With a cameo from Mariah Carey, Christmas diva herself…
For Heart Breakfast listeners, Christmas has officially begun.
On Wednesday morning, Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden declared the festive season open, complete with tinsel, snowflake confetti and an impromptu studio celebration. The moment came when one listener, Rachel from Sunderland, a veterinary nurse, successfully answered five Christmas-themed quiz questions live on air – earning the right to “switch on Christmas” across the network.
Cue the chaos: Holden screamed, Theakston cheered, and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” blasted from the speakers. Then, just as the jingling bells kicked in, came the moment that sent Holden into disbelief — a surprise voice note from Mariah Carey herself.
“Hey, Amanda! It’s Mariah, and it’s officially Christmas on Heart. It’s time!”
Holden, ever the theatrical host, was briefly rendered speechless — before joining in the inevitable studio singalong.
Now something of a radio ritual, Heart’s annual “switching on Christmas” moment marks the network’s transition to non-stop festive music, often weeks before rival stations make the leap. The event has become a seasonal cue in itself, signalling the start of Britain’s long, glitter-filled run-up to Christmas.
For this year’s broadcast, Holden threw herself into the moment – quite literally. Dressed in a Christmas hat and tinsel, surrounded by fake snow and a life-sized reindeer, she declared:
“The nation is waiting for us… just five questions and 30 seconds stand between joy, hope and Christmas-ness.”
Rachel, on the other end of the line, rose to the challenge. The final question — “It’s beginning to look a lot like…?” — sealed it. Christmas was officially switched on, and Mariah’s unmistakable opening notes followed seconds later.
Carey’s festive anthem, released in 1994, continues to dominate seasonal playlists and streaming charts. Her simple two-word declaration — “It’s time!” — has become an unofficial Christmas starting gun, now shared annually in memes, TikToks and radio promotions across the globe.
This year’s voice note for Heart is just the latest in the pop icon’s ongoing reign as the Queen of Christmas, her song as synonymous with mince pies and fairy lights as the Coca-Cola truck or John Lewis advert.
While some might roll their eyes at Christmas music in early November, Heart’s festive pivot remains a reliable ratings magnet. The network’s seasonal programming draws millions of listeners each year, a reminder that, however early it starts, Britain’s appetite for a little sparkle and sentimentality is hard to resist.
And for Amanda Holden? There’s no question. “I’m so happy,” she shouted, confetti flying around her. “It’s officially Christmas!”
For everyone else, whether it feels too soon or just in time, Mariah’s message says it all: It’s time.
Listen to Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, weekdays from 6:30–10am across the UK and on Global Player.
