ITV’s *This Morning* Christmas special, a highly anticipated holiday edition of the beloved morning show, has sparked a wave of discontent among fans,
many of whom have voiced their frustrations after the broadcast.
What was meant to be a festive and feel-good special quickly became a topic of heated discussion, with viewers taking to social media to share the same complaint:
they were disappointed by what they felt was a lack of the usual holiday charm and warmth.
Several fans even admitted to “switching off” during the broadcast, unable to continue watching the program they had once looked forward to.
The Christmas special of *This Morning* was expected to be an exciting and joyful affair, featuring holiday-themed segments, celebrity guests, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
The set was decked out in full festive splendor, with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and a towering Christmas tree creating a visually stunning backdrop. Co-hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, both of whom are known for their lively and engaging on-screen chemistry, kicked off the special with their usual energy and enthusiasm, setting the stage for an enjoyable holiday celebration.
However, as the show progressed, it became evident that something was off. Many viewers began to take to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction, and soon, a common theme emerged. The main complaint centered around the special’s content. Fans of *This Morning* are accustomed to a certain level of warmth and personal connection, and the Christmas special, which was meant to embody the spirit of the season, left many feeling underwhelmed.
The first signs of discontent came during the opening segments. Instead of the usual lighthearted and heartfelt holiday moments, many of the skits and interviews felt forced and, at times, awkward. Some viewers felt that the show’s tone was far too scripted, and the festive cheer they had been hoping for was replaced with a more mechanical presentation. The energy of the show didn’t seem to match the usual infectious excitement of the *This Morning* Christmas special. This led many viewers to wonder whether the hosts were struggling to find their rhythm with the Christmas edition.
As the show continued, the segments grew increasingly disconnected from the warmth and joviality that fans had come to expect. The interviews with celebrities felt flat and lacked the personal touch that typically defines the show’s charm. One particularly awkward segment, which featured a celebrity chef preparing a Christmas meal, left many viewers confused and frustrated, as the recipe demonstration seemed hurried and disorganized. There was little engagement between the hosts and the guest, and the segment lacked the usual lively banter and easy-going fun that has made previous *This Morning* Christmas specials so beloved.
Perhaps the most significant issue that fans took umbrage with was the absence of some of the show’s most popular recurring features. Over the years, *This Morning* has built a reputation for including touching human-interest stories, heartwarming Christmas charity appeals, and lighthearted games that have become fan favorites during the holiday season. However, in the 2023 Christmas special, many of these elements were noticeably absent. Instead, there were a number of segments that felt more like filler, leaving viewers longing for the familiar heartwarming moments they had come to expect from the show.
The final straw for many viewers came toward the end of the special, when the show attempted to wrap up with a “feel-good” segment that felt disconnected from the festive atmosphere. The hosts, typically known for their natural charm and ability to create genuine connections with their audience, seemed to be going through the motions rather than fully embracing the holiday spirit. In contrast to the usual easy rapport they share, their interactions appeared stilted, and viewers noted that the chemistry between Holly and Phillip felt forced at times.
Fans immediately took to Twitter to share their frustration, with many saying they were disappointed by the lack of warmth and authenticity in the Christmas special. “Such a letdown, not the Christmas cheer I was hoping for,” one viewer wrote. “I switched off halfway through—just didn’t feel like the usual *This Morning* vibe.” Another fan posted, “The special was missing everything that makes *This Morning* great—where were the heartfelt stories and fun moments?” There were even comments suggesting that the producers had misjudged the mood of the show, with many feeling that they had chosen content that didn’t match the expectations of viewers during the holiday season.
Despite the negative feedback, some fans tried to remain hopeful, urging the show’s producers to take the constructive criticism onboard for future specials. Others defended the hosts and producers, acknowledging that creating a holiday special that resonates with a wide audience is a difficult task. However, the consensus among the majority of *This Morning* fans was clear: the 2023 Christmas special simply did not live up to the magic and warmth that the show is known for.
Ultimately, this year’s holiday special served as a reminder that even well-loved shows are susceptible to missteps, especially when trying to navigate the delicate balance of creating a festive atmosphere while maintaining the familiar charm that audiences adore. For many viewers, the Christmas special felt like a missed opportunity, and they will likely be hoping for a return to form when the show returns to its regular programming after the holidays.
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