Is there anything more Christmassy than Wham!’s “Last Christmas”? How about the guy who wasn’t George Michael from Wham! playing you other Christmas songs? Channel 5 seems to think so. This Christmas Day, Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the iconic 80s duo, will host a two-hour special, “Andrew Ridgeley’s Favourite Christmas Songs,” from the cozy confines of his festive ski lodge. Yes, a ski lodge. Because why not?
While the prospect of Ridgeley curating a Christmas playlist might initially elicit a raised eyebrow or two, let’s not be too hasty in our judgment. The man has impeccable 80s credentials, and who are we to deny him the chance to share his holiday musical musings? The special will feature a countdown of Ridgeley’s preferred seasonal tunes, likely a mix of predictable classics and some potentially eyebrow-raising deep cuts. Expect everything from Mariah Carey’s ubiquitous “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to Slade’s raucous “Merry Xmas Everybody.” And, let’s be honest, there’s no way this special doesn’t include at least one particular Wham! track.
Channel 5 is clearly banking on some serious nostalgia bait to draw viewers in, but could this be the start of a new Christmas tradition? Will Ridgeley become the unexpected king of festive TV specials? Or will this be a one-off stocking stuffer, destined to be forgotten by Boxing Day? Tune in to find out. “Andrew Ridgeley’s Favourite Christmas Songs” airs Christmas Day at 9:05 a.m. on Channel 5. Just be sure to have your ironic Christmas sweaters and mince pies at the ready.
