In a break from its usual format, “Songs of Praise” offers a year-end retrospective, heavy on the hymns and light on the sheep-shearing. From the tranquil setting of Launde Abbey in Leicestershire, Pam Rhodes leads viewers through a selection of the year’s most emotionally stirring musical moments. Because who needs a Top 40 countdown when you can have a Top 10 hymns of 2024?
Presenters Aled Jones, Sean Fletcher, Laura Wright, and Claire McCollum chime in with their personal reflections on the people and places that moved them throughout the year. Expect heartwarming stories, inspiring individuals, and possibly a tear or two. Katherine Jenkins offers a special festive performance, because what’s a year-end review without a bit of glitz? And the Rev. Kate Bottley delivers a New Year’s prayer, presumably asking for divine intervention in the never-ending cycle of terrible news.
This special episode plays into the show’s existing strengths, namely its ability to combine music, reflection, and real-life stories in a way that feels both comforting and thought-provoking. The chosen hymns, from “Joy to the World” to “10,000 Reasons,” aim to resonate with viewers seeking solace and inspiration. The personal touch from the presenters adds a welcome dose of human connection, while the serene backdrop of Launde Abbey reinforces the themes of peace and contemplation. It’s a cozy, reflective hour designed to soothe the soul after the excesses of the festive season.
Songs of Praise airs on BBC One, Sunday, December 29, 2024.
