Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have opened up about the emotional toll of completing their renovation projects, admitting they struggle to say goodbye to the properties they transform.

Speaking ahead of their festive BBC special, Mr Carr revealed the pair become deeply attached to every home they work on.

 

“After every renovation our hearts always break and we say every time, ‘Oh, can’t we buy it? Can we move in?’ We love the finished houses,” he explained.

The comedian expressed his delight at being able to return to their Spanish property Casa Alamanda for the Christmas episode.

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr

Alan Carr revealed the pair become deeply attached to every home they work on

 | BBC

“So when we heard that we were going back to live in it and to celebrate and entertain in it, oh we couldn’t believe it,” Mr Carr added.

The one-off Christmas special sees the television duo head back to the sun-drenched village of Moclín in southern Spain, where they spent a sweltering summer transforming a dilapidated building into a charming bed and breakfast.

Ms Holden explained the motivation behind their return visit.

“We always wanted to revisit a build and so we had the idea to go back at Christmas and do a special to thank everybody that helped us and see what the difference was between a British and a Spanish celebration of Christmas,” she said.

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr

Amanda explained the motivation behind their return visit

 | BBC

The presenter revealed she intends to bake a Roscón de Reyes this year, describing it as similar to a large brioche doughnut with hidden ceramic trinkets inside.

However, the pair clashed over Christmas decorations, with Ms Holden favouring an elegant aesthetic while Alan embraced a more maximalist approach.

“She hates tinsel! I love tinsel, I’m quite retro!” Mr Carr admitted, acknowledging their differing tastes.

As for their personal festive plans, both presenters are keeping things family-focused this year.

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr

Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Christmas broadcasts on Monday 22nd December

| BBC

Mr Carr revealed he will be ringing in 2026 with the Holden household, describing them as his “second family.”

Ms Holden confirmed the arrangement with a playful addition: “And he’s bringing his Traitors cloak!”

The pair described their Christmas special as a warm-up for their next renovation adventure.

“It’s like a little prawn cocktail to Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job which is coming out in January,” Amanda teased.

Mr Carr added that he hopes viewers will feel connected to the festive preparations shown on screen, having likely been doing similar tasks themselves.

Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Christmas broadcasts on Monday 22nd December at 9pm on BBC One and will be available on iPlayer.