On December 27, 2025, British television viewers tuned in to a Christmas special that promised festive cheer but delivered something far more poignant. Alan Carr and Amanda Holden, the beloved duo behind BBC’s Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job, returned to screens for a heartfelt episode set in the picturesque Spanish village of Moclín. The episode was meant to be a celebration—a thank-you party for the locals who had helped them transform a derelict property earlier that year. Yet, as laughter echoed through the narrow streets and the aroma of holiday fare wafted through the air, the show took an unexpectedly emotional turn.
It was during a quiet moment away from the hustle of party preparations that the conversation shifted from holiday logistics to the deeper, often unspoken realities of Christmas. As reported by Everything Gossip and The Mirror, Amanda Holden mused, “You do think ‘god isn’t it amazing that we’re all around this table and we’re all healthy with the people you love’.” Her words, filled with gratitude, set the stage for Alan Carr’s candid confession about the season’s emotional complexity.
Alan, known for his wit and infectious humor, revealed a more vulnerable side as he reflected on the holiday’s bittersweet undertones. “There is like an undercurrent isn’t there at Christmas? It’s a very emotional time,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. He continued, “And beneath all the tinsel and all the presents and the cheers, it can be quite tender if you’ve struggled or lost someone.” The most striking moment came when Alan shared, “Because nothing hurts like seeing that empty seat at Christmas.” According to The Mirror, these words resonated deeply, capturing a sentiment familiar to many who have faced loss during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.
The special episode wasn’t just about nostalgia or gratitude. It was also a celebration of community and cross-cultural connection. The decision to return to Moclín was rooted in a desire to express appreciation for the villagers who had played a pivotal role in the property’s transformation. Amanda explained, “We always wanted to revisit a build, and so we had the idea to go back at Christmas and do a special to thank everybody who helped us and see what the difference was between a British and a Spanish celebration of Christmas.”
The festive party, with its blend of British and Spanish traditions, offered a unique lens through which to view the holiday. While British Christmases are often associated with roast dinners, crackers, and the Queen’s Speech, Spanish celebrations are marked by vibrant community gatherings, midnight feasts, and the anticipation of Three Kings’ Day in January. The episode highlighted these contrasts, showing how joy and togetherness can transcend cultural boundaries.
For Alan and Amanda, the return to Moclín was more than a professional obligation—it was a homecoming. Alan confessed to feeling a strong emotional attachment to the renovated houses featured on the show. “Also, after every renovation, our hearts always break and we say every time, oh, can’t we buy it? Can we move in? We love the finished houses. So when we heard that we were going back to live in it and to celebrate and entertain in it, oh, we couldn’t believe it.” This sentiment, reported by both Everything Gossip and The Mirror, underscores the personal stakes involved in the series’ projects. For the hosts, these aren’t just television sets—they’re spaces filled with memories, laughter, and, occasionally, tears.
The emotional candor displayed by Alan Carr struck a chord with viewers and critics alike. His willingness to address the pain of loss during the holidays offered a counterpoint to the relentless optimism often found in Christmas programming. As the BBC special unfolded, it became clear that the true spirit of the season lies not in perfection, but in the messy, beautiful reality of human connection.
Of course, the episode wasn’t all introspection and bittersweet memories. The festive party itself was a lively affair, brimming with local flavor and heartfelt gratitude. Amanda and Alan mingled with villagers, exchanged gifts, and shared stories late into the night. The celebration served as a reminder that, even in the face of loss or hardship, community can provide comfort and joy.
Looking ahead, fans of the duo have much to anticipate. It was confirmed during the broadcast that Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job will premiere on January 2, 2026. The new series will take the pair to the sun-drenched Ionian island of Corfu, where they’ll tackle a renovation project that promises to be anything but straightforward. Amanda teased, “As a country we love it, I holiday there every year, Alan and I have holidayed there. We were fantasizing, saying oh, wouldn’t it be amazing if we could do a show in Greece… we never actually thought it would be a reality!”
The upcoming Greek adventure is already generating buzz, with viewers eager to see how the British hosts will adapt to the challenges of a “big fat Greek renovation.” The Ionian island’s rugged beauty and rich history offer a striking backdrop for what Amanda has described as a “mammoth restoration project.” If the emotional honesty and camaraderie displayed in the Spanish Christmas special are any indication, audiences can expect a series that balances humor, heart, and a healthy dose of chaos.
In the end, the Christmas special of Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job was more than just a festive diversion. It was a meditation on the complexities of the holiday season—a time when joy and sorrow often walk hand in hand. Alan Carr’s heartfelt admission, “nothing hurts like seeing that empty seat at Christmas,” served as a powerful reminder that behind every celebration, there are stories of love, loss, and resilience. As viewers prepare to follow Amanda and Alan to Greece in the new year, the lessons of Moclín linger: cherish the people around you, honor the memories of those who are gone, and never underestimate the power of coming together—whether around a table in Spain, on a beach in Corfu, or in the comfort of your own home.
