While Christmas is usually a relaxing time of year, spent at home with your nearest and dearest, some celebrities are opting for slightly different ways of celebrating this year. We’ve taken a look at what a number of Irish stars are doing over the festive period, and their plans may surprise you…
Tommy Bowe
Tommy Bowe still isn’t sure about what his plans are for Christmas this year, but one thing’s for sure: he’ll be spending it with new wife Lucy. The couple have yet to decide if they’ll be celebrating in Ireland or Wales this year, but he’s not too fussed either way. Speaking to Ray D’Arcy, Tommy said, “It’s a bit of a debate at the minute. At least I know I’ll be laid up for Christmas this year so I’ll be able to enjoy my turkey wherever I am. If Lucy forces me to go to Wales, it’s fine.”
Maia Dunphy
The broadcaster is planning to spend Christmas away from hubby Johnny Vegas, as she’ll fly home to Dublin for two weeks with baby Tom. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, she said, “I always go to my parents’ house for Christmas. My husband and I are a bit non-traditional as we still both go to our respective families…My least favourite part of it is leaving my husband and step-son behind, but that’s modern families for you.”
Lisa Cannon
Due to her lavish wedding earlier in the summer, Lisa Cannon will be keeping her Christmas festivities to a minimum. The Xposé presenter plans to take it easy this Christmas, but we’re sure she’ll make up for it next year. Speaking to VIP, she said: It’s been the busiest year of my whole life and I need a bit of decompression so we decided to book it and have something to look forward to.” She also told us new hubby Richard will be spoiling her… we can’t wait to see what he gets!
Laura Whitmore
Despite living in London, Ireland is always home for Laura Whitmore, and is where she plans to spend Christmas this year. The presenter loves to come home for a few days and relax with her nearest and dearest – but also have a few drinks and a laugh with her pals. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, she said, “I’m normally only home five minutes before it feels like I never left. Christmas Eve is spent in Bray. We go to midnight mass and then I meet my mates in the local and we have a traditional drink of sherry. Christmas morning we drive to Gorey where I have a lot of extended family.”
Roz Purcell
Top model Roz Purcell won’t be home for Christmas, but instead has jetted off to Thailand with her sister. She’s been away for the past few years, opting for sports resorts abroad rather than a lazy break at home. Speaking to the Independent, she said, “I always go away at this time of year. I don’t think that I’ve actually been at home for the past six or seven years. I’ll be going for about 10 days.”
