Gyles Brandreth, Carrie Grant, Simon Evans, Lisa Faulkner, The Unthanks

Stuart Maconie presents the Loose Ends festive Christmas special, recorded in front of an audience in the BBC's Philharmonic Studio at MediaCity. King of the Christmas jumper, Gyles Brandreth brings his book 'Somewhere, A Boy And A Bear' - a biography of AA Milne and Winnie-the-Pooh. He regales us with stories of Christopher Robin and of a surprising encounter with a Rolling Stone.Carrie Grant tells us all about the book she's written with her husband David, 'Joy To The World', which explores the stories behind iconic Christmas songs, including Stay Another Day, Last Christmas and Gaudete.Lisa Faulkner is returning to the stage for the first time in 21 years, as she's about to star in new stage adaptation of the hit 90s movie Single White Female alongside Kym Marsh. We hear about her upcoming epic tour, as well as her controversial take on the role of Yorkshire Puddings on a Christmas dinner.Comedian Simon Evans takes a break from his current tour 'Staring At The Sun' to talk Coleridge, James Joyce and, of course, Bernard Manning...There's music from The Unthanks as they perform 'The Cherry Tree Carol' and the beautiful winter song 'Hawthorn'.Presenter: Stuart Maconie Producer: Elizabeth Foster