With new lockdown restrictions introduced for even more of the country, it’s been a week of tiers and fears.
But in amongst all the doom and gloom, there’s been some genuine moments of joy that have helped us through the last seven days.
From Gemma Collins meeting a polar bear, to Lewis Capaldi’s overshare, here’s 10 things guaranteed to bring a smile to your face...
1. Gemma Collins encounter with a polar bear
Gemma Collins’ stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle might have been short, but it is the stuff of TV legend, so we were delighted to see a throwback to her time in the Australian outback as her reality show Diva Forever returned this week.
The GC’s encounter with a polar bear did not exactly go to plan (despite it being in a safe, caged environment) when she got panicky and attempted to scale a fence.
2. Alison and Amanda get their own show
Alison Hammond and Amanda Holden are two of the most joyful people on television, so we can’t believe it has taken until now for TV bosses to team them up. However, we’re pleased to report the pair are forming a dream team on the panel of new BBC show I Can See Your Face.
They will join Jimmy Carr and Paddy McGuinness on the new BBC series, so laughs are surely guaranteed with this lot.
3. Mariah gets us in the festive spirit early
It looks like the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, is going to bestow us with an early present this year. The All I Want For Christmas Is You singer teased what looks to be a new Yuletide collaboration, sharing this photo on Twitter, alongside a tree emoji.
It didn’t take fans long to work out that “AG” and “JH” most likely stand for Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson, and let’s just say… there was LOTS of excitement.
4. Ariana Grande also has a gift of her own
With albums from Little Mix and Kylie Minogue already on the way during Q4, another pop queen has come through with new material to keep us going until Christmas.
In a surprise announcement this week, Ariana Grande revealed she’s set to drop a whole new album before the month is out.
*combusts into glitter*
5. Peppa Pig takes on a new role (kinda)
Netflix’s new horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor is full of twists and turns, but one real-life revelation has shocked fans more than anything on the show.
Many have worked out why the series’ young character Flora seems so familiar – she’s actually the voice of Peppa Pig.
6. It was 20 years since this memorable – and mortifying – awards show moment
Literally anything can happen when some of the biggest names in the industry are gathered under one roof and the TV cameras are live – something Judy Finnigan knows only too well, with her appearance at the 2000 National Television Awards going down in history.
7. Netflix drops intense new trailer for The Crown
Netflix has debuted a new trailer for the fourth series of The Crown, and it is the most intense yet.
The promo takes a closer look and Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s relationship and subsequent marriage, and also featured a somewhat unexpected cameo...
8. Goggleboxers introduce their loved ones
The Gogglebox gang helped us through lockdown, and this week, we got a glimpse at some of their unseen loved ones who’ve supported them over the last few months.
Lee shared a pic of him and Jenny with his partner Steve, while the Siddiquis introduced their mum and Sid’s wife Nasreen on their family Instagram.
9. Lewis Capaldi overshares on Instagram
Handing over your phone to a complete stranger for repair is always a bit of a worrying moment, but spare a thought for Lewis Capaldi who’s recent experience is the stuff of actual nightmares.
Let’s just say the story – which he shared on his Instagram – features his camera roll and an unwanted case of haemorrhoids.
10. Dame Shirley Bassey being fabulously camp
Shirley Bassey celebrated her 70-year career in showbusiness with what can only be described as an absolutely iconic Covid-compliant photoshoot.
A sequin-clad Shirley matched her facemask to her glittering gold dress for the snap, which gives Strictly Come Dancing a run for its money in the camp stakes.