Kirstie Allsopp: TV presenter left 'devastated' as Christmas programme is axed by Channel 4

The 54-year-old, best known for presenting Location, Location, Location with Phil Spencer, has hosted the Channel 4 property series for more than 25 years while building a roster of home and craft programs.

But her daytime crafting competition show, Handmade, was not renewed this Christmas - a decision by the broadcaster that she said hit her hard.

Speaking to the Sun, she said: “I’m not going to beat around the bush - we were devastated not to get the Christmas competition show re-commissioned.

“It was disappointing, but we understood. So we said ‘we’re just going to make this year’s special the show we’ve talked about for a few years’.”

The final episode will be broadcast on Thursday, December 4 at 8pm on Channel 4. Allsopp said the episode focuses on helping viewers enjoy the season rather than wearing themselves out. She even encourages families to share tasks and avoid leaving one person to carry the load - including sending out a pre-holiday email to ask who can help with what.

At home, she says Christmas with her husband Ben Andersen and their two children is a collective effort that makes a real difference. Viewers will see a few of her own hiccups, including a tablecloth that did not fit and candle holders that did not match.

Co-presenter Phil Spencer buys her the same Christmas gift every year - a ham. She says her family enjoys it on Christmas Eve and through the days that follow, calling it one of the most practical gifts because it lasts.

Allsopp, on the other hand, finds a different present for Spencer each year, though she admits she is behind this season. Past gifts have included a ski jumper, a scarf he later wore on air, a glass jug with a bird inside, and a spaniel statue she thought suited him because he has two dogs of his own.