Sally takes the Rev Richard Coles back to the church pew where he first found his faith to discover how Christmas has brought some of the most joyful, meaningful and sorrowful moments in his life. From childhood chorister and Communards fame to life as a vicar and the death of his beloved life partner David, Richard tells a story filled with frank, funny and festive memories.

Sally Phillips meets Lemn Sissay, who spent years in the care system after being taken from his mother as a baby. His is a tale of lost Christmases and rejection before he found the voice and words that have made him one of the most celebrated poets in the UK today. As Sally discovers, it’s a position that has now helped him bring the true meaning of Christmas to hundreds of other care leavers across the country.

Sally Phillips visits the home of Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas to hear how Christmas has marked her journey from her childhood in the Wirral to huge acclaim across the world as a professional dance champion. Shirley shares her story of hard work, passion and loss - with one particularly tragic Christmas at its heart.

Adrian Chiles pays a visit to dancer Oti Mabuse in her dance studio to discover what Christmas has meant to her throughout her life. She shares childhood memories of family gatherings in South Africa and stories of Christmas in Germany with her sister Motsi, reflects on her success on Strictly Come Dancing and talks about how imminent motherhood will change her life and future Christmases forever. She even manages to persuade Adrian to set foot on the dance floor.

Adrian Chiles meets veteran correspondent and BBC world affairs editor John Simpson to discuss his memories of Christmas and discover how a life spent reporting on major news events around the world has impacted his family and faith. From having to choose who to live with after his parents' break-up, to dramatic near-death experiences in war zones and meetings with world leaders, John talks about how his beliefs have been defined by the events he has witnessed.

Adrian Chiles visits Martin and Shirlie Kemp to talk about what Christmas means to them. The pair share childhood memories, discuss their fame with Spandau Ballet and Wham, and share moments of their life together at Christmas as a family. They tell Adrian about receiving hampers from George Michael, their first meeting, when Martin wore more make-up than Shirley, and how they’ve coped with life's ups and downs. Adrian also helps them decorate their personal Christmas grotto.