year. Though she is “behind” this year and hasn’t chosen anything for him yet.
Previously, gifts have included a ski jumper and a scarf which he has subsequently worn on their programmes. Last year she acknowledges purchasing him a glass jug with a bird inside.
Whilst another year saw Kirstie presenting Phil with a spaniel statue, as the presenter owns two dogs himself. She says she spotted the statue and believed it would be “perfect” for Phil.
