The Courier Edition 302 by TKO UK

Edition 302

www.thecourier.es

Friday 16th December 2016

XMAS GIFT HUNT

TIME CALLED FOR SIESTA

lans to bring Spain’s clocks in line with Britain, Ireland, and Portugal are set to go forward, with the employment minister Fátima Báñez announcing that the Madrid government plans to put forward a motion on a possible time switch. That would be part of a package which would see an end to Spain’s traditional long day involving the afternoon siesta. The news from Madrid though could lead to a clash with the regional Valencian government and the Balaeric Islands administration, who both said that more daylight is needed in the winter evenings to encourage tourism, and have called for the clocks not to be changed in the winter. A move to Greenwich

Mean Time though would see the reverse with the sun setting at around 4.45 pm in December, and an earlier sunset of around 8.30 pm in June. Meanwhile, the Murcia regional government recently passed a motion supporting a return to GMT in Spain. Three years ago, a parliamentary commission recommended returning Spain to its proper time zone. Although the country used to be on the same time as the UK and Portugal, it has run an hour ahead since 1942, when the dictator General Franco shifted it forward in solidarity with Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Despite their being a minority Partido Popular administration in power in Madrid, the PP along with the main opposition socialist PSOE party and the centrist

BY ALEX TRELINSKI Ciudadanos all broadly agree on a time change, along with the ending of the siesta, with Spanish workers brought into line with most of Europe by working a nineto-five day. “We want our workdays to finish at six o’clock, and to achieve this we will work towards striking a deal with representatives from both

companies and trade unions,” Fátima Báñez told Parliament. “Someone’s got to take the first step, and that’s why I’m asking for the support of the biggest companies and the trade unions.” The Catalunya region is already in the middle of plans to introduce a nine-tofive workday.

AIRPORT BOOM TIME

licante-Elche airport will break the 12 million passenger barrier this month in a record-breaking year, which will see the best ever traveller figures in the airport’s 49-year history, with at least 600,000 people projected to use the airport this December. The latest November figures published this week by airport owner AENA saw a 20 percent rise on numbers compared to a year earlier, with nearly 775,000 passengers travelling through the facility, leading to a total of 11.6 million so far in

2016, which works out as a rise of around 17 percent over last year, which finished at 10.6 million passengers. AENA says that 40 percent of last month’s travellers (whose figures were up by 20 percent on the same month last year) were British nationals coming in at 327,000, followed by Spanish passengers at 111 thousand, with Dutch visitors at 59,000, and German tourists at 48,000. The airport at Alicante-Elche ran over 5,800 flights last month.

To get you in the Christmas spirit, we have a very special treat for you this week. Throughout The Courier newspaper, we have hidden a number of tiny presents (exactly like the one above only much smaller. We don´t want to make it too easy now, do we?) on some of the adverts. All you have to do is find all ten of them, and send the names of the adverts you found the gifts on to our competition email address, win@tko.media There are some great prizes up for grabs, including food vouchers, Sunday lunch, shopping vouchers, a free haircut, a cut and blow dry, a medical consultation and even a day trip to Benidorm for 2 people. We will tell you where the adverts were next week in our Christmas edition, but those lovely presenters on TKO have said that they will give you clues all week to help you out. Make sure you keep your radio tuned in to 90.8fm or 91.fm, or listen via the Internet at tko.fm for those clues and pointers. Get searching and see how many you can find.

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News

Friday 16th December 2016

Murder Riddle

Home Deaths

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The widow of the late CAM bank chairman was found shot dead in her car in Alicante City last Friday. The National Police found the body of 72year-old María del Carmen Martínez inside a top-of-therange 4x4 vehicle parked on the indoor forecourt of a car dealership. The victim was the widow of Vicente Sala, the deceased ex-chairman of the Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo (CAM) bank, which was

bought out a few years ago by Banco Sabadell. Sala's wife had been shot in the head, but police have ruled out suicide. At present, they believe it to have been an aggravated robbery, but nobody has as yet been arrested. Her funeral took place on Sunday and was attended by many high-profile business leaders from around Alicante Province, including the president of the Mercadona supermarket chain, Juan Roig

Open Them Up A Torrevieja politician has called on the council to have more public toilets open around the city. Pilar Gómez from the Ciudadanos party has put down a motion saying that the toilets by the seafront promenade should be open all year round, with the current mayor José Manuel Dolón pledging to improve the provision of public toilets when he took office 18 months ago.

Two residents at a Guardamar retirement home have died after an outbreak of gastroenteritis, with 18 others also suffering from illness, including five who had to be treated at Torrevieja hospital, but were subse-

quently said to be out of danger. Two women, aged 75 and 85, passed away last Friday night at the Casa Verde home in Guardamar with the Ministry of Health sending in experts to track

down what caused their deaths, with the main options thought to be through food poisoning or a viral outbreak. The home’s kitchen has since been closed by the health authorities as a precaution.

Prying Eyes

Mast Rejected

Julie English/Spanish Tel. 616 332 178

Patrick Tel. 671 337 669

Writers Alex Trelinski Mark Nolan Dave Silver Tony Mayes John McGregor Nicola Cross Julie Day

The decision of Los Alcázares council to refuse Vodafone permission to put up a mobile phone mast on top of the Costa Narejos hotel has been upheld by Murcia's

supreme court. The judges supported the original rejection of the proposal on the grounds that the plans were not compatible with planning regulations.

A hypnotist from Valencia City faces sex abuse charges after looking into the eyes of female clients, and then assaulting them, as well trying to encourage them to go into prostitution. The 59-year-old Columbian has published a number of

books about hypnotism, but there were no chapters about his abnormal techniques where he allegedly hypnotised two women, aged 24 and 33, and then sexually assaulted them. Police say that because the victims were in a semi-

conscious state, they were unable to give a full account, yet the authorities say there were elements which rang true, since both their stories were similar, with a belief that there could well be more victims.

Publication Published by TKO Media & Entertainment S.L. Printed by Localprint S.L Depósito legal A - 188 - 2014 The Courier, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for any readers letters or claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or nonappearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

News

Friday 16th December 2016

Bankrupt Blanco

A high-street fashion chain, which includes outlets at Zenia Boulevard, Torrevieja's Habaneras shopping centre, and Cartagena, has gone bust. Blanco has announced all its stores will close and its 850 employees will be made redundant, after having declared itself bankrupt for the second time in Spain and Portugal. The company is said to

owe all staff 23 days' pay from November which is overdue, but unions say Blanco's management is ready to negotiate the 'best possible conditions' for outgoing employees. Closures of the brand's 102 shops will be gradual, but will not start until the Mercantile Court of Toledo approves its second bankruptcy application. The company, which has

liabilities totalling 133 million euro, has applied to the court for permission to wind up – unlike the previous occasion when it went into receivership in 2013 – and has already shut down its website right in the middle of the Christmas shopping season. A message on Blanco.com says anyone with online orders placed will be contacted as soon as possible.

Death Skate

A 19-year-old Almoradi man was killed on the N332 after skateboarding across the road in Santa Pola into the path of an oncoming lorry. The accident happened on Wednesday afternoon as he veered into the centre of the highway opposite the

site of the Hotel Torresblancas, having been skateboarding down the side of the N-332. The lorry was heading southbound with the driver having no way of stopping or swerving in time to avoid the skateboarder, who was instantly killed.

Drug Tests

Drivers involved in accidents in Torrevieja are to be tested for drugs in addition to the regular alcohol tests by the local police. New equipment is being brought

Moragues says the four Santas burst into the premises, shouting at the cus-

tomers to get down on the floor, before they ran off with the iPads,

in which, only be used in the case of accidents, and not in random spot checks, with some thirteen-hundred accidents recorded in the city last year.

Drying Out

Flying High Torrevieja's La Mata natural park celebrated its 20th anniversary last Saturday with a special day of events including the release of birds of prey, involving Torrevieja Deputy Mayor Fanny Serrano, and a chance to see how rare species of birds are bred.

Visitors were also given plants to take home with

Nearly 150,000 euro is to be spent by Pilar de la Horadada council in improving roads and pavements in the area. Over 50,000 euro is to be spent resurfacing the Los Guirres road, as well as upgrading the pavement and improving road signs. Other areas will include improving the surface of the road between the La Cañada industrial estate and Lo Montanaro, with 70,000 euro of work to be done on several town streets around Pilar.

Artichoke Boost

Bad Santas Four men dressed up as Father Christmas showed a lack of festive spirit by robbing the Apple shop in Valencia City, and making off with a large number of iPads. Head of Public Safety Juan Carlos Moragues said that the Santas escaped at high speed in a car which had been stolen from Manises close to Valencia airport. The vehicle was found burnt out later, with a fifth man waiting behind the wheel while the Santa’s carried out the raid. The vehicle was found burnt out later.

Smoother Surfaces

Work costing over 900,000 euro has started to stop water leaking from the roof of the Alicante-Elche airport terminal them as a special souvenir building and will continue until next summer. Problems were of the occasion.

spotted shortly after the building was opened in 2012, and the airport operator, AENA, is taking legal action against the construction company to force them to foot the repair bill.

Artichoke growers in the Vega Baja say that their yields of the vegetable are up by almost 10 percent compared to the previous autumn/winter season. Over 26,000 tons are expected to be produced, according to the Vega Baja Artichoke Association, with farmers charging wholesale prices of a euro per kilo, boosting profitability to the growers. Increased plantations and good weather conditions for artichoke crops are behind the rises.

Family Dispute

Two Moroccan men and an Algerian have been arrested following an assault on a 43-year-old Spanish woman in Daya Nueva last week. She was stabbed twice by her husband at a friend’s apartment after she intervened to stop him assaulting a man who opened the door. She was knifed in the kidneys and the lungs, and taken to hospital, where she was said to be out of danger. She had been married to her husband for 18 months, and he was later arrested by the Guardia Civil, along with two men who were trying to hide him from the authorities.

Lo Ferris Call

Two Torrevieja councillors are backing moves to see the Lo Ferris area of the coast designated as a protected marine area by the environment ministry. Pablo Samper (pictured right) and Alejandro Blanco of the Sueña Torrevieja party, and who until recently were part of the ruling coalition team running the council, have put forward a motion calling on the authority to commission a study of the area, which has to be done before any ministry involvement. The councillors said that they don't want to see Lo Ferris be home to a proposed dog beach, and they want the area to be giving the same sort of status that is applied to Tabarca island off the coast of Santa Pola.

Friday 16th December 2016

Anyone For Rat?

A Madrid bakery belonging to the national Granier cafe chain has been shut down by the police after rats were seen inside its display cabinet mingling with the pastries. A customer filmed the rats inside the glass-fronted unit on display to the public in the shop in the Pueblo Nuevo area of the capital, and uploaded it on social networks. Granier's head office says it has opened an in-house inquiry and is cooperating with investigations by the relevant

authorities, but stresses the branch had 'strictly complied with food safety and hygiene measures', including routine three-monthly inspections to check for infestations of rodents or insects. Granier stresses that the rats in the refrigeration display is 'an isolated incident' which has no bearing on the remainder of its more than 350 branches nationwide – all of which 'scrupulously fulfil all food-handling and sales regulations'.

Imposting Robbers

Shame On Them An 11-year-old girl with a rare illness has been taken into care after her parents' arrest in Catalunya for alleged fraud involving an appeal fund set up for her treatment in the USA. Nadia suffers from tricothiodystrophy which, on paper, causes brittle hair due to a lack of sulphur, but in some cases leads to mental disability, short stature, and occasional epileptic fits and lack of coordination, as well as premature ageing which gives the appearance of an elderly person's head on a child's body. The extent of her illness is not known, but she does not have short, broken hair or an aged face. Her mother Marga Garau has been released with charges, but her father, Fernando Drake Blanco, has been remanded in custody as he is considered a flight risk, with evidence that he was preparing to flee to France with his family. The court says Nadia's parents 'appear to lack the necessary aptitudes to care for' her, and that the 'media circus' surrounding her case 'as a result of the alleged wide-scale fraud' means 'her urgent exit from her current environment is recommended'. Nadia's aunt on her mother's side, who lives in Mallorca, is caring for the young girl and her parents are allowed to see her from Friday to Sunday every week as long as the aunt is present.

According to the judge, the little girl 'may have reached the state of being a victim' as she 'could have suffered psychological and even physical harm' if she did not 'receive the appropriate treatment'. Nadia's father told the media he had managed to raise 150,000 euros for his daughter's surgery in Texas through his Facebook appeal, but a report from the Mossos d'Esquadra – Catalunya's answer to the Guardia Civil – says the family amassed 918 thousand euros in donations and spent 600,000 euro on themselves. The court claims they had 'made charity donations their source of income' by 'taking advantage of the fact their daughter was not an adult'. Marga Garau said she 'knew nothing about' money spent from or paid into the Nadia Nerea Association account, and that she was 'not worried' by Fernando's having taken his daughter for treatment in

Afghanistan, nor that he and Nadia had spent two weeks in Houston, Texas, returning with no medical papers or prescriptions. She says she understands her husband did not tell her he was taking Nadia to see 'homeopathic' or 'charlatan natural health' practitioners, since he knew she did not agree with this course of action. Senora Garau, 44, claims she never went to medical appointments or treatment sessions at home or abroad when Fernando took Nadia, since she 'could not bear to see her suffering' – although the judge points out that the youngster's mother had been with Nadia in a hospital in Palma de Mallorca in September. “Evidently, she did not accompany her daughter for her fictitious treatment so as not to see her in pain, but she did go with her to genuine hospitals, despite the fact the therapy applied in these is every bit as painful,” the court says.

Instant Confession The Catalonian equivalent of the Guardia Civil, the Mossos d'Esquadra, have have arrested eight members of a gang of Iranians and Pakistanis who robbed tourists in the Barcelona area by pretending to be police officers. The fake coppers would stop tourists near hotels and Barcelona's airport and ask to see identification or perform

searches and would then grab cash or jewellery. The gang also stopped cars with foreign licence plates in the area, before robbing the occupants. The suspects - six men, a woman and a minor - are believed to have taken part in 40 robberies. Among the items recovered were several luxury watches, five thousand euro in cash, plus a large number of electronic devices.

If you get the urge to confess, then a new app has been introduced in Spain which will direct you to the nearest priest. Confesor GO, developed by Father Ricardo Latorre, detects a user's location and plots a route to the nearest priest who's signed up with the service. You can confess in a church, or, for convenience's sake, in a public place, like a

plaza, park, or even right on the street. It also provides basic information about the priest, including his name, date of birth and the year he was ordained as well as a list of the Ten Commandments. "The priest may be in a confessional in a church or some place down the street or at a park in your city," reads the description of the app on Apple's iTunes store.

News

Friday 16th December 2016

Fakers Nabbed Spain has smashed one of Europe's main hubs for fake goods, arresting 71 people and seizing close to 270,000 fake watches, jewellery and other items. The international gang that acquired and sold the counterfeit products operated in and around La Jonquera in north-eastern Spain, a town close to the French border. The National Police said the products seized were worth over eight million euro at market prices and said it was the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest ever investigation against counterfeiters. Police staged the operation at the end of November when they made the arrests and inspected more than 40 premises, seizing

Naked Facts

Animal rights activists staged their annual nude protest in Barcelona on Sunday to draw attention to the alleged cruelty of the fur industry. Dozens of activists, naked, doused in fake blood and piled together in imitation of a heap of animal carcasses, staged a lie-in in the city centre. Each year more than 60 million animals, including over 32 million in the European Union, are killed around the world to make coats and other items from their skin, according to international animal rights group AnimaNaturalis, which staged the demonstration.

Plantation Seized

A house on the La Marina urbanisation has been raided by the San Fulgenio local police, who discovered a dozen marijuana plants and associated drug production equipment, including lighting and ventilation systems.

clothes, shoes, sunglasses, watches, jewellery, leather goods and other products. The majority of those detained were Israeli or Moroccan. Many of the

products were imported from abroad, in particular China, Portugal and Turkey. Other products, mainly leather goods and belts, were counterfeited.

Grandma Backed

An Alicante court has officially ratified the decision to give an Orihuela woman custody of her five-year-old granddaughter, who was left orphaned after her father murdered her mother two years ago. Maruja Cuenca, 63, had been caring for Mari Carmen since the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Maruja's daughter, was killed by her violent husband, but Orihuela Social Services placed her in foster care in August.

Maruja was granted an order back in October by a higher court in Alicante, with prosecutors strongly criticising the actions of Orihuelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Services department. A judge said that it had been 'proven' that Mari was 'suffering emotionally' through being separated from her grandmother, and that she 'did not suffer any psychological damage' whilst living with her late mother's mother.

Cruel Trapping

Fifteen illegal animal traps have been removed by the Guardia Civil's environment division, Seprona, from the Rio Seco area of the Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor.

The Friends of Sierra Escalona (ASE) group reported to the authorities that two foxes had been illegally caught in a traps in the area, after being contacted by a walker.

Friday 16th December 2016

Tony Mayes - About Life

Friday 16th December 2016

Merkel’s Flip Flop

It’s amazing how politicians can change their tune when they realise the tide of public opinion is turning against them. A classic example is Angela Merkel. Last year she was welcoming into Germany about 890 refugees who were stuck in Hungary. After the New Year celebrations, an uproar was caused when they learned that some German women, celebrating in the streets, had been sexually assaulted and raped by some immigrants, with a number of arrests taking place. Ms

Merkel's “welcoming” stance created anger within her Christian Democratic Union party and since then the party has seen a string of poor state election results. And now, in an amazing Uturn, she has called for a burka ban, saying the 'full veil is not appropriate' in Germany and she has also said she does not want to see another migrant influx into the country. She now believes the burka is a barrier to Muslim women becoming integrated into German society. A number of

European countries, led by France, have banned the full veil or are debating whether to do so. Spain so far has not, neither has Britain, although some judges have on occasion refused to hear veiled women because they could not verify their identity. Interestingly, a report commissioned by the UK government revealed growing concern about the serious lack of integration of immigrants in Britain. Senior civil servant Dame Louise Casey in the report said segregation was now reach-

ing 'worrying levels', and warned that the increasing isolation of some communities was leading to the encouragement of religious and cultural practices not only contrary to British values but sometimes British Law. Dame Louise in her report said: 'Too many leaders have chosen to take the easier path when confronted with these issues in the past – sometimes with good intent – and that has often resulted in problems being ducked, swept under the carpet or allowed to fester.

A Bunch Of Dopes The level of state-sponsored use of banned drugs at international events by Russian athletes and sports people has shocked the world. Richard McLaren released his bombshell report into Russian sports doping last week, and it highlighted the crucial, organising role played by the Russian government at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where officials and secret service agents swapped positive urine samples with negative (or clean) samples through a small hole in the laboratory wall. Typically, Russians went on their usual ploy, to go into total denial, claiming 'the West' is only out to blacken Russia's name. Dmitry Svishchev, the head of the country's curling federation said: "We haven't heard anything new - (they are)

unfounded accusations against us all. If you are Russian, they accuse you of all sins." It's the same sickening nonsense from Russia when it comes to the war in Syria. We hear of the indiscriminate bombing by Russian warplanes of civilians including hospitals and schools all denied by Moscow. The Russians denied they were involved in the annexing of eastern Ukraine but they were, and now we hear that the CIA has proof that the Russian state hacked into Hilary Clinton's emails and released details to help Trump to victory in last month’s election. Trump says he doesn't believe it – time will tell. What is clear is that Putin is taking the proverbial. He knows it, we all know it and it's time to confront

him. The more he gets away with it, the worse it will get. The West must stand up to Russia Britain and France should not have given Russian warships access through the Channel, and it's time to treat the country as a rogue state. As for the doping scandal, Russia should be taught a lesson, banned from every international sporting event for a decade and not allowed to host any international event. It saddens me that Trump seems to value lying, cheating Putin, which says a lot for Trump's credibility. Perhaps it might be good for the future of the world if absolute proof was found of Russia's involvement in the election result. A rerun with different candidates on both sides might be a real blessing.

This accommodation can range from relatively trivial issues such as altering traditional cultural terms to avoid giving offence. [But] at its most serious, it might mean public sector leaders ignoring harm or denying abuse.' Her report highlighted the child abuse scandal in Rotherham, where Asian sex gangs abused more than 1,400 children, as a 'catastrophic example of authorities turning a blind eye in order to avoid the need to confront a particular community'. The report is

another blow to those public figures who championed multiculturalism, the doctrine which encourages migrants to keep their own traditions rather than integrate into British ways. The issue of segregation is one of the most pressing political dilemmas of this decade. It needs to be tackled head on now, because if it not, with the growing strength of the far Right in several countries, there will be more extremism, largescale social unrest and conflict.

What The “L” Is Going On? People will complain about anything and everything today – but here's one complaint that beggars belief. A 30-year-old mum from Dunstable complained to Tesco because the pack of alphabet potato shapes she bought for a pound did not contain all the letters she needed to spell her son's name. His name is Logan, but the pack didn't contain the L and I, but plenty of Ys and Js, so she

has called on Tesco to rename the alphabet potato shapes 'Certain Letter Shapes'. Some people must have very sad lives to have the time or the inclination to moan about such trivia. This woman is as annoying as those who sit in front of the TV screen all week and look for things to complain about and bore us all to death on programmes like the BBC's Points of View.

Friday 16th December 2016

Fast Withdrawal

Southend Special

Budget air carrier Easyjet is to launch a new service next year linking San Javier to Southend. It’s part of a package of ten new routes for 2017 with the company saying they want to increase their capacity in Spain by 11 percent.

LAST CALL

With Christmas now just a matter of days away, a season of goodwill, peace and joy, it is time we turn some of our attention to those less fortunate than others, with the launch of The Courier and TKO Radio Christmas Goodies Campaign. We have already received a wealth of gifts, thanks to your generosity, and the campaign is about to come to an end. We are still collecting this week though, until Wednesday, so if you do have something you would like to give, we would appreciate it, however big or small. We are asking for donations of the following: Food: Items with a long

sell-by date and which are not perishable, such as tins, packets, dry food etc. Pet food: Most pet food has a long sell-by date already, but please have a little check. We are looking for tins, biscuits etc, predominantly for dogs and cats. Toys: We ask that these are gift wrapped and have a label attached indicating the suggest age and sex of the recipient. Once the items are collected, The Courier and TKO Radio will distribute them to three local causes, where the items will go direct to help those in need. You can drop off your items at our headquarters,

Thieves robbed the Cox branch of the Caja Rural Central bank in the early hours of Monday morning with several safe deposit boxes being stolen. The crooks forced the

TKO Towers, situated on Calle Los Arcos, No 17, in Quesada. We have also arranged a drop-off points in the EasyBuyProperties.com office on Avenida de la Mancha in Torrevieja, The Computer Shop at Plaza Tolosa in San Luis, Sarah’s Curtain & Bedding store in Los Dolses, and also Frankies Bar and Bistro, Calle San Antonio, 4, Los Montesinos (behind the town hall). Keep listening to TKO Radio on 90.8 or 91.9fm for the latest updates of the campaign. On behalf of all of those in need at Christmas time, we thank you for giving so generously.

lock of the front door of the bank located on Avenida del Carmen, with staff arriving for work on Monday making the shock discovery that the building had been broken into.

Last Journey

New Look San Pedro del Pinatar’s general budget of over 25 million euro for next year has been approved by the council this week, and will see a revamp of the Paseo de Villananitos in addition to major modernisation work in the town centre including work on the Plazas de España and de la Constitución.

Gang Arrests

A 39-year-old drunken Romanian man died last Friday night after jumping out of a moving ambulance on a motorway in Jaén province in Andalucia. The man panicked when he

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woke up and lunged for the door and he fell onto the A316 highway, where he died instantly as the vehicle passed through the village of Torrelodones, near Baeza.

Four Moroccan nationals have been arrested by the Guardia Civil on charges of robbing at least two properties in the San Javier area. The men, aged between 19 and 21, have a history of similar offences, with the Guardia recovering most of the stolen items, which have been returned to their owners. Further incidents involving the four men have not been ruled out.

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Friday 16th December 2016

Spanish Inheritance Tax Explained By Richard Samuels, IFA, Blacktower Financial Management (Int.) Ltd As retirement draws near, many of us begin to think about how we want our hard-earned earthly possessions to be distributed amongst our nearest and dearest. Making a will, of course, is a good starting point, but we also might want to think about the slice of the pie that the taxman will take from our relatives’ inheritance. For British expats living in Spain this is an important consideration, as Spanish laws governing inheritance are much more complicated – and potentially far more punitive – than those in the UK. For instance, in the UK, assets left to your surviving spouse or civil partner are free from inheritance tax. However, in Spain, as there is no concept of a person’s ‘estate’, all beneficiaries are liable to inheritance tax in some form or other.

GROUP 4: All others including unmarried partners Main State Allowance: NIL *Allowance is increased €3,990 for each year the beneficiary is aged less than 21, up to a maximum allowance of €47,868. The tax rate payable starts at 7.65% and is banded on the amount gifted up to a top rate of 36.5%. Further multipliers on the tax due may apply depending on the beneficiaries pre-existing wealth and their relationship to the donor. There are three critical points to note about the State inheritance rules.

In Spain, the tax is known as Succession Tax, which is both an inheritance tax and a gift tax on worldwide assets. The tax is NOT applicable ONLY if the assets are outside of Spain AND the beneficiary is not resident in Spain.

Firstly, whereas in the UK a beneficiary in a will is not liable to pay tax on the first £325,000 of their inheritance, under State rules, for those relatives falling into in Group One, this relief is granted only for the first €15,956. This is a huge consideration when planning for your family’s future.

Complicating this, in Spain there are different allowances which may apply: ones set by the State (these are usually applied to non-resident beneficiaries or if the donor is nonresident) and the others set by the autonomous region you live in.

Secondly, Spanish law does not recognise common law partners. Unmarried partners, therefore, (unless registered as pareja de hecho – a status only available in some regions) fall into the fourth Group, which does not carry a tax-free allowance, meaning that they will be liable to pay tax on 100% of any inheritance.

The state/regional regulations classifies beneficiaries under a will into four categories: GROUP 1: Natural and adopted children under 21 Main State Allowance: €15,956 GROUP 2: Children over the age of 21; Grandchildren; Parents and Grandparents; Spouses Main State Allowance: €15,956 GROUP 3: Sisters and Brothers; Aunts and Uncles; First Cousins; Nieces and Nephews; In-laws and their ascendants/descendants; Stepchildren Main State Allowance: €7,993

The final point concerns the inheritance of property. Under State law, a 95% tax reduction is applied to the value of the main residence (up to a maximum of €122,000). However, if the property is sold within ten years of death, the tax liability is recalculated, which will doubtless result in a much higher tax bill. Thankfully, the allowances available to residents of the Valencia region are more generous. In Valencia, for instance, the tax allowance for beneficiaries in Groups One and Two is €100,000 for each person, with a further 75% discount applied to any tax due (although this allowance is liable to be reduced significantly in 2017). And in terms of property, whereas there is still a 95%

reduction on the value of the main residence, the value of the property may be as much as €150,000 and the lock-in period before it can be sold without incurring additional tax is just five years. One way of circumventing this rule, at either State or regional level, is by leaving the property to your children/grandchildren (using multiple allowances) and granting the surviving spouse a Usufruct or ‘life interest’. So whereas the children technically own the property, the remaining spouse is able to use the house for the remainder of their life, with the idea that full ownership will eventually pass to the children without further tax. As a Brit, either living or owning property in Spain, there is a raft of considerations when it comes to succession planning. If you would like more information on avoiding the common Inheritance Tax pitfalls or advice on any of the issues raised, you can contact me at richard.samuels@blacktowerfm.com. I can also help you track lost pensions, including personal pensions or occupational pensions and schemes used to “contract out”. If you have lost touch with a pension scheme since moving to Spain we can contact them on your behalf to find out what your pension entitlement may be. For further information contact: Richard Samuels, International Financial Adviser, Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd M: 692 352 156 or E: richard.samuels@blacktowerfm.com The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

The time you have been waiting for is here. The Courier and TKO Radio 2017 wall planner is out now and ready for collection from any of the advertisers featured, and the TKO Media offices in TKO Towers, Quesada. Like every year, they are expected to run out fast, so make sure you don´t miss out by picking yours up today, or you can cut out this mini version, fold it up and keep it with you, and get planning your own 2017.

Have You Got Your Courier 2017 Year Planner?

Friday 16th December 2016 Advertorial

Community Insurance

Make the call now to save you money and trouble for the coming year! Calling all presidents and community residents! Having issues with your community insurance? Do you think you’re paying too much or are you just fed up with not being able to get a clear answer on what you’re covered and not covered for ? At Spanish Insurance – Generali we are able to

offer on-site inspections by fully qualified assessors to ensure that your policy is set up correctly so you have no problems if you need to claim. We can tailor-make your policy to ensure you have the policy you want. Maybe you want a policy that will cover everything will from the large water bill that you may have to foot after a burst pipe,

down to a malfunctioning electric gate, or perhaps you just want the basic civil liability you need by law. Whatever your community needs, we have the correct option for your community. Call today for more information 966731691 or email : insurancerojales@hotmail.com

Friday 16th December 2016

Advertorial

What Can I Buy Them for Christmas? Remember Christmas past, when after a restless night of clock watching, the children finally stirred and the whole family ran excitedly downstairs to see what Santa had brought? There is no reason why, as adults, we cannot still enjoy some of that excitement with wives, husbands, partners, grown-up family, neighbours and friends. The problem is that, unlike buying gifts for children, buying for adults can be somewhat daunting! You don’t want to buy perfume that they don’t like, clothes that don’t fit them or something they already have! Why not give them something different then? Something to enjoy with loved ones and friends and create lovely memories. What about an evening out with music and dancing? The excursions below have something for all tastes and would make a lovely gift.

The Rat Pack – Sunday 5th February at Benidorm Palace. Only 37€ coach/show (Overnight option also available) The Rat Pack are coming to Benidorm Palace with the hot

show “Swingin in the Sands”. Featuring stars of the hit West -End show - this fully choreographed, high-quality tribute to the greatest performers in known history includes guest artists The Boogie Belles. Including favourites such as “I´ve Got You Under My Skin” and “Mr Bojangles”, not to mention the numbers that every audience can’t help singing and dancing along to, such as “New York, New York” and, of course, “My Way.” Gerry & The Pacemakers with support act Jimmy Cricket at Benidorm Palace. Sunday 5th March. Only 37€ coach/show (Overnight option also available.)

Do any of these iconic artists need introducing? Listen to Gerry singing many of his hits such as “How Do You Do It”, “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying”, “Ferry Across The Mersey” and the iconic “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. Supported by the incredibly funny Jimmy “and there’s more” Cricket – this will be a night full of singing, dancing and laughter.

Joe Longthorne & Support act Sunday 9th April at Benidorm Palace. Only 65€ coach/show (With overnight option available) Back for another sell out tour is the wonderful Joe Longthorne MBE singing hits old & new. This is a show to be enjoyed by young & old alike.

Gift Vouchers: Still unsure as to what to buy for someone? An idea that would suit most people is a travel voucher. These come in denominations of 20€ (or if you’re feeling generous we could arrange a voucher to any value of your choice) and let the lucky recipient choose from a wide range of excursions featured on our website – www.coachtripsonine.com Reservations can be made online at www.coachtripsonline.com or by calling direct on (0034) 966785910. Whatever you decide to do this festive season – we wish you a good one.

Pets

Friday 16th December 2016

Have A Finca Xmas

The Finca San Miguel de Salinas animal charity is having their Christmas Open Day tomorrow (Saturday December 17th) between 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm. The finca is situated off the canal road from Villamartin to San Miguel, with your chance to meet all the animals there including the dogs, horses, ponies, pigs, goats, and chicken. Two of the team, Patrik and Sol (pictured with Pachi the goat) will be having their hair shaved off to raise money for the Finca, so sponsorship on the

afternoon itself will be more than welcome. Gifts of carrots apples, lettuce, tomatoes, dog food (the big tins from Aldi) will be appreciated or just a small donation, as every euro does count for the charity which is supported by Happy Animales Spanien. Refreshments of paella, sausages, homemade cakes, soft drinks, beer, and wine will also be available, so come on down, with all the proceeds used to help the animals, be they food, water, rent, blacksmith or vet bills!

Festive Dog Treats

Christmas is a lovely time of the year when we get to eat all sorts of treats and receive brilliant presents from family and friends. When it comes to pampering your dog over Christmas, there are lots of human things they should not eat (or drink), which is why it could be a great idea to invest in some festive doggy treats for them too! Good Quality Treats There are all sorts of safe dog treats available, but make sure you only buy good quality ones that are made by well known pet food manufacturers. Like this, you can be sure the ingredients used in the treats are indeed safe for your dog to eat or chew on. Specially formulated doggy chocolate is great and it's safe for your dog to eat – unlike human chocolate which is very toxic to them. Think Safe You also need to make sure that none of the gifts or treats you buy for your dog are wrapped up in Christmas paper. It might seem like a great idea to have a few wrapped doggy presents under the tree, but the reality is that ribbons, tinsel, Sellotape and other things normally used to wrap presents can be quite harmful to dogs and other pets if they chew and swallow them. The

other downside is that if you have a young dog, they might think it's okay for them to open and chew all the other presents under the tree too! When it comes to buying your four-legged friend a safe toy, make sure you get something that will last even if it means spending a little bit more money on it. The quality of any toys you might be thinking of giving your pet for Christmas has to be top notch – don't be tempted to buy anything that's very cheap because the chances are they are not that well made or indeed that safe for your pooch to play with. Below are a few safety tips to bear in mind when you're shopping for Christmas presents for your dog: Avoid Plush Or Stuffed Plush toys may look like fun, but they are not really designed for dogs to play with. The toys are often made up of small bits and parts which can cause a real problem when they come lose and a dog swallows them. This includes things like plastic eyes, buttons, noses and anything else that might put your dog at risk of choking on them. The other thing about stuffed toys is they are “stuffed” which means if your dog swallows any, it could cause a serious blockage.

Squeakers found in these toys are a real danger to dogs too so it's best to avoid buying them altogether. Nothing Too Small You should also avoid buying any toys or chews that are too small because in all the excitement, your dog might just swallow something you give them whole and again this might choke them or cause a serious blockage in their gut or intestines. This could end up in a trip to the vet as a matter of emergency. It is far better to buy a bigger toy or chew so your dog can spend hours chewing on it to their heart's content. Large toys are harder for dogs to tear apart as well – but make sure you choose a toy that's made out of a safe and sturdy material. Avoid Plastic You should also avoid buying your dog any plastic toys for Christmas because they will break very easily. The plastic bits would have sharp edges, which if your dog swallows, could cause them a serious internal injury. Not only that but as your dog chews on the plastic, these sharp edges will make their gums bleed, which could end up with your dog having a serious dental problem. The Best Options The best Christmas presents

you can buy for your dog are good quality, well made toys that will last a very long time. You have to remember that dogs love to play rough, so they need toys that are designed to withstand lots of throwing, tossing, chewing, gnawing and even the occasional burying! The best dog toys are made out of a sturdy rubber, or toys that are made out of knotted rope are great because dogs adore playing tug-of-war with them. It's wonderful to buy your dog a few toys for Christmas, but choosing good quality, safe ones that are made out of durable materials is crucial. It will ensure everyone including your four-legged friend will have a great time during the festivities. It's far better to spend a little bit more money and get your dog a top-notch toy that will last them for months rather than hours and, let's face it, there's nothing nicer than seeing a dog play with a new toy on Christmas morning!

Pets Corner: Can You Take In A Homeless Dog Or Cat?

ARAMIS

BENJI

MADDISON

PONTUS

SHEENA

Aramis is a beautiful ginger and white young cat who is aged around two-years old and is being looked after by the K9 charity. He has a brother, Athos, who is all ginger and slightly shyer. Both boys would make ideal outdoor cats as they are excellent hunters, and to learn more about both of them, give K9 a call on 600 845 420 for more information.

Poor Benji was left abandoned outside a supermarket, and is now being looked after by the APAH charity. He is a lovely, friendly dog who just wants someone to love him and he has a lot of love to give back. If you're looking for a special friend and would like to meet Benji or learn more about him, then please call APAH on either 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

Maddison is a six-month old pup who was found wandering in the campo. She is full of life and we think she will be medium to large when fully grown. Maddison is a lab cross who loves other dogs and socialises very well with them and loves people. She is ready to go to a home of her own, and for more about her, please telephone PEPA on 650 304 746 or you can send an email to them at p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com

Pontus is a one-year-old Spanish sheep-herding dog who is looking for a permanent home. He is very good around children, good with cats and female dogs but he is not keen on other male dogs. Pontus likes to run and retrieve balls and also loves the water. For more details about Pontus and to meet him, get in touch with Pets in Spain on 645 469 253. www.petsinspain.com

Sheena a beautiful fourmonth-old mixed breed pup, who is very loving and is looking for a home. She is a responsive, bright happy pup used to living in a home with other dogs, and will turn out to be not very big. She has reached the stage where she is ready to go to a home of her own. To learn more about this adorable girl, please phone PEPA on 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com

STUMPY Stumpy came into the SAT kennels with his sister Stella, as both unwanted puppies. He is a very happy, healthy and playful pup, and like most youngsters, has lots of energy. Stumpy is now three months old, is fully vaccinated and microchipped, and is now ready for his forever home. If you would like to meet him or for more information, please contact the kennels in Dolores on 966 710 047 or emai linfo@satanimalrescue.com

Local

Christmas Cheer

Torrevieja's annual carol concert attracted the usual excellent attendance last Friday at the city's Plaza de la Constitución, with the regular strong quota of local British and Scandinavian

Friday 16th December 2016

choirs joining forces to lead the vocals. The music was once again supplied by the Phoenix Concert Band who based themselves outside the church of the Immaculate Conception.

Double Boost

On Your Bike

Seven hundred euro was raised for the Elche Children´s Home last Saturday by the Los Alcazares Scoots who biked up to the Home and were given a tour as well as telling the youngsters all about their vintage scooters in addition to letting them

get the feel of sitting on them! Paul Baxter from the Scoots presented 200 euro of vouchers for the Decathalon sports shop from the money they had put together, along a with special donation of 500 euro from Scoots member Vince Blacker.

Seasonal Sounds

Screening Today

The N332 Road Safety Project and Al Andalus Car Hire have come together to get a projector and screen (plus tripod!) for the youngsters at the Cartagena social centre. It means the children will be able to see the presentations from the teachers, without having to get one from the Town Hall when it might not have been available, plus they get the chance to enjoy entertainment on their very own big screen. The Guardia Civil’s traffic

department in Torrevieja received donations of decorations via their N332 Facebook page, and then officer Francisco Morales took them along to Cartagena to spruce up the centre, along with the gift of the projector. In return, the children made a special greeting card to thank N332 and their followers for the gift, as well as thanking The Courier for the free tickets we gave them earlier in the year to go to Terra Natura in Benidorm.

Monte Gives The recent sell-out Christmas concert from the Velvetones in Torrevieja raised 800 euro for their nominated charities AECC and ALPE. After a short break, the ladies harmony chorus will pick up

rehearsals on Wednesday January 4th at El Paraiso near Carrefour in Torrevieja, and if you fancy joining, then call Mary-Anne on 966 71 49 73 or go to their website, www.velvetonesharmonytorrevieja.com.

Sunny Sunday The Cantabile Choir’s new musical director Valerie Beange had a festive start to her tenure with a successful Christmas concert at La Siesta church in Torrevieja this week.

A wide range of numbers were performed to a full house with some songs sung in Spanish and Swedish, with a retiring bucket collection made in aid of church funds.

Football supporters of CD Montesinos, known as “The Full Monte”, kept their annual tradition going last Sunday as they made a substantial gift of groceries to the needy of Los Montesinos in time for the

A Cold Dip There were no problems with the weather last Sunday as the postponed seventh Santa Walk organised by Maria and the Pink Ladies in aid of the AECC cancer charity took place around Zenia Boulevard. Just over a thousand euro was raised on a sunny day, with the walkers and spectators also bringing generousdonations to be given to the

Torrevieja homeless charity Reach Out and Elche Children’s Home. The Pink Ladies office in Playa Flamenca will now be closed for the festive season until Monday January 9th, though appointments can still be made via their website www.pinkladies.es and in emergencies, you can call Maria direct on 633 487 595.

The Butterfly Children Charity, DEBRA, has the perfect tonic to those Christmas Day excesses by staging a dip in the waters of Guardamar on Monday December 26th at noon! The fundraising event will take place in front of Bar Restaurante Isla Tabarca, which is next to the Cruz Roja station & lookout tower.

Entertainment will run from 11.30 am through till 1.30 pm, with sponsorhip forms availble at both the DEBRA charity shops in Pueblo Bravo or Urb. La Marina or by contacting Rob Radford on 662 67 94 67. Any face painters or street entertainers would be extremely welcome, and can call Rob for more details.

festive season. The presentation was made to the Montesinos mayor, José Manuel Butrón (third from the right), after the team’s thrashing of Deportivo Orihuela (report on page 45).

Friday 16th December 2016

BY DAVE SILVER

Spider Takes Bike For A Spin When out driving I take special care not to disturb the spider that has happily made its home behind my wing mirror. All credit to the little fellow's spinning expertise. Its web continues to endure no matter how clunky the car trip nor how high the slipstream turbulence. But to further ensure the spider's safety, I am considering designing it a tiny crash helmet. And if the creature happens to be image-conscious, I might consider asking my daughter to crochet four pairs of biker bootees. She happens to be very good at arts & crafts. Which leads me to the question: Could there be a children's book in all of this? I mean has there ever been featured in kids literature a spider on a motorbike

who roars around the countryside having fabulous adventures and getting into all sorts of hilarious scrapes? 'It wouldn't work,' said my daughter when I put the idea to her. 'Waddya mean?' I inquired gently. 'What about that Incy Wincy creature? All he does is spend all his time clambering up a water spout. 'At least my story would feature a spider riding around on a miniaturised HarleyDavidson.' My daughter shook her head. 'I didn't mean the story idea, Dad. A book about a spider bike rider sounds fabulous. 'I was referring to the bit you've written about me making four pairs of biker bootees. 'For a start, I would have to work in leather and that would seriously damage my

crochet hook.' Which reminds me. I must get my leather jacket repaired. The garment is my pride and joy -- but not at the moment. It sustained severe lacerations after coming into contact with something a lot more dangerous than a crochet hook -- although that 'something' is also among my daughter's precious possessions. The mystery object I am referring to is my daughter's pet cat, a hyperactive lunatic feline which goes by the name of Spud and which went missing last Tuesday. My daughter is now grown up and doesn't live with us any more. And last Tuesday her cat didn't appear to live with her any more either. I got the phone at half-past nine that morning. 'It's me, Dad,' my daughter said.

'Don't tell me,' I said. 'Your crazy cat has ran off with the postman's cap again and won't come down from the top of the tree.' 'No, Dad. It's much worse than that.' 'Oh, heck,' I said. 'This time Spud has ignored the cap and ran off with the postman himself?' I heard my daughter heave a sigh of frustration. 'Dad, this is NOT a Courier column. This is real life! Spud has disappeared. I've checked every garden in my neighbourhood and he is nowhere to be seen.' 'Okay, okay,' I said, which was a silly thing to say considering that everything was not okay. 'When did you last see your cat?' 'Yesterday, Dad, just before I came to your house to borrow Mum's crochet pattern book. I could have sworn

I left Spud fast asleep at home although I admit I failed to check on his whereabouts when I got back.' Suddenly, there was an earth-shattering scream from my bedroom. 'Mystery solved methinks,' I said. 'I reckon Spud followed you here and crept upstairs to spend the night on top of our wardrobe. You know he loves it up there. I'll bring him back to you this instant.' I nipped up the stairs and met a white-faced Mrs S coming down them. 'I've just seen the most frightening sight,' she gasped. 'I was making our bed when I suddenly saw a furry face peering at me from the top of the wardrobe.' 'That must have been Spud,' I said. 'No, no,' Mrs S insisted. 'The creature was wearing

something on his head.' 'A postman's cap?' I ventured. 'No,' shuddered Mrs S. 'It was a fireman's helmet!' 'I knew it!' I said knowingly. 'The last time Spud was here he pretended to be stuck in our tree and stole the helmet from the officer who'd climbed his ladder to fetch the evil beast back down.' I strode into my bedroom and commanded Spud to jump -- which the lunatic cat did. However, he got no further than my leather jacket hanging on the outside of the wardrobe. Unable to maintain his grip and with claws protruding, Spud slid down the front of the jacket, ripping the soft leather into long, hanging strips. I phoned my daughter back immediately. 'About those spider biker's bootees . . .'

Friday 16th December 2016

VICIOUS The End

Friday 16th December 2016

TRELI ON THE TELLY WITH ALEX TRELINSKI

We all need a bit of a release from the worries of life, and television can help with uplifting dramas that can make us smile and cry. It’s clear that there’s a big demand from the viewers, but strangely we don’t have many such programmes, which is why the BBC’s Call The Midwife is such a massive hit as it gets the mix right and now has an unprecented (for a non-soap) guarantee of at least four more series to run through till 2020. ITV’s biggest new drama of 2016 was The Durrells, which had “feel good” all over it, and now we have a piece of magic from America called This Is Us, which Channel Four started screening last week. Please try and watch This Is Us, and catch up with the story so far, because this is a real class show from a country that normally produces crime, fantasy, and superhero dramas. Last week’s opening episode was so good that I watched it twice, and the same went for Tuesday’s second outing. There are loads of smiles and laughs, but when you are hit with some emotion, it just hits you in the gut, with two brilliant twists at the end of both episodes. I’m not going to go into massive

This Is Wonderful

detail (to avoid spoiling your experience) but the show is all about family and relationships, and the way that lives have developed or are developing. That may sound like a dry plot outline, but just give it a try. If I was a millionaire, I would pledge right now to give 100 euro to every person who doesn´t think This Is Us is a special watch. It’s that good, with a couple of familiar faces in the shape of Milo Ventimiglia (Peter from Heroes) and Sterling K.

Brown (a brilliant portrayal of lawyer Chris Darden in the People v O.J. Simpson earlier this year). Just be prepared to have all of your emotions played with each week, almost at times akin to the marvellous movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”. It’s easily the best new full-series drama to come out of America this year. This year’s Royal Variety Performance screened on ITV on Tuesday night was a curious affair of excellent music (apart from a sub-stan-

dard Barry Gibb), theatre, and dance acts (plus BGT-winning magician Richard Jones), with the comedy falling flat, even in the hands of good performers. You could almost hear a dubbed laugh track being added on later, but there was plenty to enjoy with some top singers, and host David Walliams was fine, if somehwhat restrained from his usual craziness. I always watch it recorded to fast forward through the ad breaks and the dross acts, but I found the UK ratings to

be fascinating. Only around four and a half million people watched it (beaten by Eastenders, and only just in front of Holby City and Rillington Place) whilst Michael McIntyre’s variety show is getting 40 percent more viewers for the Beeb on a Saturday night, straight after Strictly. Work that one out, or is it simply that the Royal Variety format just looks old hat these days? BBC 1 trundled out the BBC Music Awards on Monday night, and like for the

Royal Variety, the acts (Emeli Sande on both nights… great!) were enjoyable, but the twaddle inbetween grated. The 90 minutes could easily have been slashed to a tight hour, as we endured some amateurish “green room” interviews conducted by Radio 1 presenter, Gemma Cairney. I cringed during her first effort with Lulu and Ricky Wilson, where she just looked out of depth and couldn’t even hold a microphone in front of them when they were speaking. I loved this series of The X Factor, which finished with the final on Saturday. Forgetting the awful Honey G, the acts were good, and the three finallists were top notch, whilst there was good fun over the last few months from the judges with a nice atmosphere about the show, and a proper presenter, Dermot O’Leary, holding it all together. Winner Matt Terry is great, but I suspect runner-up, the fabulous Finn, Saara Aalto will become a big international star. How about the BBC asking Simon Cowell if is she could represent the UK in Eurovision in the spring? With the right song, she could walk it!

Friday 16th December 2016

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4 Strictly Come Dancing - The Final

The Making Of Young Men

Saturday BBC One

The wait is finally over: after 13 amazing weeks of glitter, excitement and sensational dance performances, the most glamorous night of TV has arrived as the Strictly Come Dancing Final comes live to BBC One. Back in September, 15 celebrities entered the ballroom for the very first time, but now only the finalists remain. Get set for a dramatic night of dance as the couples battle it out in the ballroom for the very last time. The couples will dance three routines their favourite, the judges' choice, and a spectacular showdance, in a bid to win the viewers' votes and the 2016 Glitter Ball Trophy. This week, the judges - Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli - will score each couple, but it is for guidance only as viewers’ votes alone will decide which couple will take home the Glitter Ball Trophy. As well as all this, there will be spectacular group performances, magical musical moments and a host of other special surprises as the curtain comes down on another memorable series of dancefloor drama.

Vicious

All Star Mr & Mrs Christmas Special

Sunday - ITV

Saturday - BBC Two BalletBoyz directors Michael Nunn and William Trevitt take viewers behind the scenes of the making of their first feature film, Young Men. Young Men, a re-working of the company’s hugely successful stage production of the same name, premiered at Sadler’s Wells London in 2015. The documentary will follow the BalletBoyz team as they reimagine the stage show for camera and features interviews with the creative team and cast, including choreographer Iván Pérez and composer Keaton Henson.

All Star Mr & Mrs, hosted by Phillip Schofield, returns to ITV for a Christmas Special. The celebrity couples taking part in this festive edition are Emmerdale’s Dominic Brunt and his wife Jo Mitchell, T’Pau’s Carol Decker and her husband Richard Coates and Lennox Lewis CBE and his wife Violet Lewis as they compete for big cash prizes for a charity of their choice. In this festive celebration of relationships, we see these celebrity couples quizzed about their other halves revealing how much or how little they really do know about each other as they compete to win up to £30,000 for their chosen charity. The audience gets an insight into the lives of three celebrity couples as they battle it out to win the jackpot for their charity.

Sports Personality Of The Year

Friday - ITV

Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Frances de la Tour will return to ITV to reprise their roles in popular comedy Vicious for one final episode this Friday. The extended hour-long special will welcome viewers back for one final time into the hectic world of newly married couple Freddie Thornhill (Ian McKellen) and Stuart Bixby (Derek Jacobi) and their best friend Violet (Frances de la Tour). Also returning for the final hurrah are Ash (Iwan Rheon), Penelope (Marcia Warren) and Mason (Philip Voss). The special will be split into seasons as viewers will follow Freddie and Stuart’s adventures from spring and summer, through to autumn and winter. Highlights include Freddie’s birthday, Violet deciding on a major ‘lifestyle’ change and Ash’s big news. Guest stars in the special are Frances Barber and Dame Eileen Atkins.

Sunday - BBC One One of the greatest years in British sporting history will be celebrated in style, as Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan host BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016. Now in its 63rd year, the world's most iconic sports awards show will recognise the standout achievers, as well as relive those must-see moments, in front of a 12,000strong crowd, live from Birmingham's Genting Arena. The winner of the main Sports Personality Of The Year award, will be decided on the night by a public vote. Team of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Unsung Hero are some of the other prestigious awards to be given out, while the inspirational films, emotional moments and live performances will capture all the highlights from an incredible year in which the Olympics and Paralympics memorably took centre stage.

The Computer Shop will be closed from 19th December until 3rd January. We would like to wish all of our customers, past, present and future, a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Friday 16th December 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation People Power with Dave Myers 11:00 Christmas Kitchen 12:15 Homes Under the Hammer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Father Brown 16:00 Think Tank 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Still Open All Hours Granville discovers a gap in the shop’s security, and a cherry picker arrives in the street, which gives Madge terrible anxiety. Meanwhile, Eric and Kath decide to do something together, and Gastric enjoys the home cooking of a nearby neighbour Abi 21:00 EastEnders grows concerned about Dot 21:30 Citizen Khan Mr Khan and Mosque Manager Dave are organising rival Muslim Days at the community centre 22:00 Have I Got News for You Team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop are joined by guest host Gary Lineker and panellists Nicky Morgan MP and Jon Richardson 22:30 Walliams & Friend David Walliams’ friend tonight is the actress, writer and comedian Meera Syal 23:00 News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 00:25 The Apprentice 01:25 The Apprentice 02:25 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:30 News

07:30 Bargain Hunt 08:15 Flog It! 09:00 Life and Death the Pentecostal Way 10:00 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Film - Rock Around the Clock (U) 15:15 Coast 15:40 Natural World 16:30 Natural World 17:30 A Place to Call Home 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Two Olympic and world champion athletes go head to head in a quest for antiques glory as hurdler Colin Jackson and triple jumper Jonathan Edwards hit the road

21:00 Countrywise Ben Fogle returns to the Lake District to experience its stunning views from the unique perspective of the Via Ferrata - a system of cables and walkways built 21:00 Mastermind Quiz into the mountain side. He 21:30 Coastal Path Paul also meets Ian Botham for fishing trip in his favourite Rose explores the Jurassic a spot Coast, taking a walk through some two hundred million years of the earth’s history. 21:30 Coronation Street He uncovers prehistoric Andy sweats over his treasures in Charmouth and attack greets hatching signets at 22:00 Vicious This extendAbbotsbury Swannery. ed hour long special will welcome viewers back for 22:00 Rick Stein’s Long one final time into the hecWeekends Rick Stein ends tic world of newly married his series of Long couple Freddie and Stuart Weekends in Palermo on and their best friend Violet. the northern coast of Sicily Also returning for the final with unforgettable dishes hurrah are Ash, Penelope flavoured with pine nuts, and Mason. The special is raisins, lemons and split into seasons as we folalmonds low Freddie and Stuart’s adventures from Spring 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight and Summer, through to 00:05 Close to the Enemy Autumn and Winter 01:05 Titanic’s Tragic Twin: The Britannic Disaster 02:05 23:00 News 23:40 Film Black and British: A Miss Congeniality 2: Armed Forgotten History 03:05 and Fabulous (PG) 01:45 Back in Time for Brixton Jackpot247 04:00 ITV 04:05 This Is BBC TWO Nightscreen

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Jamie’s Night Before Christmas 12:00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 13:00 News 13:05 Jamie’s Cracking Christmas 13:15 Jamie’s Comfort Food 13:25 Film - A Christmas Wedding Tail 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Coast vs Country 17:00 Deal or No Deal on Tour 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 21:00 Alan Carr’s Happy Hour Guests including Michelle Keegan, John Legend, Louisa Johnson and Robbie Williams join the host for a lively mix of sketches, topical chat and music, staged at a social club in front of a specially invited audience 22:00 Gogglebox The nation’s favourite armchair critics share their opinions on what they have been watching during the week. The programme captures their instant reactions and lively - sometimes emotional - discussions from the comfort of their own homes 23:00 The Last Leg 00:05 8 Out of 10 Cats 00:55 It Was Alright in the 1970s 01:50 Film - The Other Boleyn Girl (14) 03:45 The Windsors 04:35 Liberty of London

07:00 Milkshake 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:40 News 12:45 Film - The Christmas Gift 14:30 Film - I’m Not Ready for Christmas 16:15 Film - Christmas Carol 18:00 News 18:30 Police Interceptors 19:30 2016 20:00 The Gadget Show Consumer affairs journalist and techno expert Harry Wallop offers Ortis Deley some tips for wallet-conscious early adopters, while with the retro market going strong Jason Bradbury reveals how to cash in by flogging those not-so-current gizmos. 21:00 Christmas Makes You Laugh Out Loud Funny-man Iain Lee narrates an entertaining compilation of the most amusing and outrageous Christmas themed videos that have taken the internet by storm. Featuring cringeworthy moments such as the performances of out-oftune carol singers and a truly unforgettable star of a nativity play 22:00 Film - 22 Jump Street Undercover cops Schmidt and Jenko are sent on a new assignment at a university. When one joins the college American football team and the other falls in with a crowd of Bohemian artists, loyalty to their new cliques puts a strain on their friendship (14) 00:10 The Other Guys (PG) 02:10 SuperCasino 04:10 Person of Interest 05:00 Person of Interest 05:45 Divine Designs

DON´T MISS VICIOUS: A YEAR

ITV 22:00

SOAPS

In Emmerdale There’s more heartbreak for Laurel when Ashley becomes distressed during a fun day at the pirate ship. He ends up falling and hits his head. Meanwhile, Leyla makes a confession to Tracy, Later, she’s left upset and collects her things after hearing David say that if anyone should move out it should be Leyla.

This final episode of the comedy charts events over the course of a year for couple Freddie and Stuart. In spring, the duo attempt to hide their recently gained inheritance, Violet has financial troubles after her recent divorce and Ash struggles to meet his rent. In summer, an unexpected card arrives in advance of Freddie’s birthday party and Stuart prepares a very special present. In autumn, Ash arrives at the pair’s flat with news, while in winter the gang gathers round at Christmas to experience Freddie’s latest acting job.

Elsewhere, Chas has to step in and rescue Paddy when Lydia makes a return. Paddy is hopeful there might be something more between him and Chas, but is there? In Coronation Street, as Phelan lies unconscious in a hospital bed, Eileen confides in Todd that Anna has been sending him hate mail and she suspects Kevin may have attacked him. In the café, Andy overhears Tim telling Sally that he saw Kevin, clearly wound up, heading for the builder’s yard at around the time of the attack. When Anna and Kevin

learn of Phelan’s plight, Kevin is pleased but Anna is worried he could find himself in the frame, even though he’s innocent. The police question Steph and then Andy about finding Phelan after his attack. In an attempt to deflect the blame, Andy tells the police what he overheard in the café and suggests Kevin is their prime suspect.

The police then call at the

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! 07:25 Dinner Date 08:15 Ellen DeGeneres 09:00 Emmerdale 10:00 Coronation Street 10:30 Psych 11:25 Scorpion 12:20 Dinner Date 13:20 Emmerdale 14:20 Coronation Street 14:50 Ellen DeGeneres 15:45 Jeremy Kyle 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Film - The Mask (PG) 00:05 Family Guy 01:05 Mom 02:00 American Dad! 02:30 Scorpion 03:20 Teleshopping ITV3 07:00 Doctor in the House 07:25 George and Mildred 07:50 Heartbeat 08:50 Wycliffe 09:55 Wild at Heart 10:55 Judge Judy 12:05 Murder, She Wrote 13:05 Wycliffe 14:10 Rosemary and Thyme 16:15 An Avonlea Christmas 17:20 Doctor in the House 17:50 You’re Only Young Twice 18:20 George and Mildred 18:55 Cameraman to the Queen 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Foyle’s War 23:00 Mr Selfridge 00:00 Mrs Biggs 01:30 Film Elizabeth: The Golden Age (PG) 03:30 Long Lost Family 04:20 Rory Bremner’s Great British Views ITV4 07:00 The Wine Show 07:55 The Chase 08:45 Quincy, ME 09:50 Ironside 10:50 The Professionals 11:55 The Chase 12:55 Cash Cowboys 13:55 Pawn Stars 14:55 Counting Cars 15:50 Quincy, ME 16:55 Ironside 18:00 Counting Cars 18:55 Cash Cowboys 20:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 Steve McQueen: Motorcycle Star 22:00 Film - Tomorrow Never Dies (PG) 00:25 Film - Jackie Brown (15) 03:35 Tommy Cooper 04:00 Teleshopping

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack garage and question Kevin. Kevin admits that he hates Phelan’s guts, but assures them he didn’t try to kill him. Will Phelan regain consciousness, or has Andy put an end to his evil deeds once and for all? Meanwhile, Norris, Dev, Erica and a nervous Mary set off to Newton-leWillows, hoping to find some answers about her past. In the second episode, Andy does his best to remain calm as talk of Phelan’s attack spreads. With his nerves in shreds, will he be able to hide the gruesome truth from

Steph and the police, or are they onto him? And will Phelan make a recovery, or is it now a murder investigation? Meanwhile, Mary returns home having failed to find the missing piece of her past. In Eastenders, Roxy is still struggling with how distant she feels from Amy. After speaking to Reverend Stevens, she drops a big bombshell on a shocked Ronnie. Later, Roxy’s eventful day continues as she continues on a downward spiral and makes a second dras-

tic decision. Meanwhile, Stacey is anxious about returning to church for the nativity, remembering how her psychosis began last year. Fortunately, Martin is able to go with Stacey when Jane and Lauren both cover for him on the stall at the last minute. Elsewhere, Abi is confused when she realises that Dot missed the nativity play on purpose.

Saturday 17th December

6 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Home Comforts at Christmas 13:00 Football Focus 14:00 News 14:15 Sports Personality of the Year 15:15 Bargain Hunt 16:15Escape to the Country 17:00 Final Score 18:30 News 18:50 Pointless Celebrities

07:50 Film - Holiday Affair (U) 09:15 Film - The Bishop’s Wife (U) 11:00 This Farming Life 12:00 This Farming Life 13:00 Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands 16:00 Film - The Odd Life of Timothy Green 17:35 Film - Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger! 19:25 Dad’s Army 19:55 Operation Snow Tiger As Liz Bonnin and cameraman Max HugWilliams return to the snowy Russian forests they uncover a problem: only a few hundred “snow tigers” remain in the wild and breeding females are in particularly short supply

19:40 Strictly Come Dancing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host the live grand final, which sees the remaining three celebrities and their partners performing three routines each - a spectacular showdance, a routine from the series chosen by the Disney Walt judges and the one routine 20:55 they hope will help them lift Exploring Disney’s later years as he makes films the glitterball trophy such as “Cinderella’ and 21:55 Michael McIntyre’s `Mary Poppins”, and realisBig Show Featuring music es his dream project, performances from the leg- Disneyland endary Sting and Ricky Gervais as his famous alter 21:55 Film - A Christmas Animation of the ego David Brent. There’s Carol famous Charles Dickens also stand-up comedy from Christmas tale about the Jack Whitehall miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who despises the festive 22:55 News 23:15 The season and all it brings National Lottery 23:25 Match of the Day 00:45 The 23:25 QI XL 00:10 Porridge NFL Show 01:15 Film - Old 00:50 The Making of Young School (18) 02:45 Weather Men 01:20 Balletboyz: for the Week Ahead 02:50 Young Men 02:20 Film The Travel Show 03:00 Chances Are (PG) 04:05 This Is BBC Two News

07:00 CITV 10:25 News 10:30 Film - Carry On: Follow That Camel (PG) 12:20 Judge Rinder 13:25 News 13:35 This Time Next Year 14:35 Film - Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 16:20 Thunderbirds Are GoG 16:45 News

07:10 Three Peaks Yacht Race 08:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 10:00 The Morning Line 11:00 The Big Bang Theory 11:50 The Simpsons 12:45 Film - The Dog Who Saved the Holidays (PG) 14:30 Racing: Ascot and Haydock Park 17:05 The Simpsons 18:05 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 18:40 Film Arthur Christmas 20:30 News

17:15 Film - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring An unassuming hobbit is plunged into a battle against the forces of darkness when his uncle 21:00 Tree of the Year bequeaths him a magical with Ardal O’Hanlon ring of immense power (14) Comedian, actor and outdoor enthusiast Ardal 20:30 Film - The Hobbit: O’Hanlon explores the UK An Unexpected Journey to discover its most remarkUnassuming hobbit Bilbo able trees. There are a Baggins is pulled out of his staggering 50 trees to comfortable life when every person in Britain, and Gandalf the wizard volun- many have a history and teers him for a dangerous quest. He joins a party of heritage worth celebrating dwarves who are on a mission to reclaim their lost 22:00 It Was Alright in the homeland, which has been 1970s Matt Lucas narrates taken over by a dragon. this look at the proWhen the group journeys grammes that flirted with into the Misty Mountains, danger during the decade, Bilbo becomes separated including Blue Peter, which from the dwarves and falls carried on filming as a fire into a cave, where he finds broke out live on air himself confronted by Gollum and forced to play a 23:00 Film - Escape Plan riddle game (12) (14) 01:15 Film - The Guest 23:40 News 23:55 Film - (14) 03:00 Bear’s Wild Private Benjamin (15) Weekend With Jonathan 01:55 Jackpot247 04:00 Ross 03:50 The Last Leg 04:45 Hollyoaks Omnibus ITV Nightscreen

07:00 Milkshake 11:05 Jelly Jamm 11:15 The Gadget Show 12:15 Film A Cinderella Christmas 14:05 Film - Christmas Cookies 15:50 Film - Love Always, Santa 17:35 Film Christmas Under Wraps 19:25 Film - Space Cowboys A team of superannuated astronauts are rejected by NASA in the 1950s but find themselves in demand years later when a Russian satellite system malfunctions and plunges towards Earth. With only the original team knowing how to prevent the impending disaster, NASA begs them for help, but the men only agree on the condition that they are sent into space to carry out the mission themselves (PG) 22:00 Football Highlights from the weekend’s games in the Championship, including Burton Albion v Newcastle United at the Pirelli Stadium, Birmingham City v Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium and Blackburn Rovers v Reading at Ewood Park 23:30 The Funny Thing About 00:30 Greatest Ever Christmas Songs 02:25 SuperCasino 04:10 Person of Interest

12:35 Catchphrase 13:35 You’ve Been Framed! 14:35 Film - Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 15:35 Film - Peter Pan (PG) 17:45 Film - Snow Dogs 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Scorpion 22:00 Film - A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (18) 23:50 Family Guy ITV3 10:55 A Touch of Frost 14:50 Foyle’s War16:50 Midsomer Murders 21:00 Doc Martin 22:00 Film The Booze Cruise III: The Scattering (12) ITV4 11:50 Pawn Stars 13:40 Film - The Great Outdoors (PG) 15:30 Film - Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (PG) 17:15 Film - Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (PG) 19:10 Film - On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (PG) 22:00 Film - The Specialist (15)

09:00 Breakfast with Tim Bridge 12:00 Paul Norman 15:00 Saturday Sports with Alex Trelinski 18:00 Entertainment Power

Sunday 18th December 07:20 The A to Z of TV Cooking 08:05 Big Dreams 09:05 Spaces Small Countryfile 10:00 Natural World 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 The A to Z of TV Cooking 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 Cooks Kerridge Tom Christmas 14:30 Live: International Olympia Horse Show 17:35 Full Steam Ahead18:35 Film 19:40 Sports Personality The Terminal (PG) of the Year Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby 20:40 Victoria Wood As Logan host the 2016 BBC Seen on TV The BAFTA Sports Personality of the award-winning comedienne Year. Now in its 63rd year, serves up some brilliantlythe show recognises the observed sketches standout achievers and relives the must-see sportA ing moments in front of a 21:20 Best of British 12,000 strong crowd at look back on the career of Birmingham’s Genting the award-winning comedian Victoria Wood, from a Arena solitary childhood in 1960s to becoming the 22:00 The Apprentice Lancashire to sell out the After 11 weeks of chal- first stand-up lenges that have seen the Royal Albert Hall teams selling sweets, crowdfunding and becom- 22:00 Victoria Wood’s ing personal shoppers in a Midlife Christmas A fesleading department store, tive special from 2009 that attempts to cram an entire the final two battle it night’s Christmas viewing 23:00 The Apprentice: into 60 minutes. You’re Fired 00:00 News 00:30 Walliams & Friend 23:00 Victoria Wood: At it 01:00 Have I Got a Bit More Again 00:30 Film - Last News for You 01:45 Chance Harvey (PG) 01:55 Weather for the Week Countryfile 02:50 Holby City 03:50 This Is BBC Two Ahead 01:50 News

07:00 Breakfast 08:40 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:15 Flog It! 15:10 Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute 16:40 Planet Earth II 17:40 Songs of Praise 18:15 News 18:40 Countryfile

07:00 CITV 10:25 Film - All Stars (PG) 12:20 Let’s Do Christmas with Gino & Mel 13:15 News 13:20 Off Their Rockers 13:50 Film - The Incredible Hulk (PG) 15:55 Film - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 17:45 Film - Santa Claus: The Movie 19:40 News

07:20 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:10 Frasier 09:05 The Big Bang Theory 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 Lewis vs Nico: F1 2016 15:05 Film - Inkheart (PG) 17:10 The Snowman 17:45 News 18:10 Film Cars

20:30 Britain’s Wildest Weather 2016 Footage of unusual weather conditions recorded in Britain during 2016, and exploring the factors that led to these incidents. The programme features footage recorded by people caught in the middle of floods, superstorms, tornadoes and lightning strikes, as well as 21:00 Midsomer Murders a look at how a record level The village of Little Auburn El Niño effect altered has stood abandoned since Britain’s weather WWII, but now plans are afoot to restore it to its for- 22:00 Humans In the aftermer glory via three compet- math of the silo tragedy, ing projects. It is left to local Hester seeks revenge on landowner Roderick Leo, while Karen decides Craven to determine which she and Sam have no scheme will win out, but on future, and decides to take the eve of his big decision, matters into her own one of the project leaders is hands. Niska plans to murdered. Barnaby and his return to Berlin with Astrid, new partner Jamie Winter but struggles with the idea are soon on the case of abandoning her family 20:00 All Star Mr & Mrs Phillip Schofield hosts a festive edition of the game show as Emmerdale’s Dominic Brunt, T’Pau singer Carol Decker, boxing legend Lennox Lewis and their partners play for charity

23:00 News 23:20 Film Hot Fuzz (14) 01:35 Jackpot247 04:00 Motorsport UK 04:50 ITV Nightscreen

23:00 Gogglebox 00:05 Film - About a Boy (PG) 01:55 Film - Before I Go to Sleep (14) 03:25 60 Days in Jail

07:00 Milkshake 10:45 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Football 12:30 The Gadget Show 13:30 Film - A Perfect Christmas List 15:15 Film Lost Letter Mysteries for Christmas 17:00 Film The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (12) 18:45 Scrooge (U) 21:00 Michael Bublé’s Christmas in Hollywood Michael Buble brings the holiday spirit for the fifth consecutive year. Celine Dion, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and Tori Kelly join Bublé for special performances in celebration of his favourite holiday.

10:20 Coronation Street Omnibus 13:20 You’ve Been Framed! 14:20 The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol 14:45 Film - Santa Paws II: The Santa Pups 16:40 Film - Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas 18:05 Catchphrase 19:05 The Xtra Factor 20:10 Film The Amazing Spider-Man (PG) 23:00 Family Guy ITV3 12:45 Agatha Christie’s Marple 14:45 Columbo 16:45 Film - Casablanca (PG) 18:55 Agatha Christie’s Marple 21:00 Meet the Penguins 22:00 Alexander Armstrong in the Land of the Midnight Sun 23:00 Wycliffe

21:55 News ITV4

22:00 Film - Hercules The ancient Greek warrior becomes famous as highly exaggerated tales of his exploits spread throughout the land. He is forced to live up to his mythological status when he joins forces with a group of mercenaries to restore a deposed king to his rightful throne (14) 23:55 Snitch (14A) 02:00 04:10 SuperCasino Person of Interest

11:40 Pawn Stars 14:25 Film - Rio Bravo 17:15 Film - The Horse Soldiers 19:40 Film - Diamonds Are Forever (PG) 22:00 Film The Deer Hunter (18)

09:00 Breakfast with Tim Bridge 12:00 Trev Massey´s Bit in the Middle 15:00 The Retro Chart 17:00 Classic Country with Tim Rogers

Midsomer Murders The Village that Rose from the Dead

Christmas Kitchen In the lead-up to the festive season, Christmas Kitchen continues to broadcast every weekday morning on BBC One, presented by Matt Tebbutt and Andi Oliver. Monday Andi and Matt are joined by Citizen Khan’s Adil Ray; Ben Tish cooks up a celebration dish; Great British baker Jo Wheatley serves up a delicious Yuletide gift; and the programme delves into the festive cooking archives of Nigel Slater and Delia. Tuesday Andi and Matt are joined by Witness For The Prosecution’s David Haig; Olia Hercules cooks up a celebration dish; Great British baker Andrew Smyth serves up a delicious Yuletide gift; and the programme delves into the festive cooking archives of Mary Berry and Delia. Wednesday Andi and Matt are joined by Strictly contestant Louise Redknapp; Tomer Amedi cooks up a celebration dish; Great British baker Frances Quinn serves up a delicious Yuletide gift; and the programme will be delving into the festive cooking archives of Tom Kerridge and the Two Fat Ladies. Thursday Andi and Matt are joined by comedian and actor Miles Jupp; Joe Hurd cooks up a celebration dish; Great British baker Martha Collison serves up a delicious Yuletide gift and the programme delves into the festive cooking archives of Rick Stein and Fanny Cradock. Friday Andi and Matt are joined by a celebrity guest; Amandine Chaignot cooks up a celebration dish; Great British baker Selasi Gbormittah serves up a delicious Yuletide gift, and the programme delves into the festive cooking archives of Nigella and Delia.

The ghost village of Little Auburn has been abandoned since the war. When a young man is found murdered during its grand reopening, DCI Barnaby and DS Winter must unravel a sinister web of lies from both past and present in order to catch the killer. It is the night before the reopening of Little Auburn, a derelict village left untouched since WW2, and a 1940s themed party is in full swing at The Cross Keys pub in Great Auburn. In the back room, three camps fight for Little Auburn’s future: idealists Finn Thornberry and Corina Craven champion their ecovillage dream, flashy developers Lucy and Blake Keswick present their Luxury Villas scheme, whilst Sylvia Lennard campaigns to preserve the village as a ‘living museum’. Local landowner Roderick Craven will announce his decision tomorrow. Later that night, Finn cycles back to his squat in Little Auburn but is blinded by the lights of a tank which drives straight at him…. Next day, the launch is spoiled when Finn’s body is found, crushed beneath the tank. Barnaby and Sarah are mourning the passing of Sykes when Barnaby is called to Little Auburn by his new temporary DS, Jamie Winter. At the crime scene, Winter is pleasantly surprised to encounter Kam as they met years ago on a training course. Digging into the victim’s past reveals he was a conman. Finn abandoned his wife and child and stole community funds, but Barnaby and Winter discover that fiancée Corina had no idea. With his decision on hold, Roderick refuses to tell the police whose bid was going to win. Barnaby and Winter visit Finn’s rivals Lucy and Blake Keswick to glean more information. Lucy appears helpful, then once the police leave she makes a secret phone call, but to whom? In the deserted village, the peace is broken as a hooded figure makes their way through the gloom towards a derelict building. Gloved hands caress a snake… Over dinner, Sarah probes Barnaby about his new DS. Barnaby refuses to be drawn but Sarah knows he likes cheerful Winter. Next morning, old publican Fred Messinger finds Roderick’s dead body in Little Auburn. Kam tells Barnaby and Winter he was poisoned with cyanide after being lured down a ‘foxhole’ trench. An old flask is found on the body and Barnaby concludes it has an army connection, putting ex-military man Blake

Sunday - ITV

Keswick in the frame. At the pub, the villagers wait for Roderick to announce his decision but are shocked to hear he has been murdered. Barnaby and Winter speak to solicitor Julian Lennard, Sylvia’s son, to find out about Roderick’s will. Milo Craven, Roderick’s estranged brother, is puzzled to discover he will inherit Little Auburn. Later on, Milo and his wife Andrea witness their son Josh collapse to the ground in a fever. A pale Josh tells his dad that he needs to sort out the situation. Now. Milo heads to Little Auburn, but is hit over the head from behind. Alerted by a concerned Andrea, Barnaby and Winter locate Milo and enter the derelict building after him. But they find themselves in a sticky situation as they meet an angry ball-python head on. Quick-thinking gets our heroes out of trouble, but Milo Craven is not so lucky: he lies dead, constricted by snakes… After exposing the illegal snake farm, Barnaby and Winter delve into the Cravens’ background and discover that Andrea cleaned for Julian Lennard’s firm. Suspecting she could have tampered with Roderick’s will, they ask forensics to investigate. Meanwhile a furious Blake finds out that his wife Lucy is having an affair with Julian Lennard. Julian goes missing just as Barnaby and Winter have a breakthrough with a clue that reveals the killer’s identity but can they get there in time?

Monday 19th December

8 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Christmas City 11:00 Christmas Kitchen 12:15 Homes Under the Hammer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Film - Cool Runnings 16:20 The Nativity 16:50 Film Madagascar 18:10 Film Donkey’s Caroling Christmas-tacular 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind John Humphrys hosts the first in a new series of festive specials 20:30 Panorama In a highly personal Panorama, John Simpson looks back over his 50-year career, revisiting the people and places that have impacted on him most, as he reveals his thoughts on the challenges for the future 21:00 EastEnders Ronnie’s concerns for Roxy continue to grow 21:30 Would I Lie to You? Rob Brydon hosts a festive edition of the award-winning comedy panel show

07:30 Operation People Power with Dave Myers 08:15 Coastal Path 08:45 Great British Menu 09:15 Film - The Game Plan 11:00 Robot Wars 12:00 Money for Nothing 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Natural World 14:45 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 15:15 This Farming Life 16:15 A Place to Call Home 17:00 Full Steam Ahead 18:00 Gareth Malone’s Great Choir Reunion 19:00 The Real Marigold Hotel 20:00 We’re Doomed! The Dad’s Army Story Comedy drama based on the story of how Jimmy Perry and David Croft brought the sitcom Dad’s Army to life 21:00 University Quiz

Christmas Challenge

21:30 Only Connect Two teams of first round winners return for a chance to make it into the next round

22:00 Last Tango in Halifax Two years after Kate’s tragic death and will see Caroline coming to terms with yet more changes in her life Meanwhile, Gillian is consumed by thoughts of the afterlife, convinced she’s being haunted by Eddie

22:00 Lenny Henry: A Life On Screen Sir Lenny Henry tells the story behind his success, after being honoured with a special award at this year’s BAFTAs. From his big break aged 16 on “New Faces’, through his instrumental roles in `Tiswas’ and `Comic Relief’ to the present day

23:00 News 23:45 Match of the Day 2 00:55 Citizen Khan 01:25 The Graham Norton Show 02:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:15 News

23:00 Two Doors Down 00:00 TOTP 2 01:00 The Choir: Gareth’s Best in Britain 02:00 Rick Stein’s Long Weekends 03:00 This Is BBC Two

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale Laurel struggles to reassure Ashley 20:30 Coronation Street Bethany prepares to make her move 21:00 You’ve Been Framed! Harry Hill turns up his big collar to keep out the cold with festive comedy inspired by viewers’ home videos. Featuring a pensioner who throws fireworks at carol singers, a Christmas fairy who goes up in flames, and a smartphone found inside a turkey! Also, one child receives the Christmas gift that keeps on giving - diarrhoea 21:30 Coronation Street Bethany attempts to buy Faye’s silence 22:00 Prince Harry Documentary following the prince on his return to the southern African country of Lesotho to continue the work of Sentebale, the charity he set up there a decade ago to provide care, support and education to youth affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana 23:00 00:40 (PG) 04:00

News 23:40 Fierce Carry on Camping 02:10 Jackpot247 Jeremy Kyle

07:10 The King of Queens 07:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:25 Frasier 09:20 The Big Bang Theory 10:40 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 11:10 Film - 12 Dates of Christmas 13:00 News 13:05 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 13:25 Film - A Christmas Proposal (PG) 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Coast vs Country 17:00 Deal or No Deal on Tour 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 21:00 Jamie’s Ultimate Christmas Jamie Oliver has been cooking and experimenting with classic Christmas food for over two decades. This year, he pulls together his knowledge and experience to bring the very best of Christmas 22:00 First Dates Manager Yasmin, 29, is matched with 31-year-old practice manager Ryan, while 59-year-old Mandi is looking for someone with whom to enjoy. Will 65year-old antique expert Robert be to her taste? Make-up artist Sophie, 24, sits down with 34-year-old cleaner and self-proclaimed gentleman Mehmet, while designer Scott is partnered with gallery assistant Jim 23:00 Alan Carr’s 12 Stars of Christmas 00:05 Derren Brown: Miracle 01:40 Film - The Woman in Black (14) 03:15 Supershoppers 04:10 Location, Location, Location

DON´T MISS LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX

BBC One 22:00

SOAPS

In Emmerdale, Marlon comforts Laurel at the hospital following Ashley’s latest accident, but Ashley gets confused when he sees them together and angrily accuses them of having an affair. When Laurel fails to convince Ashley that they’re together and happy, she’s devastated and leaves him with Diane. However, when Diane takes her

The first in a two-part festive special catching up with Alan, Celia and their families. Two years after the death of her wife, Caroline faces further changes when she hears about a job at a different school, with her mother and Alan not too happy at the thought of her moving away, but it seems their amateur dramatics is their prime concern. Meanwhile, Gillian is racked with guilt over Eddie's death and is convinced he is haunting her.

eyes off Ashley for just a moment, he takes the opportunity to do a runner and manages to escape from the hospital. In Coronation Street, when Gary confirms that he’s booked them a hotel for after the gig as a treat, Sarah is thrilled but Bethany hides her jealousy, dreading the evening ahead. Soon afterwards, having discovered that Harry has got a temperature, a disappointed Sarah tells Gary that he’ll have to take Bethany and Faye to the gig on his own. Later, after downing some

vodka, Bethany lets herself into Gary’s hotel room and makes out that she’s struggling to do up her zip. Oblivious to Bethany’s ulterior motives, Gary is happy to help.

With Harry having recovered, Sarah leaves him with Gail and heads off to Leeds after Gary and Bethany, hopeful that she’ll still be in time for the gig. But when Faye lets herself into Gary’s hotel room, she’s horrified to see Bethany draped

07:00 Milkshake 11:10 Film - A Christmas Truce 13:00 Film - A Husband for Christmas 14:45 Film Christmas Hero 16:35 Film - My Angel 18:15 Film - A Christmas Reunion 20:00 Tour De Celeb Race day arrives and the celebrities join thousands of other riders on the 130km course that pushes them to their limits and beyond. Austin storms off, until he's badly shaken by witnessing a major crash whilst Jodie and Hugo are dogged by mechanical failures 21:00 Traffic Cops On the A1 near Leeds, an intoxicated driver heads the wrong way down a dual carriageway. A miscreant’s wellbeing becomes the officers’ core concern in Halifax, after they discover a trail of blood leaving a drink-related crash scene

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! 07:25 Ellen DeGeneres 08:05 The Cube 08:55 Emmerdale 09:25 Coronation Street 10:25 Ninja Warrior UK 11:25 Scorpion 12:20 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! 13:20 Emmerdale 13:55 Coronation Street 14:50 Ellen DeGeneres 15:45 Jeremy Kyle 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Family Guy 22:30 American Dad! 23:00 Family Guy 00:00 American Dad! 01:00 The Cleveland Show 01:30 Bordertown 02:55 Film Wild Target (12) 04:35 Educating Joey Essex ITV3 07:00 The Return of Sherlock Holmes 09:00 Film - The Belles of St Trinian’s 10:55 Film - Bertie & Elizabeth 13:00 Lewis 14:55 Agatha Christie’s Marple 17:00 Film - Carry on Cleo (PG) 19:00 Long Lost Family 20:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple 22:00 The Suspicions of Mr Whicher 00:00 The Return of Sherlock Holmes 02:20 Film - A Is for Acid 04:05 Bertie & Elizabeth

22:00 Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways In this special Christmas edition of his train-based travelogue series, Chris Tarrant heads across Scandinavia on an epic journey from the beautiful southern fjords to Europe’s most northerly passenger station at Narvik, where British warships won a famous victory during the Second World ITV4 War, while also squeezing in a chat with a certain white-bearded gentleman 07:00 The Wine Show 07:55 The Chase 08:45 23:00 Greatest Ever Quincy, ME 09:45 Ironside Christmas Adverts 01:05 10:50 The Professionals Benefits By the Sea: 11:55 The Chase 12:55 Jaywick 02:00 Cash Cowboys 13:55 SuperCasino 04:10 Pawn Stars 14:50 Counting Person of Interest Cars 15:25 Counting Cars 15:50 Quincy, ME 16:55 Ironside 18:00 Minder 19:00 Cash Cowboys 20:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 Storage Wars 22:00 Film Live and Let Die (PG) 00:30 Bundesliga Football Highlights 01:35 Ronaldo (PG) 03:25 Euro 96: Summer Football Came Home 04:15 Quincy, ME 05:10 Minder 06:05 The Wine Show

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack seductively bed.

across

his

In the second episode, Gary enters the hotel room, oblivious to the tension and a desperately embarrassed Bethany. Under pressure, Bethany is forced to admit that she was planning to make a move on Gary. Faye is appalled. Handing Faye the hip flask full of vodka, Bethany attempts to buy her silence. Later, Bethany and Faye join Gary for dinner in the hotel bar. Faye enjoys winding Bethany up and tells Gary how Bethany has fallen for a bloke twice her age. Gary is shocked

and berates Faye, who storms off and gets drunk while Bethany squirms. Once alone with Bethany, Gary quizzes her about her crush, wanting to know who the older bloke is. Will Bethany confess all? Meanwhile, Andy needs money as he desperately tries to avoid the police learning about his attack on Phelan. Noting the extra tablets Steph has accidentally ordered to the Bistro, Andy comes up with a plan. Hating himself, Andy checks there’s no-one about before letting himself into the Bistro and stealing the box of

tablet computers. In Eastenders, the Carters discover that Ollie’s next assessment will be in the New Year. Wanting to ease the load on a worried Linda, Whitney invites the Carters over for Christmas dinner, but Lee can’t help worrying about the cost. Later, things look up for the Carters when they share some magical news.

Tuesday 20th December 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Christmas City 11:00 Christmas Kitchen 12:15 Homes Under the Hammer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Film - Rise of the Guardians 16:10 The Nativity 16:45 Film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa 18:00 The Madagascar Penguins In: A Christmas Caper 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind John Humphrys tests the comedian Shappi Khorsandi on Charlie Chaplin, Scott Mills’ Radio One sidekick Chris Stark on Scott Mills, “The House £100k Built” presenter Piers Taylor on Bob Dylan and the Paralympian gold medallist Lee Pearson on British birds 20:30 EastEnders Bex turns to Stacey for support but gets more than she bargained for 21:00 Holby City A terrifying blast from the past upsets Dom’s plans for the perfect Christmas with Isaac

07:15 Christmas City 08:00 Bargain Hunt 08:45 Fern Britton Meets 09:45 Film Underdog 11:00 Robot Wars 12:00 Money for Nothing 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Natural World 14:45Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 15:15 This Farming Life 16:15 A Place to Call Home 17:00 Full Steam Ahead 18:00 Gareth Malone’s Great Choir Reunion 19:00 The Real Marigold Hotel 20:00 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites Mary shows us how to prepare and get ahead for the Christmas season. To start Mary updates her mother’s favourite, a family fish pie 20:30 University Quiz

Christmas Challenge

21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals The remaining four chefs start the finals week with a once in a lifetime opportunity, to cook at one of the most prestigious events in the culinary calendar - The Chef’s Table

22:00 Last Tango in Halifax During the big preChristmas shop, Caroline tells Gillian the truth about why she had to take the new headship. Gillian’s mounting guilt over Eddie’s death drives her to make a life-changing decision

22:00 Inside the Factory: How our Favourite Foods are Made Gregg follows 24 hours of production at Britain’s biggest cake factory where they make 180 million mince pies each year

23:00 News 23:45 Darcey Bussell: Looking for Margot 00:45 Six Wives with Lucy Worsley 01:45 Weather for the Week Ahead 01:50 News

23:00 Live at the Apollo 23:45 Upstart Crow 00:15 NFL This Week 01:05 The Apprentice 02:05 Who Do You Think You Are? 03:05 This Is BBC Two

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale Special episode offering a unique insight into how Ashley who suffers from dementia - now sees and experiences the world 20:30 The Cruise It is turnaround day and the crew have to help 3,300 guests check out, and welcome a new batch with only a few hours to clean and prepare 1,800 passenger rooms 21:00 Hilda Ogden’s Last Ta-Ra - A Tribute To Jean Alexander Special celebrating the work of actress Jean Alexander who died in October having played one of the most popular Coronation Street characters of all time, Hilda Ogden 22:00 Paul O’Grady’s Favourite Fairy Tales Follow Paul O’Grady to a land seemingly lost in time, as he explores the magical locations that inspired the world-famous fairy tales of the legendary Brothers Grimm 23:00 News 23:40 Film Forgetting Sarah Marshall (18) 01:40 Jackpot247 04:00 Loose WomenUc 04:50 ITV Nightscreen

9 07:05 The King of Queens 07:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:20 Frasier 09:15 The Big Bang Theory 10:10 The Simpsons 11:10 Film Holiday in Handcuffs (PG) 13:00 News 13:05 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 13:25 Film - Christmas Magic (PG) 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Coast vs Country 17:00 Deal or No Deal on Tour 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News The Supervet 21:00 Charity worker Kerry brings in Maxi, a three-year old rescue greyhound with severely damaged front legs. Noel’s dog Keira is rushed into the practice with sickness and diarrhoea. The team also treats River, a Border terrier puppy who has fractured both back legs, and Noel makes a surprise visit home to Ireland 22:00 This Is Us Rebecca encounters Randall’s biological father, and Kevin moves to New York to pursue a career on Broadway. Meanwhile, Toby prepares a special day for Kate, and in a flashback, Jack and Rebecca take their babies home from the hospital 23:00 Alan Carr’s 12 Stars of Christmas 00:00 First Dates 01:05 Parents Do the Funniest Things 02:00 European Tour Poker 02:55 Life on the Edge 03:50 Gok Does Panto 04:45 Location, Location, Location

07:00 Milkshake 11:10 Film - Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (PG) 13:00 Film Dear Santa(12) 14:50 Film Christmas Carol 16:35 Film - Christmas in the City 18:20 Film - Operation Christmas 19:55 News 20:00 Giants Live Series World’s Strongest Man Highlights of the Giants Live Swedish Open, featuring “Game of Thrones’ star Hafthor Bjornsson among the contenders in which the top three performers earn a place in the World’s Strongest Man Final 21:00 Penguins Make You Laugh Out Loud Instantly recognisable from countless ad campaigns, king penguin Spike is lucky enough to have shared screen time with Sir David Attenborough. Plus, an opportunistic seal, a close encounter with a camel, and the cutest penguin fails ever committed to camera 22:00 The Graham Norton Story Charting his unique journey from humble beginnings in Ireland to superstardom as Britain’s best-loved chat show host, this documentary hears from people who knew Graham Norton, worked with him and helped shape his career 23:35 Lip Sync Battle UK 00:05 Film - 22 Jump Street (14) 02:05 SuperCasino 04:10 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 05:00 Tattoo Disasters UK

DON´T MISS HILDA OGDENS’S LAST TA-RA A tribute to former Coronation Street star Jean Alexander, who died in October, featuring contributions from former colleagues William Roache, Michael Le Vell and Sally Dynevor, who also enjoy watching classic moments in a special recreation of Stan and Hilda Ogden’s famous living room. Younger members of the Corrie cast also celebrate Hilda’s legacy and famous fans, including Paul O’Grady, provide their own memories.

ITV 21:00 While out on his own, who SOAPS will Ashley meet and will he return home safely?

In Emmerdale, Ashley has left the hospital and continues to walk purposefully through the streets alone. This special one-off episode will give viewers an insight into the life of someone with dementia, using different editing and camera techniques to fully show Ashley’s point of view for the first time.

talk to her father afterwards. There’s also another awkward situation when Louise and Shakil have to kiss as part of the play. Later, will things get any better when Kush gives Shakil some home truths over the way he’s behaved recently?

In Eastenders, when Bex confides in Stacey about Shakil, Stacey betrays her confidence by telling Martin everything. This leads to fireworks when Martin goes after Shakil in the middle of the market, much to Bex’s embarrassment and she refuses to

Meanwhile, Ben tries to make things up with Kathy.

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! 07:25 Ellen DeGeneres 08:05 The Cube 08:50 Emmerdale 09:20 Coronation Street 10:20 Ninja Warrior UK 11:20 Catchphrase 12:20 The Xtra Factor 13:20 Emmerdale 13:50 Coronation Street 14:50 Ellen DeGeneres 15:45 Jeremy Kyle 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Film - Hot Fuzz (14) 00:25 Family Guy 01:25 The Vampire Diaries 02:25 American Dad! 02:50 Film Couples Retreat (PG) 04:45 The Vampire Diaries ITV3 07:00 You’re Only Young Twice 07:25 Sherlock Holmes 09:30 Agatha Christie’s Marple 11:30 Film - Anne of Green Gables (PG) 13:10 Lewis 15:10 Agatha Christie’s Marple 17:10 Film - Carry on Girls (PG) 19:00 Long Lost Family 20:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple 22:00 The Suspicions of Mr Whicher 00:00 LewisPG 02:00 Sherlock Holmes 03:50 A Touch of Frost ITV4 07:00 The Wine Show 07:55 The Chase 08:45 Quincy, ME 09:45 Ironside 10:50 The Professionals 11:55 The Chase 12:55 Cash Cowboys 13:55 Pawn Stars 14:50 Minder 15:50 Quincy, ME 16:55 Ironside 18:00 Minder 19:00 Cash Cowboys 20:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 Film - Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (PG) 23:00 Film The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (PG) 00:45 Film - The Deer Hunter (18) 04:20 Minder 05:05 ITV4 Nightscreen

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack Elsewhere, when the social worker returns to the Mitchell house, Sharon breaks down in front of Jay as she struggles with her ambition to give Phil the perfect Christmas. Also today, Roxy receives a shock, while Dot turns down an invite to join Abi when she spends Christmas with her mum.

In Holby City, A terrifying blast from the past upsets Dom’s plans for a perfect Christmas with Isaac. In true Naylor fashion, Jac pushes her closest friend

away as she waits for lifechanging news. Fletch is unnerved when he hears from his estranged father, but will it ruin AAU’s Christmas?

CODE CRACKER Code Cracker is a crossword puzzle with no clues; instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number. In this week's puzzle, 3 represents Y and 26 represents H, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

Across 23 Precious stone (3) 10 Incompetent 1 Portable com24 Ball holder (3) (5) puter (6) 26 Part (5) 11 Annoy (5) 5 Monitor (6) 29 First rate (3) 12 Spasm (5) 8 Neckerchief (8) 33 Be unsuccess13 Abrupt (5) 9 In the distance ful (4) 14 Edge (5) (4) 34 Good compa15 South 10 Rascal (3) ny (8) American animal 12 Provide (5) 35 Harsh (6) (5) 15 Allow (3) 36 Colour (6) 16 Name (5) 17 Hearing organ Down 25 Avoid (5) (3) 2 Frighten (5) 27 Give out (5) 18 Unwell (3) 3 Neat (4) 28 Overconfident 19 Female sheep 4 Black and (5) (3) white bear (5) 30 Stringed 20 Pungent (5) 5 Serpent (5) instrument (5) 21 Appropriate 3) 6 Growl (4) 31 Run away (4) 22 Verve (3) 7 Rub out (5) 32 Telephone (4) Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Forests, 5 Folds, 8 Recipes, 9 Cruel, 10 Haste, 11 Eastern, 12 Copied, 14 Statue, 17 Breathe, 19 Clasp, 22 React, 23 Abiding, 24 There, 25 Treason. Down: 1 Forth, 2 Races, 3 Supreme, 4 Sister, 5 Faces, 6 Loudest, 7 Silence, 12 Cabaret, 13 Prepare, 15 Tactile, 16 Depart, 18 Titre, 20 Adios, 21 Pagan.

Scribble Pad

DOUBLE CROSS-WORD Solve the Double Cross-Word puzzle using either the standard or cryptic clues, the answers are exactly the same.

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 7 Fix up extremely remarkable couple (6) 8 Raise a right row for a commotion (6) 9 Be eating the thing making for a light meal (4) 10 In casual shirt about Prince I’d be fearless (8) 11 Calls for more or scene changes (7) 13 Cathy’s replacement vessel (5) 15 The females started walk out, chaps (5) 17 Ruddy convert did hers (7) 20 Dismantle a tub, late and make a table (8) 21 Stop to get some tobacco (4) 22 Rinses out lures (6) 23 Labour leader left West African country for the peninsula (6)

Down 1 Not all umpires ignore call to quit (6) 2 Novice leads expert in tie (4) 3 Commended form of despair (7) 4 It is bogus to encompass enthusiasm (5) 5 Carte blanche for an unpaid employee (4,4) 6 Salad vegetable which is hard to chop up (6) 12 Sue drove terribly because she was worn out (8) 14 Cook the rice for the nonconformist (7) 16 Wild animals but it’s all right a park exists (6) 18 Is put off by Penny, which is daft (6) 19 Wood from tribal saplings (5) 21 Anyway take a sly look (4)

STANDARD CLUES

Down 1 Quit (6) 2 Do up (4) 3 Admired (7) 4 Enthusiasm (5) 5 Complete discretion (4,4) 6 Edible root (6) 12 Worn-out (8) 14 Dissenter (7) 16 Giraffe-like animal (6) 18 Unintelligent (6) 19 Light weight wood (5) 21 Steal a look (4)

Across 7 Mend (6) 8 Tumult (6) 9 Sink your teeth into (4) 10 Fearless (8) 11 Reappearances (7) 13 Boat (5) 15 Ladies (5) 17 Ruddy (7) 20 Put into a table (8) 21 Stopper (4) 22 Warning signals (6) 23 European peninsula (6)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Base, 3 Knockers, 9 Rollers, 10 Incas, 11 Bingo, 12 Ardour, 14 Rotund, 16 Fasten, 19 Muscle, 21 Dwelt, 24 Loner, 25 Recluse, 26 Assisted, 27 Beta. Down: 1 Beriberi, 2 Salon, 4 Nassau, 5 Cried, 6 Encrust, 7 So-so, 8 Bemoan, 13 Anathema, 15 Truants, 17 Addict, 18 Dear me, 20 Cords, 22 Educe, 23 Flea.

FILL IT IN Fit the words into the boxes.

3 letter words Ale Bid End Lad Oar Old Pre Pro Rib Roe She SOS Tow Ups

4 letter words Ammo Been Dais Isle Pops Rubs 5 letter words Anise Ewers Holes Sabre Sided State Union

Voter 6 letter words Amoral Arable Dapple Eleven Impede Seesaw Spouse Worsen 7 letter words Suspend Useless

SPANISH-ENGLISH CROSSWORD

Improve your Spanish - clues in Spanish, answers in English or vice versa.

Across 7 Palacio (6) 8 Líder (6) 9 Nothing (4) 10 Pepper (vegetable) (8) 11 Pluma (de ave) (7) 13 To drink (5) 15 Skiing (5) 17 Lechuga (7) 20 Silbidos (con los labios) (8) 21 To praise (4) 22 Lapel (6) 23 Abbots (6)

Down 1 Desfile (6) 2 For (intended for or going to) (4) 3 Afterward (7) 4 Llama (de fuego) (5) 5 Acera (8) 6 Hervidor (6) 12 Jueves (8) 14 Monthly (7) 16 Escuela (colegio) (6) 18 Capilla (religioso) (6) 19 Limpio (casa, cuarto) (5) 21 Plomo (metal) (4)

Quiz Word Across 7 According to Greek mythology, what was the name of the old man who ferried the souls of the dead across the River Styx? (6) 8 Dorothy who starred in the Bob Hope, Bing Crosby ‘Road’ films? (6) 10 Tallinn is the capital of which Baltic country? (7) 11 What type of (kidskin) leather has the flesh side rubbed to make a velvety nap? (5) 12 Zn is the chemical symbol for which metallic element? (4) 13 In Coronation Street, what was Stan and Hilda’s surname? (5) 17 What was the surname of the German-born musician who, in 1858, founded an orchestra in Manchester that bears his name? (5) 18 Which staff of office lies on the table in the House of Commons when the Speaker is in the chair? (4) 22 What was the title of Lulu’s first UK Top 10 hit single? (5) 23 Which daughter of King Minos fell in love with Theseus and gave him a thread in order to find his way out of the Minotaur’s labyrinth? (7) 24 Which number is represented by the letters XI in Roman numerals? (6) 25 Which rock group consisted of Sting, Andy Summers

and Stewart Copeland? (6) Down 1 What name is given to a vigorous, light, or playful com-

position, typically comprising a movement in a symphony or sonata? (7) 2 Which cocktail is made from gin and dry vermouth? (7) 3 Which 1690 battle is celebrated annually by Protestants in Northern Ireland on July 12? (5) 4 In the children’s television programme The Herbs, what was the name of the friendly lion? (7) 5 In golf what name is given to a score of one stroke over par at a hole? (5) 6 Which is the first sign of the zodiac? (5) 9 David Coverdale replaced who as lead singer of Deep Purple in 1973? (3,6) 14 Which creature is known as a puma or jaguar in North America? (7) 15 Stanley who was British prime minister three times between 1923 and 1937? (7) 16 Which Phoenician princess was denounced by Elijah for introducing the worship of Baal into Israel? (7) 19 Which Test cricket ‘trophy’ is contested by England and Australia? (5) 20 Which Greek poet was the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey? (5) 21 Which industrial city in eastern France north of Lyons is famous for its mustard? (5)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH

SUDOKU

Each week we cover a different topic to help you enlarge your Spanish vocabulary.

1. Which composer wrote The Water Music? 2. In Pop music, which two herbs go with 'Parsley & Sage'? 3. Which land did Puff The Magic Dragon live in? 4. What word means gradually getting louder and louder? 5. What is the name of the Russian stringed instrument with a triangular body?

1. Handel, 2. Rosemary and Thyme - Scarborough fair, 3. Honalee, 4. Crescendo, 5. Balalaika

ANSWERS

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Wordsolution Across:7 Hermes, 8/9 Bolton wanderers, 10 Swansea, 11 Serge, 12 Lair, 13 Idaho, 17 Sorry, 18 Polo, 22/25 Death Valley, 23 Rutland, 24 Empire. Down: 1 Thistle, 2 Croatia, 3 Welsh, 4 Borscht, 5 U-turn, 6 Andes, 14 Yoghurt, 15 Coracle, 16 Dogdays, 19 Adder, 20 Zappa, 21 Stoat.

UHA CGNS B O L A A WO G R A MN N H V Z W GB B GOP S K A DORJ A I I P S A E I Z X S A L P J T L OI GGA OOML B C U B O B M WA E RQRI DE H F E E A OV P R A RCF K L X G OR ME MGA C NDCT UI J S V RA ONA CR

ACANTILADO

GAVIOTA

ALETAS

MAR

ALGAS

OLAS

BANDERA

PALA

BARCO

PEZ

BURRO

RED

CANGREJO

REMO

CANOA

SOMBRERO

CONCHA

SOMBRILLA

CUBO

TUMBONA

FARO

Empareja estas palabras - Match the Spanish and English words You will find the answers at the bottom of the quiz. 1. el barco, 2. el mar, 3. el remo, 4. el faro, 5. la pala, 6. el cubo, 7. la sombrilla, 8. la bandera, 9. el cangrejo, 10. la gaviota, 11. la tumbona, 12. el pez, 13. el burro, 14. las aletas, 15. la concha, 16. la red,

Soduko

17. las algas, 18. la canoa, 19. el acantilado, 20. el sombrero, 21. las olas. a. cliff, b. flag, c. donkey, d. boat, e. shell, f. umbrella, g. fish, h. canoe, i. waves, j. hat,

Span - Eng

Quizword

k. bucket, l. spade, m. seaweed, n. lighthouse, o. net, p. oar, q. crab, r. flippers, s. sea, t. seagull, u. beach chair. Answers: 1d, 2s, 3p, 4n, 5l, 6k, 7f, 8b, 9q, 10t, 11u, 12g, 13c, 14r, 15e, 16o, 17m, 18h, 19a, 20j, 21i,

music QUIZ

CONCHA S P UA J B X C RB J T RV I S L T A OV P A CA NT I L B MQOL MV UA DB X GE R R K MA Z T R X V U WE A OP NT L S D P F OA A RB T U J A MZ X G WZ A F H D A RE DNA B K E P UP CJ

Fill It In

Wednesday 21st December

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Christmas City 11:00 Christmas Kitchen 12:15 Homes Under the Hammer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Film - Puss in Boots 16:05 Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos 16:20 The Nativity 16:50 Film Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind 20:30 A Question of Sport Sue Barker hosts the light-hearted sports quiz with team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell. All the regular rounds will have a festive twist as the guests look back on the sporting year of 2016 21:00 Watchdog Consumer series with Matt Allwright, Sophie Raworth and Steph McGovern 22:00 Six Wives with Lucy Worsley Observing the disastrous wedding night of Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves, Lucy describes Henry’s success at annulling the wedding due to non-consummation. Whilst this is humiliating, Anne would out live both Henry and his later wives and become the richest woman in England 23:00 News 23:45 Mrs Brown’s Boys 00:15 Who Do You Think You Are? 01:15 The Apprentice 02:20 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:25 News

07:05 Christmas City 07:50 Bargain Hunt 08:35 Coastal Path 09:05 Great British Menu 09:35 Film Flight of the Navigator 11:00 Robot Wars 12:00 Money for Nothing 13:00 Olympia International Horse Show 14:00 Natural World 14:45 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 15:15 This Farming Life 16:15 World’s Sneakiest Animals 17:00 Full Steam Ahead 18:00 Back in Time for Christmas 19:00 The Real Marigold Hotel 20:00 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites Mary gets everyone in the mood with her mulled wine and mini filo beef wellington canapés 20:30 University Quiz

Christmas Challenge

21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals The four remaining chefs battle for the all-important place in the final three, and the chance to go on the trip of a lifetime 22:00 The Big Life Fix with Simon Reeve The team build life-saving equipment for brothers Morgan and Aiden, who suffer from cystic fibrosis 23:00 Insert Name Here 23:30 Premier League Show 00:00 Lenny Henry: A Life On Screen 01:00 Planet Earth II 02:00 Black is the New Black 02:30 The Selfless Sikh: Faith on the Frontline 03:00 This Is BBC Two

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale Moira hits self-destruct 20:30 Coronation Street Aidan gives in to his feelings 21:00 This Time Next Year Davina McCall meets more members of the public who pledge to make a change in their lives one year from now - then catches up with them 12 months on to see how they have got on. They include a former soldier who wants to represent his country in the sporting arena, three truck drivers battling the bulge and a man who hopes his days in a wheelchair are numbered 22:00 In Plain Sight In the early hours of New Year’s morning the Smart family, Peter, Doris and 12-year-old Michael are all shot dead in their beds, Manuel is arrested and Muncie is determined to elicit a confession from him 23:00 News 23:40 Film Wanted (18) 01:40 Jackpot247 04:00 ITV Nightscreen

07:00 The King of Queens 07:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:15 Frasier 09:15 The Big Bang Theory 10:15 The Simpsons 11:10 Film - The Last Mimzy (PG) 13:00 News 13:05 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 13:25 Film - The Holiday Tree 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Coast vs Country 17:00 Deal or No Deal on Tour 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 21:00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The presenter heads to London to experience Columbia Road’s Christmas night market in Hoxton, featuring mulled wine, carols and `urban chic’ sensibilities. The event also plays host to an array of shops selling hand-made gifts and goodies 22:00 24 Hours in A&E The staff at St George’s A&E in south-west London tend to 59-year-old Debbie, who cut her hand on her lawnmower while distracted by thoughts of her son’s forthcoming wedding. Also visiting the emergency room is 70-year-old George, who eye has been impaled by a piece of driftwood

07:00 Milkshake 10:45 Giants Live Series World’s Strongest Man 11:45 Film The Nutcracker Sweet (PG) 13:20 Film - The Elf That Rescued Christmas 14:55 Film - The Christmas Gift 16:35 Film - Christmas Under Wraps 18:20 Film The Borrowers 19:55 News 20:00 Giants Live Series World’s Strongest Man Action from the Giants Live Strongman World Tour in Yorkshire where athletes go into battle at a sell-out Doncaster Dome with Eddie Hall defending his title as Britain’s Strongest Man 21:00 The Dog Rescuers At Harmsworth Animal Hospital, an English bull terrier sports a worrying lump. South Godstone Animal Centre must contend with more than 40 furry residents, but can they re-house puppy Obi? Inspector Joynes rescues an abandoned spaniel

22:00 The Trafford Centre: Countdown to Christmas Her team race to decorate the centre, but will Nikki’s dreams of a glitzy switch-on ceremony be ruined by traffic troubles? Young apprentice Reiko faces a tough night 23:00 Alan Carr’s 12 Stars in his new role, and Santa of Christmas 00:05 Micky arrives by water Flanagan: Back in the Game 01:05 Bear’s Wild 23:00 Chas and Dave’s Weekend With Miranda Xmas Knees Up 23:55 02:05 Music on 4 03:00 Greatest Ever Christmas Liberty of London 03:55 Songs 01:50 SuperCasino Sarah Beeny’s Four 04:10 Xmas Excess: Rooms Parents Splash the Cash

DON´T MISS

IN PLAIN SIGHT

ITV 22:00

SOAPS

In Emmerdale, Moira turns up late for an important business meeting as she’s hungover. She’s also in such a bad state that she messes up the pitch. Moira gets so upset about

The day after Isabelle Cooke disappears, Manuel hands himself in to Muncie with an alibi for his movements of the previous 24 hours, leaving him free once again. Four days later Peter and Doris Smart and their 12-year-old son are shot dead in their beds. The killer takes care to dispose of their bodies and the gun used to do the deed, but also pockets 15 one-pound notes found in Peter Smart’s wallet. On discovering that the previously flat-broke Manuel had been generously buying rounds of drinks on New Year’s Day, Muncie begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

the day’s events that she confides in Pete and it’s not long before they share a kiss. When Leyla turns up at the farm looking for Pete, will she realise what happened between him and Moira? Meanwhile, Doug suggests that Laurel should reconsider full-time care for Ashley. Laurel refuses, but could a conversation with Aaron change her mind? Elsewhere, Jimmy returns to the village, but Nicola is

furious when she sees him heading off for a pint with Rodney rather than going straight to her to make amends. Also today, Finn tells Tracy that he’s worried he is no good in bed. In Coronation Street, Kirk calls at the salon flat and is unimpressed to find Maria hungover and Adam in a state of undress after spending the night. Maria snuggles down to watch TV with Liam, but in her hungover state she falls

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! 07:25 Ellen DeGeneres 08:05 The Cube 09:00 Emmerdale 09:30 You’ve Been Framed! 10:05 Ninja Warrior UK 11:10 Small Soldiers (PG) 13:20 Emmerdale 13:50 You’ve Been Framed! 14:50 Ellen DeGeneres 15:45 Jeremy Kyle 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Film Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (14) 00:10 Family Guy 01:10 American Dad! 02:05 Celebrity Juice 03:05 Release the Hounds 03:55 Film - Bachelorette (15) ITV3 07:00 The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes 08:50 Casablanca (PG) 11:00 Goodbye, Mr Chips (PG) 13:00 Lewis 15:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple 17:00 Film - Carry On: Follow That Camel (PG) 18:55 Long Lost Family 20:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple 22:00 Les Dawson Forever 23:00 Les Dawson: An Audience With That Never Was 00:05 Lewis 02:00 The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes 03:55 Film Goodbye, Mr Chips (PG) ITV4 07:00 The Wine Show 07:55 The Chase 08:45 Quincy, ME 09:45 Ironside 10:50 The Professionals 11:55 Goodwood Classic Cars 12:55 Cash Cowboys 13:55 Pawn Stars 14:50 Minder 15:50 Quincy, ME 16:55 Ironside 18:00 Minder 19:00 Cash Cowboys 20:00 Pawn Stars 20:55 Mr Bean 22:00 Film - The Living Daylights (PG) 00:45 Film - Jackie Brown (15) 03:50 Quincy, ME 04:40 ITV4 Nightscreen

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack

asleep. Later, Liam heads to the kitchen, where he switches on a gas ring. Kirk returns to the flat and immediately notices the smell of gas. He quickly orders Liam out and then follows, carrying a groggy Maria. Later in The Rovers, Kirk tears a strip off Adam, blaming him for plying Maria with drink. When Adam makes a disparaging remark about Maria, Aidan loses it and punch-

es Adam in the face.

reciprocate?

As Maria arrives at the pub, she spots Aidan clutching his hand. Beth explains that he was defending her honour. Touched, Maria takes Aidan back to her flat. As Aidan gazes into Maria’s eyes, he admits he’s fallen in love with her. Will Maria

Meanwhile, Gary presents a hungover Faye with a list of jobs to do by way of punishment for her behaviour. When Bethany tries to apologise to Gary, he gives her short shrift.

Thursday 22nd December 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Christmas City 11:00 Christmas Kitchen 12:15 Homes Under the Hammer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Film - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause 16:10 The Nativity 16:40 Film - How to Train Your Dragon (PG) 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind John Humphrys quizzes comedian Mitch Benn, news presenter Reeta Chakrabarti, CBBC’s Mark Rhodes and triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee 20:30 EastEnders It’s the first night of the Walford Players Christmas show Will all go to plan? 21:00 Who Do You Think You Are? Ricky Tomlinson discovers that he comes from generations of carters, who transported goods on Liverpool’s docks when the city was the British Empire’s busiest port 22:00 The Royle Family Nana is now the centre of attention after moving in and Antony is a successful businessman. Denise is pregnant again and sporting fancy hair extensions, while Cheryl is still trying to lose weight and looking for love 23:00 News 23:45 Mrs Brown’s Boys 00:15 Katherine Jenkins Home for Christmas 01:15 Have I Got News for You 01:45 Weather for the Week Ahead 01:50 News

07:00 Christmas City 07:45 Bargain Hunt 08:30 Coastal Path 09:00 Great British Menu 09:30 Film The Fox and the Child 11:00 Robot Wars 12:00 Money for Nothing 13:00 Film - Pal Joey (PG) 14:45 Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas 15:15 This Farming Life 16:15 World’s Sneakiest Animals 17:00 Full Steam Ahead 18:00 Back in Time for Christmas 19:00 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 19:30 The Cook Who Changed Our Lives Nigella Lawson narrates this profile of Milanese cook and food writer Anna Del Conte, now aged 91, whose recipe books changed Britain’s attitudes to Italian food 20:30 University Quiz

Christmas Challenge

21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals The three outstanding chefs face one last challenge 22:00 Close to the Enemy Preparations for Dieter’s wedding are underway. Employing the same tactics as Callum, Kathy finally confronts Bergit about her activities, forcing her to realise that her options are limited 23:00 QI 23:30 Mock the Week 00:05 Film - Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (14) 01:30 The Big Life Fix with Simon Reeve 02:30 The Apprentice 03:30 The Apprentice: You’re Fired 04:30 Who Do You Think You Are? 05:30 This Is BBC Two

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale Leyla discovers Pete’s secret 20:30 Tonight Tom Bradby explores the Brexit vote in Britain and how it revealed a deeply divided nation, while in America, the election of Donald Trump signalled a rejection of the elite 21:00 Emmerdale Will Jacob be okay? 21:30 Countrywise Liz Bonnin finds out about woodland festive ingredients in Delamere Forest in Cheshire, while Ben Fogle helps with renovation work on Castle Howard’s gold dome in Yorkshire 22:00 Extraordinary Weddings Ian and Ellen have been together for 23 happy years, two years ago their worlds were turned upside down when Ellen was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so they decided to get married while the bride was still healthy enough. David and Nicky aim to make it down the aisle but David is paralysed from the chest down after an accident 23:00 News 23:40 Film Shaun of the Dead (18) 01:30 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen

07:20 The King of Queens 07:45 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:35 Frasier 09:30 The Big Bang Theory 10:25 The Simpsons 11:25 Film Space Chimps 13:00 News 13:05 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 13:10 Film Nothing Like the Holidays (PG) 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Coast vs Country 17:00 Deal or No Deal on Tour 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 21:00 The Secret Life of the Zoo With Christmas fast approaching, the keepers try to get the animals into the festive spirit. Stockings have been hung for the Sumatran orangutan family, only for eightyear-old Indah to open everyone’s for then and there’s concern about the health of python Bali, who has been off her food for more than three months. Malayan tapirs Marjorie and Bitong welcome a baby, although the new dad is not happy when his daughter comes between him and his partner 22:00 The World’s Most Expensive Toys While the rest of us search out bargain toys on the high street and online, the UK’s millionaires and billionaires use a network of bespoke, high-end suppliers of luxurious gifts and entertainment 23:00 Alan Carr’s 12 Stars of Christmas 00:05 Gogglebox 01:10 Father Ted 03:05 The Simpsons

07:00 Milkshake 11:30 Film - The Water Babies 13:20 Film - James and the Giant Peach 14:50 Film - A Christmas Story 16:35 Film - The Count of Monte Cristo (PG) 19:10 Traffic Cops 20:00 Giants Live Series World’s Strongest Man In Martinsville, Indiana, athletes take on the searing heat as well as each other for the title of ‘North American Champion’ with the top three performers progressing to the final of World”s Strongest Man 21:00 Santa Makes You Laugh Out Loud Iain Lee narrates a seasonal clip compilation guaranteed to make Santa laugh his Christmas socks off, featuring all of the funniest Christmas videos on the internet. Comedians Zoe Lyons, Ellie Taylor and Marlon Davis are on hand to enjoy all the fun, including side-splitting Santa fails, Christmas dinner disasters, priceless present reactions and the grumpiest dressed-up pets 22:00 The Peter Kay Story Documentary tracing the remarkable career of one of Britain’s bestloved and most successful comedians, charting Peter’s journey from humble beginnings to superstardom 23:35 Peter Kay at the Comedy Store 00:05 The Graham Norton Story 01:25 SuperCasino 04:10Christmas Makes You Laugh Out Loud

DON´T MISS THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE TOYS

Channel 4 22:00

SOAPS

In Emmerdale, at The Woolpack, Leyla is surprised when she hears about the kiss between Moira and Pete. After drinking too much at the pub, Moira heads out to get inside the van and refuses to listen when Cain warns her against drink-driving. Moira ends up driving straight towards

While the general public search out bargain toys on the high street and online, the UK’s millionaires and billionaires use a network of bespoke, high-end suppliers of luxurious gifts and entertainment. This documentary explores the world of the craftspeople and inventors attempting to realise the dreams of Britain’s wealthiest by creating luxurious gifts and entertainments, with this network of bespoke, high-end suppliers making everything from crystal-encrusted rocking horses to £22,500 doll’s houses.

Jacob, forcing Pete to step in and push him out of the way. Sadly, this only leads to Pete being knocked down himself. Meanwhile, Laurel tries to talk to the kids about Ashley’s future, but Gabby is upset because she thinks Laurel is giving up on him. Sandy is also devastated over Ashley’s rapid deterioration. Is there anything Laurel can do? Elsewhere, Lisa is annoyed when Zak admits that he hasn’t told Joanie about his new role as Father Christmas. With little Kyle now in the queue to see Santa, will Zak be caught out or will Ronnie

come to his rescue? Also, Tracy is hopeful that Finn and Kasim will take things to the next level tonight.

In the second episode, Emma and Leyla both want answers after the road accident, but Cain covers for Moira and claims that he was responsible. Moira is guilt-ridden over Cain taking the blame to get her out of trouble. Soon afterwards, the situa-

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Ellen DeGeneres 07:50 The Cube 08:45 Emmerdale 09:15 Coronation Street 09:45 You’ve Been Framed! 10:15 Ninja Warrior UK 11:15 Film - See Spot Run (PG) 13:20 Emmerdale 13:50 Coronation Street 14:20 You’ve Been Framed! 14:50 Ellen DeGeneres 15:40 Jeremy Kyle 18:50 You’ve Been Framed! 19:20 Film - The Amazing Spider-Man (PG) 22:00 Educating Joey Essex 23:00 Celebrity Juice 00:05 Family Guy 01:30 American Dad! 02:30 Celebrity Juice 03:25 Film Wild Child (PG) 05:05 Scorpion 05:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 06:15 You’ve Been Framed! 06:40 ITV2 Nightscreen ITV3 07:00 The Return of Sherlock Holmes 09:00 Lewis 11:00 Film - Clash of the Santas 13:00 Lewis 14:55 Agatha Christie’s Marple 17:00 Film - Carry On Cowboy (PG) 18:55 Long Lost Family 20:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple 22:00 Les Dawson Forever 23:00 Lewis 01:00 Inspector Morse 03:00 Film - Clash of the Santas 04:45 A Touch of Frost ITV4 07:00 The Wine Show 07:55 Goodwood Classic Cars 08:45 Quincy, ME 09:45 Ironside 10:50 The Professionals 11:55 Goodwood Festival of Speed 12:55 Cash Cowboys 13:55 Pawn Stars 14:55 Minder 15:55 Quincy, ME 16:55 Ironside 18:00 Minder 19:00 Cash Cowboys 20:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 The Chase 22:00 Film - Tomorrow Never Dies (PG) 00:25 Bundesliga Football Highlights 01:30 Film Ronaldo (PG) 03:20 1966: A Nation Remembers

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack tion gets much worse when Jacob suddenly collapses.

Also, Zak offers to get Lisa a free Christmas tree from Home Farm.

Later, Pete and Jacob both need emergency medical attention at the hospital, while the police also arrive and start asking some tough questions about the accident. Will Cain continue to cover for Moira?

In Eastenders, Martin tries to cheer up Bex after this week’s events, but she refuses to listen to him and storms off.

Meanwhile, Laurel is surprised when she sees that a Christmas tree has suddenly been put up at home. How did it get there? And is it a sign of happier times to come?

Stacey has some advice for Bex, but will she listen to it?

Elsewhere, Finn tries to get over his worries about sleeping with Kasim.

Meanwhile, it’s the first night of the Walford Christmas Show and

there’s a sold-out audience eagerly anticipating the performance. Will it go according to plan? Elsewhere, when Phil drops a bombshell on Billy, Jay witnesses the suspicious conversation. Jay is devastated when he asks Phil for answers and realises what they were talking about. Also today, Sharon shares a heartfelt plea with Ben, urging him to understand Phil’s behaviour and to be there on Christmas Day. Finally, as Whitney continues to worry about Lee’s strange behaviour, he tries to get another loan.

Friday 16th December 2016

Collar of bacon

Food & Drink

Ireland’s national dish, collar of bacon, but you’ll need to start this recipe a day ahead. Ingredients 2 kg higher-welfare bacon collar 2 onions 2 carrots 1 leek 1 bulb of garlic olive oil 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 750 ml white wine NETTLE MASH 1.5 kg Maris Piper potatoes 1 kg nettles or spinach 100 g butter

100 ml milk 150 ml single cream HERB CRUMB fresh flat-leaf parsley 200 g fresh white breadcrumbs 2 teaspoons English mustard Method Soak the bacon overnight in a pot of cold water. The next day, preheat the oven to 120ºC/gas ½. Drain and rinse the bacon. Peel and dice the onions and carrots, trim and dice the

leek, then separate and peel the garlic cloves. Heat a splash of oil in a large, heavy-based pan or casserole. Add the onion, carrot, leek, garlic and thyme and cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes, until soft. Add the wine and collar of bacon, cover, and cook in the oven for 2 hours, or until a knife comes out clean when it pierces the meat. About 15 minutes before the bacon is done, start the nettle mash. Cube the potatoes, then place in a saucepan of cold salted water. Bring to the boil and cook for about 25 minutes, or until soft. Wearing rubber gloves, wash the nettles, then blanch in a pan of boiling water. Drain and finely chop. Rest the bacon in its juices for 20 minutes, then remove the layer of skin and fat. Discard the vegetables. Drain the potatoes, return to the pan, then add the nettles, butter, milk and cream. Mash well. For the herb crumb, pick and finely chop the parsley leaves, using as much as you like, then combine with the breadcrumbs and mustard. Spread on top of the meat, then slice. Serve with the nettle mash and some braised cabbage if you like.

top

Food & Drink

Dessert

Apple Tartlets Ingredients 1 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed 6 red apples, thinly sliced 1/2 cup lemonade 12 pats unsalted butter 1/2 cup superfine sugar 1/2 cup apricot preserves 1 pinch coarse sugar crystals, or as needed Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cut puff pastry into 12 equally-sized squares and arrange on a baking sheet. Dip apple slices in lemonade and place diagonally onto each puff pastry square; top each with 1 pat butter. Sprinkle superfine sugar over each square. Bake in the preheated oven until tartlet edges are golden, about 12 minutes. Bring apricot jam to boil in a saucepan; cook and stir until jam is thinned, 1 to 2 minutes. Brush jam onto warm tartlets; sprinkle each with sugar crystals.

Friday 16th December 2016

World's Best Lasagna Ingredients 1 pound sweet Italian sausage 3/4 pound lean ground beef 1/2 cup minced onion 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 (28 ounce) tin crushed tomatoes 2 (6 ounce) tins tomato paste 2 (6.5 ounce) tins canned tomato sauce 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 12 lasagna noodles 16 ounces ricotta cheese 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Method In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt,

Vodka & cranberry blush A sophisticated dinner party cocktail with a crisp cranberry kick

pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13- inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce.

Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Ingredients 200ml/7fl oz each vodka and Cointreau 600ml cranberry juice 400ml orange juice strips of peel from 2-3 limes crushed ice, to serve

Method Pour the vodka and Cointreau into a jug, then add the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir well. Pare strips of peel from 2-3 limes. Fill 12 glasses with the crushed ice, then pour over the cocktail. Finish each glass with a strip of lime peel.

Friday 16th December 2016

Glazed Ham With Coriander and Fennel

Ingredients 7-pound fully cooked bone-in ham (preferably the shank end) 2 tablespoons fennel seeds 2 tablespoons coriander seeds

1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 cup apricot preserves Method Heat oven to 375° F. Place the ham, cut-side down, on a rack set in a

roasting pan. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, using a heavy pan, crush the fennel, coriander, and peppercorns. In a small bowl, combine them with the preserves to form a glaze. Brush ¼ cup of the glaze

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin With Cherries

Ingredients 1 2-pound piece boneless pork loin ½ teaspoon ground allspice black pepper ½ cup dried cherries, chopped ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard 6 slices bacon 1 tablespoon currant jelly

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar Method Heat oven to 350° F Season the pork with the allspice and ½ teaspoon pepper and place on a rimmed baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the cherries, parsley, and mustard. Spread evenly over the pork. Lay the bacon slices crosswise over the pork,

overlapping them slightly and tucking the ends underneath. Roast for 45 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the jelly and vinegar. Brush over the bacon and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer registers 150°F; 10 to 15 minutes more. Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing and then serve.

over the ham and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Brush another ¼ cup of the glaze over the ham and bake until the ham is heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Thinly slice and serve with the remaining ½ cup of the glaze.

Food & Drink

Fig Crumb Bars

INGREDIENTS unsalted butter, at room temperature, for the baking pan For the filling: 10 ounces dried Calimyrna figs, stemmed and quartered ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar 2 strips orange zest, plus 2 tablespoons orange juice ¼ teaspoon salt For the crust and topping: 1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled ½ cup sugar ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut up 1 large egg Method Heat oven to 375°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil; butter the foil. Make the filling: In a small saucepan, combine the figs, brown sugar, orange zest, and ½ cup

water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove and discard the zest. Transfer the fig mixture to a food processor, add the orange juice and salt, and process until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool to room temperature. Make the crust and topping: In a second medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Using a fork or a pastry cutter, mix in the butter and egg until a crumbly mixture forms. Make the bars: Transfer half the flour mixture into the prepared pan, pat down evenly, and spread the filling over it. Crumble the remaining flour mixture on top, leaving large clumps. Bake until pale golden, 55 to 60 minutes; let cool completely on a wire rack. Lift the bars out of the pan, using the foil to help, and cut into 16 2-inch bars.

Food & Drink

Friday 16th December 2016

Friday16th December 2016

Events Until Sunday 19 December Alicante Nativity Market

Record Of The Week! Artist – Edwin Starr Title – H.A.P.P.Y. Radio Julie, who not only runs the TKO main office at TKO Towers, but is also in charge of the Kitchen Police, has chosen this week´s Record of the Week. Julie has chosen the song because we are all really happy in the TKO and The Courier office, and this song "sums up the feelings I have every day when I walk through the door," she says, and "see the happy, smiling faces of the TKO Radio presenters." Julie also got a first class honours degree in sarcasm from the University of Queen Mary and Westfield College. H.A.P.P.Y. Radio is an upbeat song with a disco beat that you just have to tap, sing and dance along to, and the proof of that will be on TKO Radio all this week. Can you resist? By the way, seriously this time, Julie also looks after sales for all products across the TKO Media range, including The Courier and TKO Radio, and she has some excellent offers for your January marketing strategy to boost your business. Give her a call today to find out more on 616 332 178. If you would like to choose your own Record of the Week, send us the details by email to studio@tko.fm and include the name of the track and artist, and what it means to you and next week it could be your special song played every day on TKO 91.9 & 90.8fm. The Costa Blanca’s biggest and best radio station. Love Life... Love Music... Love... TKO!

Friday 16 December Rojales Just Brass Concert, Teatro Capitol Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December Guardamar Christmas Market on Av Los Pinos.

ZOMBIES IN ELCHE THIS SATURDAY We know the weather forecast isn’t looking that fantastic up until Tuesday, but for those hoping to get up to something fun and energetic this Saturday afternoon (17 December) and who don’t mind the rain, The Courier has the perfect thing: We featured similar events in other areas, but this week, the city of Elche is holding its Fifth Race against Zombies. This race has been organised by students from the university with a degree in Physical Activity Sciences and Sport. If you like to run but don’t like sports that you play on your own, this is a team game, as all participants must carry out an 8-kilometre circuit together with a teammate, so the race is carried out in pairs. However, this is no ordinary run because whilst trying to get round and complete the circuit, participants will be faced with zombie gangs jumping out from their hiding places trying to kill them. There are two prizes this year for the two people that arrive at the finish line in the fastest time and with at least one life, and another prize to the first two teams that finish the quickest and who have the most number of lives. The Race against Zombies will take place from the Paseo de la Estación in Elche, with the children’s run starting at 16:30 and the adults setting off an hour later at 17:30. For more information about this event, please visit: Carrera de Equipos contra Zombies on Facebook.

Rojales Christmas Carol Concert, Teatro Capitol Guardamar Turkey Race (with cycles rather than turkeys), and Santa Claus is coming Sunday 18 December Rojales Christmas concert, Teatro Capitol Guardamar Carol concert, Casa de Cultura La Mata Santa Claus and Christmas tree presentation Thursday 22 December Rojales Christmas spectacular, “Lluvia de Estrellas”

Where Do YOU Read The Courier? We are interested to know where you read The Courier newspaper each week. Snap a picture or a #selfie and send it to julie@tko.media and the best will appear here and on our Facebook page.

Friday 23 December Rojales Navidadlandia, Christmas concert, Teatro Capitol Orihuela Santa Parade (postponed due to bad weather) Tuesday 27 December Rojales Family circus spectacular, Teatro Capitol Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 December Guardamar Lego and robot workshop

UK BOX OFFICE

TOP 10 1 Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (3D) 2 Moana (3D) 3 Sully 4 Office Christmas Party 5 Allied 6 Arrival 7 Trolls (3D) 8 Snowden 9 Bad Santa 2 10 Befikre

Saturday 17 December Zombies in Elche The undead take to the streets of Elche.

Paul reads his in Izzys Bar

Dates Dec 21 Solstice

December

Dec 24 Christmas Eve Dec 25 Christmas Day

Dave reads his in the Marina Bar

Dec 26 St Stephen's Day Dec 31 New Year's Eve Jan 1 New Year´s Day Jan 2 New Year Extra Holiday

Ann Stewart at Edinburgh Waverly Station

Jan 6 Three Kings Apr 13 Maundy Thurday Apr 14 Good Friday

Friday 16th December 2016

Mallorca Spain's Hottest Market Just like its Balearic neighbour Ibiza, Mallorca looks as if it has smashed tourism records again this summer. Last year there were 11.5 million visitors and there is talk in the tourism office of it nearing 15 million this year. With Palma air traffic control busier in May than it was in August last year, all the signs suggest this might not be just PR puff. In property sales it is in another league to Ibiza, with prices rising across all levels of the market, and transactions up 50 per cent year on year. As security-conscious holidaymakers who might have gone to Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia add to Mallorca regulars, so do property hunters, and the three main interested nationalities are Germans, Britons and Scandinavians, according to Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, the developer. “The Germans are going mad for Mallorca at the moment: I haven’t seen this sort of appetite from them since the mid 1990s,” he says. “Everything we have is selling in Mallorca right now. We have been

increasing the prices on our new schemes between the release of their first and second phases.” While the bulk of Taylor Wimpey’s schemes in Mallorca are mostly at the affordable end of the scale — in the €250,000€300,000 range along the east coast — Engel & Völkers, the high-end agent, report a similar mix of clients, although 40 per cent of them buy in the more expensive south-west of the island. “Last year the average sale in the Puerto Andratx area was €1.2 million, and there were more sales in that corner of Mallorca than in the whole

of Ibiza for Engel & Völkers,” says Hans Lenz, managing director of the agent’s team in this region. “Property prices are already higher than at the market peak in 2007.” Mallorcas appeal on several levels. Less than two and a half hours away by plane, it is well-connected (Palma airport has the most frequent arrivals from the UK to Spain), and offers first-class infrastructure: it is much more highly evolved than Ibiza. There’s also amenities such as its well regarded medical facilities and the properties for sale. While the area around Palma is superb for year-

round living, if you want an active holiday there are dozens of marinas, golf courses and superb sports facilities such as Rafa Nadal’s vast new tennis academy that is attracting pupils from around the world, as well as the Tramuntana mountains which are a favourite training ground for cyclists. If you want beaches, there are hidden coves or great swathes of sand, there’s glitz and glamour at Puerto Andratx (where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were rumoured to have bought a villa this summer) and in the fast-evolving capital, Palma; or there are traditional towns and fishing villages that remain charmingly unspoilt in a way that many of the southern costas of the Spanish mainland have not. Property-wise, for greater value you generally need to look at the east and northeast coasts — the latter being the most affordable of the regions, according to Engel & Völkers, as it is the furthest from the airport one can get and is less rich in amenities. However, that is beginning to change with the aforementioned tennis academy in Manacor, a new American school associated with it, and a new Park Hyatt five-star hotel in Cap Vermell, with a country club. But there are also still a few pockets of the southwest where your can find greater (relative) value, too. Here we pick out a few places where you might wish to invest on the island. East coast for good value With idyllic bays, fishing villages and beaches backed by picturesque hills, the south-east corner offers everything one could want for a Mediterranean holiday, and is between 30-45 minutes from Palma airport. As you head north up the east coast it gets ever more tranquil and the coastal city of Porto Cristo is one of the hotspots, along with the medieval cities of Arta, Capdepera and Son Servera.

At Porto Cristo, there are a few properties of Taylor Wimpey’s Cala Anguila II development still for sale from €265,000 plus VAT. This is one of the few developments left with direct access to the beach, and apartments have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with spacious terraces, gardens or private roof terraces. There are also a few properties left at Taylor Wimpey’s Costa Beach development at Port Vell, a little further north up the east coast. At the time of writing, there were eight units left: two-bedroom, two-bath units from €240,000 with spacious terraces and direct beach access. Parking is provided on both projects. If you have deeper pockets, there are new villas (already built) at the new Cap Vermell development next door to the new Park Hyatt Hotel, just another short skip up the coast towards Capdepera. Here you can buy a large contemporary-style villa from €3.76 million with (paid) access to the country club, Pula golf course and the charming little beach at Canyamel. Porto Colom: it ticks all the boxes With infrastructure, the charm of the “real Mallorca” and superb beaches, Porto Colom, back down the east coast a bit is worth investigating. When the highway is upgraded to an autoroute between Llucmajor and Campos, the journey time from Palma should reduce from the current 40-45 minutes. “Porto Colom attracts both UK buyers, Scandinavians, mainland Spaniards as well as people from Palma (like me) with a weekend townhouse in the port,” says Folke Sarnmark of the agent Mallorca Houses. “They don’t come here for trendy shops or restaurants, as found in Palma, but the green landscape of rolling hills — it’s the Tuscany of Mallorca — and some of the best

beaches on the island as well as being a year-round place.” He says you can get a quality villa for €850,000 (the price of an apartment in Puerto Andratx) or there are lovely fincas or fishermen’s houses, such as one that is currently listed with his agency, at €600,000. It has three bedrooms, has been recently refurbished, and is within walking distance of the marina, restaurants and beach. Also for sale is a new four-bed townhouse for €880,000 with a spectacular roof terrace; a charming t w o - b e d r o o m Mediterranean villa that looks rather like something on the French Riviera (pictured on the previous page), for €850,000; or a southfacing penthouse in a small complex with harbour views for €695,000. Meanwhile, Chesterton International have a two-bedroom penthouse for sale in a complex for €299,000. Affordable south-west Close to the new WTA tennis facility in Santa Ponsa in the south-west is an unusual new development offering 13 bespoke villas being sold off-plan. Pueblo is the creation of developers Domus Vivendi, who are behind various successful projects across the Balearics (and Germany). It is a boutique development of three to four-bed properties (220m2) designed to recreate traditional village (pueblo) life. Its is designed to be a family-oriented scheme where neighbours meet around the central pool and sunbathing areas. Nearby are supermarkets, a golf course, Santa Ponsa centre, the super yacht marina complex (with boutiques and restaurants) of Port Adriano, and the 16 courts of the new Santa Ponsa tennis club in Calvià, mentioned above. The airport is half an hour away. Prices of the off-plan villas, which will all offer the privacy of terraces or balconies (four of which have already sold), start at €1.95 million (puebloelements.de). Owners have the choice to have a small private pool built too. “Santa Ponsa is more affordable than Andratx and Bendinat but a good, established area,” adds Lenz. “You’ll find newer projects like Pueblo that you won’t find in those areas either, due to lack of space.” He says a 300m2 three- to fourbed villa with a pool in Santa Ponsa tends to cost around €800,000 to €1.2 million — or €2.5 million if you want a sea view.

Health

Friday 16th December 2016

Can beetroot juice give you wings? Beetroot's deep, overpoweringly red juice has earned it the reputation as the most bossy of vegetables. Although the leaves have always been eaten, historically the beet root was generally used medicinally for a range of ailments, including fevers, constipation and skin problems. Beetroot is a good source of iron and folate (naturally occurring folic acid). It also contains nitrates, betaine, magnesium and other antioxidants (notably betacyanin). More recent health claims suggest beetroot can help lower blood pressure, boost exercise performance and prevent dementia. We've teamed up with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) to examine if beetroot health claims are supported by evidence.

nitrates into nitric oxide, a chemical thought to lower blood pressure. A well-conducted review of the current evidence from 2013 concluded that beetroot juice was associated with a modest reduction in blood pressure. However, further longterm trials would be needed and in people at greater risk of heart disease before we could say beetroot was clinically useful. Does beetroot aid exercise performance?

The evidence on beetroot

Another well-conducted review from 2013 looked at research linking beetroot juice to improved exercise performance. The review found that inactive and recreationally active individuals saw "moderate improvements" in exercise performance from drinking beetroot juice. However, the review noted there was very little effect on elite athletes.

Can beetroot blood pressure?

lower

Can beetroot help prevent dementia?

Beetroot is rich in nitrates. When ingested, scientists believe our body converts

A 2010 study suggested that a diet high in beetroot juice may increase blood

flow to certain areas of the brain. However, this was a small and short-term study with several limitations and as such does not provide robust evidence that a diet high in nitrates aids cognitive function. Further research is needed in larger numbers of people over a longer period. A 2014 study looked at

the effects of beetroot juice on cyclists, who were cycling in a chamber designed to mimic the effects of relatively high altitude (2,500 metres above sea level). Researchers found that cyclists given the juice had a modest but significant increase in terms of their time trial scores; on average

there was a improvement.

16-second

The dietitian's verdict on beetroot Alison Hornby, a dietitian and BDA spokesperson, says: "Beetroot and beetroot juice, along with green leafy vegetables, cabbage and celery, are very useful

as part of a balanced diet as their nitrate content may help to reduce blood pressure. "Getting active, reducing the amount of salt in your diet and maintaining a healthy weight are also key strategies for getting your blood pressure under control."

'Flashing light therapy' for Alzheimer's A flashing light therapy might help ward off Alzheimer's, say US scientists after promising trials in mice. The Massachusetts team found shining a strobe light into rodents' eyes encouraged protective cells to gobble up the harmful proteins that accumulate in the brain in this type of dementia. The perfect rate of flashes was 40 per second - a

barely perceptible flicker, four times as fast as a disco strobe. The researchers say the approach should be tested in humans. They are already seeking permission from the US regulator, the Food and Drugs Administration, and have set up a commercial company to develop the technology. Build-up of beta amyloid protein is one of the earliest

changes seen in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. It clumps together to form sticky plaques and is thought to cause nerve cell death and memory loss. Researchers have been looking for ways to prevent plaque formation using drugs, but the results have been disappointing. But Dr Li-Huei Tsai and colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology think they have found another way, using light. The mice that they studied were genetically engineered to have Alzheimer's-type damage in their brain, Nature journal reports. When the mice were put in front of the flashing light for an hour, it led to a noticeable reduction in beta amyloid over the next 12 to 24 hours in the parts of the brain that handle vision. Doing this every day for a week led to even greater reductions. Likewise, light stimulation direct to the part of the brain that deals with memory - the hippocampus - led to reductions of beta amyloid there. The researchers say the light works by recruiting the help of resident immune cells called microglia. Microglia are scavengers. They eat and clear harmful or threatening pathogens in this instance, beta amyloid. It is hoped that clearing beta amyloid and stopping more plaques from forming could halt Alzheimer's and its symptoms. Dr Tsai said: "We are opti-

mistic." The scientists say, in the future, people could wear special goggles or sit in front of a light-emitting device to get a therapeutic dose of the strobe light. For the patient, it should be entirely painless and non-invasive. "We can use a very low intensity, very ambient soft light. "You can hardly see the flicker itself. "The set-up is not offensive at all," they said, stressing it should be safe

and would not trigger epilepsy in people who were susceptible. Dr David Reynolds, of Alzheimer's Research, UK said: "Studies like this are valuable in revealing new processes implicated in Alzheimer's disease and opening new avenues for further research. "While mice used in this study showed some key features of Alzheimer's, it is always important to follow up these findings in people."

MedB Health Dr M. Mannu

Friday 16th December 2016

Do you have a flatulence problem? Flatulence is the medical term for what is colloquially known as farting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; expelling gas from the back passages. There are differing cultural attitudes towards farting. While farting is considered highly offensive in some cultures, such as the Berbers of Morocco, the Inuit Indians consider farting at the end of a meal a sign of appreciation. Farting is a normal and useful bodily process, but when excessive, it may suggest an underlying health problem. Biologists believe that the average person farts between 15 and 40 times daily! Disorders of the stomach and intestines, such as food intolerances, are a major cause of excessive farting. Lactose intolerance,

which is an intolerance to milk sugar, is a common cause of flatulence. Other sugar intolerances, such as fructose (fruit sugar) intolerances, will also cause excessive farting. Fibres prevent constipation, but they can be

difficult to digest and in many people will cause the production of intestinal gases which leads to farting. Foods such as broccoli contain compounds that produce a lot of gases during digestion. But stir-frying them will lead to

fewer problems. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help with food digestion, and their absence in the stomach and intestines leads to excessive farting. The way we eat food can also result in flatulence. When

food is rushed rather than properly chewed, air easily enters the body and must leave through the back passages. Certain food combinations are known to encourage flatulence. For example, com-

bining foods rich in protein, such as fish, with high fat and high starch foods, such as potatoes fried in butter, will encourage flatulence. Proteins combine better with non-starchy or mildly starchy carbs such as carrots and artichoke. Increased flatulence is a tell-tale sign of gastric or intestinal ulcers for those with a history of such conditions. It is a sign to take all precautions to stop symptoms from worsening - stop all stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and spicy foods. Malt and mint tea relieves most cases of flatulence. For A Full Body Scan Call MedB Clinic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 965071745, 966189074, visit www.medb.es

Some psychotic episodes 'may be triggered by immune disorders' "Sufferers of psychotic illnesses 'may have treatable immune disorder'," The Independent reports. Researchers from Oxford University found around 9% of people presenting psychotic symptoms also had signs of immune dysfunction. They found these people had antibodies in their blood

linked to a condition called antibody-mediated encephalitis. In this condition, antibodies made by the immune system mistakenly attack the surface receptors of brain cells, causing hallucinations, paranoia and delusions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a group of symptoms collectively known as psychosis. Psychosis is also common

in schizophrenia, and can occur in some cases of bipolar disorder. Psychosis caused by antibody-mediated encephalitis can sometimes be treated successfully with drugs that suppress the immune system. Researchers took blood from 228 people diagnosed with a first episode of psy-

chosis and 105 people without any mental health condition. They found 9% of people with psychosis had antibodies to a brain cell receptor, compared with 4% of people without psychosis. But this difference was so small it could have been down to chance. The results of this study are not clear-cut. The

presence of certain antibodies in the blood doesn't mean that people's psychosis was definitely caused by encephalitis, which also triggers symptoms like seizures and movement disorders. The researchers advise that people presenting symptoms of psychosis should be given a test for antibodies.

Friday 16th December 2016

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE FERRARI J50

During a special celebration held at the National Art Center in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ferrari in Japan, Ferrari revealed a new strictly limited series of bespoke cars, the J50. The Ferrari J50 is a twoseater, mid-rear-engined roadster that marks a return to the targa body style evocative of several wellloved Ferrari road cars of the 1970s and 1980s. Created by Ferrari’s Special Projects department and designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre team in Maranello, just 10 examples of the J50 will be built and, in the spirit of Ferrari’s fuori serie tradition, each one will be tailored specifically to the customer’s

requirements. Based on the 488 Spider, the J50 is powered by a specific 690 cv version of the 3.9-litre V8 that won the overall International Engine of the Year Award this year. The bodywork is all new and heralds a radically futuristic design language, with a highly distinctive personality that suits the tastes of a clientele that seeks the utmost in innovative styling. The design approach was led by the desire to create a very low-slung roadster, encapsulating intrinsic Ferrari values of nimbleness and agility. To achieve this, a strong dynamic was imprinted on the flank of the car by the converging interplay between two main guiding lines: the slanted

top edge of the side window, continuous with the windscreen, and the raked black swage line which dramatically rises from the low-set nose until it vanishes in the air intake aft of the doors. While the “helmet visor” effect, which spawns from the window graphic, is reminiscent of Ferrari’s open competition barchettas going as far back as the 1950s, the black dividing line is a novel interpretation of a recurring Ferrari styling cue seen on iconic models such as the GTO, F40 and F50. Circling around the front of the car below knee height, it is a key element which alters the perception of the beltline, setting it at a much lower height than usual, transforming the J50

into a barchetta. The bonnet section is lower at the centre with raised wheelarch crests giving the emphasized muscularity typical of Ferrari midengined sports cars. Two carbon-fibre air channels in the front bonnet create an even more diminutive and sharper looking front mass underlined by the full LED headlights that feature a specific and very dynamic profile. The J50 benefits from detailed aerodynamic development with a number of significant functional solutions. Firstly, the radiators have been positioned closer together, and the front bumper has been completely redesigned. The windscreen header rail has been

lowered allowing more airflow over the aero foil and thus over the rear spoiler. The sophisticated tail section is dominated by the artful interplay of graphic design themes and threedimensional elements. The engine is framed by a transparent polycarbonate cover which is intricately shaped to provide a visual extension of the two separate roll hoops protecting the heads of driver and passenger. A transverse aero foil projects as a bridge between the hoops, effectively revisiting one of the most distinctive features of Ferrari sports prototypes of the 1960s. The rear is decidedly aggressive in nature, with the quad taillight design widening the car visually

under a high-downforce wing profile. The rear diffuser features an extractor shape inspired by jet engine afterburners, giving the car a powerful stance. 20” forged rims of unique design were crafted specifically for this limited-edition model. Inside the cabin, specific trim adorns the sports seats, echoing the design of the rear bonnet contour to provide an unmistakable signature feature. The carbonfibre hard targa top is divided into two pieces which stow conveniently behind the seats. The J50 presented at the launch in Tokyo is finished in a special shade of threelayer red with a red-overblack interior trimmed in fine leather and Alcantara.

Friday 16th December 2016

UP TO A MILLION CT SCANS FOR A SINGLE WHEEL

A man wearing a white lab coat is examining a CT scan: “There aren’t any fractures, it’s perfect,” he says. But today we aren’t in a hospital, and the technician isn’t analysing a chest x-ray or a broken bone; we are in the Quality department of SEAT, where scientific techniques are used to verify the condition of the materials. Every year a million CT scans and X-rays are carried out. This is high technology that enables us to “extend the service life of the parts and ensure the quality of the materials”, explains materials engineer David Patiño while he picks up a wheel

and places in inside the booth. Just as if it were a medical test, Patiño has the result in under a minute: the material is compact and that ensures its durability. “Not many people are aware of the fact that a single tiny pore only half a millimetre across can cause a dent on this wheel if the driver runs into a kerb. Here we make sure that won’t happen,” he adds. Using these techniques, which enable parts to be seen in 3D and in cross sections, technicians can analyse from individual metallic material to sets of electronic components.

Testing can only be carried out by specialist engineers. A personal dosimeter hangs from David’s lab coat, which would emit a warning signal in the event of exposure to radiation. The safety measures are very strict: “We’re engineers, but we also have a special licence to work with nuclear energy, which is necessary to carry out this work,” he says as he shows us his licence. Above the ‘radioactive testing’ symbol on the booth, the red light gets turned on again, meaning that a new test is being performed. There’s science behind every detail.

Business Directory ACCOUNTING SERVICES

DRAINAGE

966 921 003 thecourier.es

LOCKSMITHS

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

ALCOHOLICS

AUTO ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

FASHION

PLUMBERS

AUTOS

CATERING

HAIRDRESSERS

HOME & GARDEN

QUIZ MASTER Experienced quiz-master /question setter with personality. If you would like a quiz master that is entertaining, and is available to host quiz nights in local bars. Tel: 664 838 581.

CHURCH SERVICES Torrevieja Christian Fellowship at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183, all welcome to their friendly and lively 10.30 am. Service each Sunday morning. Tele: 966700391 or visit our website on www.tcfspain.org.

International Christian Assembly, Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja. Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday services 11am. Children's church 11am.. For more information lease Telephone today: 966 799 273 or 660 127 276.

REMOVALS

SECOND HAND SERVICES

966 921 003 Business Directory thecourier.es SWIMMING POOL SERVICES

TELEVISION

SITUATIONS VACENT

TUITION Guitar lessons for beginners, as well as improvers. From Only 10â&#x201A;Ź per hour. Tele 966789612 or Mobile number 629975378.

VETS

WINDOWS

SNOOKER

Solar Power - Sunlife Solar Solutions have vacancies for both a Solar Installation Engineer and a Solar Thermal Engineer (or plumber with pool heating experience). Call 965 271 717 or send your CV to info@sunlifesolarsolutions.com. Insurance Sales - The EasyCover Group have a full time vacancy available in their Torrevieja / La Zenia offices. You must have previous sales experience and have lived locally for at least 5 years. A full time contract is offered to the right candidate. Send your CV and enquiries by email to martin@easyoption.com Kleeneze has now arrived in Spain and we are seeking Independent Distributors in all areas. Contact Claire on 661 856 014 or claire.twigg@hotmail.com Hair Stylist - Flexible hours to suit, Villamartin area, please telephone 966765834. Radio Sales - RADIO COSTA MEDIA needs self-employed salesperson for Torrevieja & surrounding areas. Call 685 901 265 or please email info@radiocosta.eu Got a vacancy? Advertise it here, on TKO Radio, Facebook and the internet for just 20â&#x201A;Ź, call 966 921 003.

966 921 003 thecourier.es

Business Directory

Friday 16th December 2016

RICHARD CAVENDER

BlueMoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services company on the Costa Blanca. BlueMoon Solutions comes to you at home or at work. Their personal service covers from Alicante to Pilar de la Horadada.

Richard moved to Spain ten years ago having left his management background behind in the UK and decided to use his IT skills to help home users and small businesses with their PC problems. Now a relaxed 'computer man' he is out and about in the Spanish sun every day, making house and shop calls and using his vast experience and qualifications to sort out the problem there and then. Computers are his hobby as well as his work so don’t be surprised to get an answer to your email in the early hours!

ADVICE: Michael was having issues downloading Windows updates for his Windows 7 machine.

Hi Richard, I wonder if you can help me with a problem I am having with installing and downloading updates for Windows 7. On the 20th September, I downloaded and installed successfully 32 updates, and then almost immediately a message popped up telling me that there were more updates available to install, 8 important ones in fact. I tried to download them but they just wouldn`t. In the past I know it has taken several hours to download updates and so last week I went back to England for 3 days and left the computer running to download the updates, but when I came back it was still saying 0% downloaded, the green bar was still running across the top. I then tried to check for updates, to see if there was a problem with these updates, but it also has been running since last Thursday, and still not doing anything. Again, the green bar is still running along the top. The message box informs me that the last check for updates was on 10th May 2016 and that updates were successfully installed on 20th September.I have trolled the internet for advice and have found only that support for Windows 7 will stop in 2020. I have also found a few others are also having the same problem as me.Several people offer solutions to the problem, but as always these are from experts and the advice they give is very complicated for a normal person to understand, also there a quite a lot of different views of what is and how to fix the problem and so I am reluctant to follow any of it anyway. Have you come across this problem and is it a common fault with MS Windows 7? I don’t think the updates matter to me, but I am interested to know why they won’t download. Of course, it could be something simple like my computer is not working.

Interested for your thoughts. Many thanks, regards, Michael

Hi Michael, sorry for the delay in replying I have been ill.

Yes, this is a common problem with Windows 7 and it has a few people stumped. I have found a decent solution to it that I use myself, it involves the following (before installing each of the patches, you will need to stop the Windows Update Service… 1.

Download and install the April 2015 servicing stack update from the link below…

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369 2. Download and install KB3020369, either 32 or 64 bit, depending on your operating system… 32 bit - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=46827 64 bit - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=53332 Then restart the computer and try searching for your updates again.

Website:www.bluemoonsolutions.es Email: office@bluemoonsolutions.es Mobile: 655 044 970 NEW: Tel: 965 987 032 Don’t forget, you can follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluemoonsolutionsspain/ Alternatively, why don’t you sign up for my newsletter. You can do this by going to:www.bluemoonsolutions.es/newsletter .

Friday 16th December 2016

Golf

Friday 16th December 2016

Scribes Back Swede

Henrik Stenson has been awarded the Association of Golf Writers Trophy for a second time after claiming his first major title in 2016. The Swede, who also won the award in 2013, received an overwhelming majority of votes from the association's members to claim the accolade, which recognises the person born or residing in Europe to have made the year's most out-

standing contribution to golf. Stenson prevailed in an epic final-day battle with Phil Mickelson to win The Open at Royal Troon before winning the Olympic silver medal a month later. The 40-year-old also won the BMW International Open and finished runner-up at the WGC-HSBC Champions, registering 13 worldwide top-10s during a year which saw him claim the

Race to Dubai crown. "It is always a great honour to receive the Association's award," Stenson said. "We talk about receiving recognition from your colleagues and your peers but in this instance it's great to be receiving that recognition from some of the most knowledgeable media in the sport. "So it's wonderful to be chosen as their Golf Writers Association Trophy winner and I feel

very honoured to win the award for a second time in my career. "The manner I went about this year was very pleasing from start to finish. It's been a great year for European golf and the European Tour and even though we didn't bring back the Ryder Cup, I look back knowing that winning The Open helped so much in winning the Race to Dubai. "And while Danny Willett has to be congrat-

ulated for winning the Masters, I again have to thank the Association of Golf Writers in voting me as their Golfer of the Year. I'll never grow tired of being weighed down with trophies." The AGW Chairman, the BBC Radio Golf Correspondent Iain Carter, said: “Not only is Henrik an outstanding golfer, but he is one of the game’s finest ambassadors. I think it is fair to say a great many of the

golf writers were thrilled that he secured his long awaited first major title and this was reflected in their voting. “He won the Claret Jug in fantastic style by beating Phil Mickelson in an epic duel that left the rest of the field as nothing more than bit part players. “It was a contest that will long be remembered as one of the greatest Open performances ever witnessed.”

Giving It A Go

More than 135,000 people tried out playing golf in England between April and September of this year, according to new figures. The figure is a huge rise of 47 per cent compared with the previous year, and more than nine thousand of them joined golf clubs as a result. The research comes from England Golf’s County Impact Report, which suggests that many of the organisation’s initiatives to promote the game are having an effect.

“The number of people trying golf is up 47 per cent on the same period last year and over 43,000 have taken coaching courses of at least four weeks,” said a spokeswoman. “Meanwhile, there’s a growing commitment to regular play, shown by a 26 per cent increase in new memberships, which include trial and introductory packages.” The organisation says the success is down to campaigns such as Get into golf

and Golf Express, plus the supportive role of county development officers and business growth hubs. England Golf chief executive Nick Pink said: “Clubs are at the centre of everything we do and it’s very satisfying for our county teams to work with them to achieve these results. Now, we all look forward to building on these successes and helping clubs to become even stronger.” “County development officers, working in

partnership with county unions, associations, the Golf Foundation and the PGA, connected clubs with national campaigns and helped them to recruit and retain members and strengthen their business structure,” added the England Golf spokeswoman. “Clubs have been able to take advantage of the highly successful business growth hubs, demand-led workshops and support to help them understand their local market before

making investment and marketing decisions.” Campaigns include Get into golf, supported by Sky Sports, which received over 700,000 hits on its getintogolf.org website from people interested in beginner golf opportunities. Over 730 clubs have used the website to promote more than 13,000 attract over 32,000 beginners. An increasing number of Get into golf beginners are joining clubs, with almost five thousand becoming members this

summer, compared with nearly four thousand last year. Girls Golf Rocks – a project run jointly with the Golf Foundation – successfully attracted 600 girls in nine counties to try golf, helped by the promise from young ambassadors that it’s a fun and sociable game. Over 500 went on to take coaching courses and more than 200 have become club members. Next year, Girls Golf Rocks will be run in at least 15 counties.

The Courier Sport

No Luck For Torry Despite getting back the three points from their opening day victory against Almoradi, it’s been a poor return recently for CD Torrevieja in their relegation battle, with just two points bagged out of the last 18 on offer, and their last victory being recorded at the start of November. On the back of last week’s bank holiday threetwo defeat at Crevillente, the winless run has now stretched to six matches, after Sunday’s home defeat to Paterna at the Nelson Mandela stadium. It was pretty poor stuff from both sides for the best part of half an hour before the only goal of the match came from a Duco header, when no Torry defender managed to mark him at a corner. Torry manager Pedreno sacrificed central defender

Friday 16th December 2016

Thader Blow

CD TORREVIEJA 0 PATERNA CF 1

HERCULES B 4 CD THADER 1

Pecha for Mattheus at the start of the second half and he certainly added much more sparkle to Torry attacks. Chances then came aplenty for the home side, with captain Lewis Allen leading the charge, and Robles and Soto fighting hard, as Torry had a string of opportunities, but were left frustrated and undeservedly got nothing for their efforts.

Before the holiday break, they have two big matches as they stand two points above the relegation zone. First up, they go Borriol this Sunday lunchtime, who are just above them in the table, with a three-point cushion. Secondly, they have a chance to get their first league double of the season in a crucial midweek clash at second-bottom Almoradi.

Own Goal Woe

A return of just one point against two of Almoradi’s relegation rivals is spelling out the prospect of a bleak midwinter for a side who are now second from bottom in the Valencian regional third division. They now entertain fifthplaced Alzira (11.30 am) this Sunday, ahead of a Wednesday night showdown against CD Torrevieja. New Almoradi boss Josè Ramón López (Joserra), an ex-Torrevieja coach, watched his side from the stands get a bank holiday one-all draw last week with fellow-strugglers Buñol, and then he saw them lose away to another relegation-haunted team, Muro, on Sunday. Joserra should be calling the shots from the bench this weekend, pending approval of his registration documents

Thader suffered their biggest defeat of the season at fellow promotion chasers Hercules, with the contest effectively over within the first 14 minutes, as Hercules raced to a three-nil lead

MURO CF 1 CD ALMORADI 0 lodged with the Valencian FA. The match at Muro was a pretty poor quality affair, and Almoradi suffered a blow before the start with Adrián having to go in goal after Josete was injured in the warm up. An unlucky Saul

own goal in the 11th minute was enough to sort out the game, and Muro defended stoutly, as Almoradi came a bit more into things in the second half, with Cristian Sánchez coming the closest to a leveller in the 70th minute.

Seventh Heaven

CD MONTESINOS 7 DEPORTIVO ORIHUELA CF 1 A Vaz hat-trick saw Monte continue their recent vein of high-scoring wins, but despite early pressure, it took until the 25th minute for Monet to score, when Vaz shot at goal, with the keeper parrying the ball back to him, with the striker gleefully accepting his second chance. Monte then kept up the pressure and had a clear penalty for a foul on Vaz rejected, and whilst the players complained, Orihuela

caught them napping to get the equaliser, only for German to put Monte back in front a minute from the restart with a terrific volley. Vaz made it three-one just before half-time with a 25yard-long lob over the keeper’s head, and the rout was on. A good Carlos run helped German get his second, and then Monte were five-one to the good two minutes later, as Vaz got his third, with

Orihuela trooping off in despair at the interval. Vaz could have got at least two more in the second half, including a header into the net that was ruled offside, and a header that went just wide. Aure scored twice and a brilliant afternoon of business for Monte was done and dusted, as they remain third in the group 16 table, and go to Pilar side, Grupo Caliche this weekend.

through Tarí, Predag, and Piera. Javi pulled one back for the Rojales-based side in the 34th minute, but a 67thminute strike from Dani put paid to any faint hopes of Thader getting a point, as

Hercules went up to second in the Preferente group four table. Thader dropped a place to fifth in the league, overtaken by La Nucia, and now take on mid-table Albatera this weekend.

Friday 16th December 2016

A Real Squeaker Patient Barca

REAL MADRID 3 DEPORTIVO 2

OSASUNA 0 BARCELONA 3

Sergio Ramos says there is "much to reflect on and improve" after his dramatic injury-time winner gave La Liga leaders Real Madrid victory over Deportivo last weekend. The win extended the unbeaten run of Zinedine Zidane's men to 35 matches, eclipsing the club landmark set by Leo Beenhakker's side from the 1988/89 season. It could, though, have been so different but for Real's late rally as Ramos netted a crucial goal with just moments remaining once again. "It was not a great game. We have made mistakes which have penalised us with goals against us, but we have been able to react and we have gone on to win the game despite being short of time," said Ramos, quoted on the club's official website. "There is much to reflect on and improve, we should have had a clearer game against Deportivo, although they played a great game.” "We don't think we're invincible and we'll lose at some point. But the players know that thinking positively can help us. These 35 games give us the strength to keep looking forward." Real don’t return to La Liga action until the New Year, because of their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Japan.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique praised his side for keeping their heads after a frustrating first half and beating to get back to winning ways in La Liga following three consecutive draws. Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi missed clear early chances to break the deadlock at El Sadar last Saturday, a ground where Barca had won only three of their last nine visits in the league. Osasuna squandered two chances to take a shock lead either side of the break and Suarez finally found a way through early in the second half before Messi sealed Barca's first win in four league games with a brace.

Golden Cristiano

"Every ground is difficult to win at and the pitch was heavy which complicated how we moved the ball but we go home feeling very happy,” Luis Enrique said. Osasuna remained bottom of the standings and have won only once this season, but Enrique said his side knew they would not get an easy ride. "We always seem to make it hard for ourselves and we knew it'd be a struggle. We had to get ahead, that was vital to ease our nerves," added the coach, whose side provisionally cut the gap with leaders Real Madrid to three points. "They had a chance to score and that would have complicated our lives but I'm happy with what I saw on the pitch. We knew how to wear down our opponents and in the second half we were effective in the opponent’s box." Barcelona play their final league match of the year when they entertain Espanyol on Sunday, before the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie against Alicante-side Hercules on Wednesday.

Lewis Health Scare

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo beat his arch rival Lionel Messi to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for a fourth time on Monday night. The announcement came as no surprise as it had been widely leaked last week that Ronaldo was to be announced as the winner. The 31-year-old Portugal international is now one behind Barcelona's Messi, who took the honour for a fifth time last year. Ronaldo and Messi have now won the past nine Ballon d'Or awards between them. Atlético Madrid's Antoine Griezmann finished third. Ronaldo was instrumental in Real Madrid's Champions League success last season and scored three goals as Portugal won Euro 2016. "I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times. I am pleased. I feel so proud and happy," said Ronaldo. "I have the opportunity to thank all of my teammates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award." Ronaldo's Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale finished sixth in the vote, while Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy - the only Englishman included on the 30-player shortlist - was eighth. The Ballon d'Or is voted for by 173 journalists from around the world. It was awarded by France Football from 1956 until 2010, when it became the Fifa Ballon d'Or in association with the world football's governing body. Fifa ended its association with the award in September, however, and will hand out its own prize for the world's best men's player, along with the best women's player and team of the year, at the Best Fifa Football Awards ceremony in Zürich on January 9th.

CD Torrevieja’s captain Lewis Allen will not play again this year after he fainted at the end of Sunday’s match against Paterna (report on page 45). The British player suffered some knocks to the head during the match and had to be held up by Torry officials after the final whistle, due to being disorientated. The 22-year-old was taken to Torrevieja Hospital and kept in overnight, after having a scan. He was discharged on Monday, but with his health a priority, he has been told to rest and will miss Torry’s final two games of 2016. Lewis took to social media at the start of the week to thank everybody for their concern and support, as he recovers at home.

The Courier Sport

Paying The Penalty

ELCHE 2 GETAFE 2 Two quick second-half goals spared Elche's blushes in another under-par performance, yet they could and should have won Saturday's match, as Edu Albacar (pictured) blasted his penalty high, wide, and unhandsome over the Getafe bar, to now give him two professional penalty misses after his recent flop against Mallorca. Albacar was so upset after the match that he posted on social media that he will never take another penalty, but subsequently removed that posting. The Ilicitanos final home match of 2016 saw a lot of the old problems and a rare foul-up by keeper Juan Carlos on the back of shoddy defending which saw Portillo give Getafe an early lead after just five minutes, and then the keeper looked shaky again just before the interval as Jorge Molina doubled the advantage for the visitors. After a poor first half, Elche had to get better in the second period of play, and so they did, forcing Getafe keeper Alberto Garcia to make some good saves, before Guillermo struck in the 70th minute, and Nino with his 200th professional goal, made it all-square three minutes later. Guillermo was then fouled in the box, but it wasn't to be for Albacar from the penalty spot, and though Dorca had a screaming shot that smashed off the crossbar, the Madrid-based side came away with a point, and not for the first time this season, Elche were left to reflect on what might have been. The final match for the Ilicitanos ahead of the holiday break comes tonight (Friday) away to promotion contenders Reus.

Mum Knows Best

James Rodriguez's mother said the Real Madrid striker is not going to give up on his career at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Colombia captain has struggled to cement himself in Zinedine Zidane's line-up, though he has started Real's past two matches in the Champions League and La Liga. While he completed full games against Borussia Dortmund and Deportivo La Coruna last weekend, there’s speculation over his future, but the 25-year-old's mother insists the player has no intention of leaving. "What I know is that he is playing for the club of his dreams, which is what he always wanted," Pilar Rubio told Noticias Uno. "James is not going to give up." Rodriguez has featured in eight La Liga matches this season, though only four of them have been starts, with him scoring once.

The Courier Sport With John McGregor

Super Sunday When All That Glitters….

47 FIXTURES Friday 16th December 2016 SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP 20:45 Norwich City v Huddersfield Town LADBROKES SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP 20:45 Hamilton Academical v Rangers

Third v fourth in the Premier League means that Arsenal travel to Manchester on Sunday to face a City side in a mini-crisis, though the 2-0 midweek win over Middlesbrough eased Pep’s pain. The Gunners were mown down 2 -1 at Everton on Tuesday despite leading, with Ozil and Sanchez together in scintillating form these days. But City need to put some decent results together after poor recent form, and the pressure is showing (see the column on the right!).

Southern Showdown

Big stuff at Bournemouth come Sunday lunchtime – the Cherries’ nasty neighbours Southampton are in town, and both teams are level on 21 points. This week Bournemouth picked off champions Leicester to climb to tenth place, their highest-ever in their history. What an achievement by Eddie Howe and his staff, home games rarely see gates more than 20,000, surely the visit of the Saints will see to that, and with everything even and a local derby, the match is a six-pointer.

Mersey Monday Don’t forget the biggie on Monday night, wack! The Merseyside derby sees Everton entertain their nasty neighbours Liverpool, both clubs fresh from midweek wins. After a mediocre modest run, the Blues saw off third-placed Arsenal 2 – 1 in a thriller where the Gunners were ahead, whereas the Reds thumped Middlesbrough 3 - 0 with a Lallana double. Liverpool need to win to keep up any challenge on Chelsea, but Everton won’t care about that: game on!

A Special Moment

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were on the scoresheet as Barcelona beat Saudi Arabian champions Al Ahli 53 in an entertaining friendly on Tuesday in Qatar. Before the match there was a touching scene as Lionel Messi greeted Murtaza Ahmadi, the six-year-old Afghan boy who was pictured earlier in the year sporting a makeshift Argentina shirt made from a blue-and-white striped carrier bag. Murtaza walked onto the pitch, where he hugged his idol before taking part in the team photo and placing the ball on the centre spot ahead of kick-off.

Sheikh Mansour bought Manchester City in 2009 for £265m. His ‘City Football Group’ also own Melbourne City F.C. and New York F.C. The club has since spent vast amounts of money, and even by colossally-rich clubs like Chelsea’s standards, the Blues have outspent everyone else with mega-money most Premier clubs can only dream of. City thought nothing of spending over £100m on two players during last year’s close season, with no-one batting an eyelid. On the other side of town to their mighty arch-rivals Manchester United is the fabulous Etihad stadium, aka the City of Manchester Stadium, built in 2002, which provides a fabulous stage for the football world to watch City play with a present capacity of 55,000. So, to turn all that glitter into gold is simple, isn’t it? With all the money in the world you need, a top stadium to play in, you’ve bought all the top players available, now all you need is the players to win everything: easy, eh? Ah, but this is football - you also need a good manager. In the last few years some top managers of the day have come and gone to the Etihad: Mark Hughes, Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini. Sure, some titles, some cups have been won, but nothing consistently. And there’s always ‘those’ nasty neighbours, or those irritating Londoners, and last season even a feisty, quirky, East Midlands outfit came along and spoilt the party. OK, agreed, sheikh (sic) on it - no more chancey team management, let’s cut to the chase, and get the best – who is that? Well, he’s Spanish, reputably the driving force behind Barcelona’s dominance of La Liga and Europe in the last decade. A slight setback is that the man’s currently employed by the dominant German champions Bayern Munich. But patience, money and opportunity knocked at last, and the ‘right man’ to run the team on and off the pitch is obtained. Phew, game on now… Josep Guardiola, known to the football world as ‘Pep’ duly arrived at the Etihad in the close season, and soon made his mark. Top, but apparently unfit players like Samir Nasri were soon shipped out, and to English amazement, the country’s number one goalkeeper, the well-respected Joe Hart was considered unsuitable and went west to Italy. His replacement, unsurprisingly perhaps came from Barcelona who Pep had previously worked with. At Barca, Pep had fallen out with one of the current City heroes, Yaya Toure, and the Ivory Coast man’s horrible agent ensured another clash, which soon took the cultured player out of City’s starting line up. Cut to over one-third of the season gone – are slick City top as everyone expected? Well, no actually, the Blues sit a modest fourth in the table after 16 games: seven points behind leaders Chelsea, having now won just four in all competitions. As Pep approaches the halfway mark of his first season at the club, he is suffering in almost every major statistical category when compared to Spain and Germany: winning less games, scoring less goals while conceding more. The £140m spent on the likes of John Stones, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan(out now for several months after a knee injury on Wednesday) and Claudio Bravo(papers saying yesterday that he wants to leave) is nearly double the amount spent in his first summer at Barcelona, and nearly treble the £52m spent in his first window at Bayern – ooh-er… On Sunday, Pep’s players found themselves 3 – 0 down to 14th placed Leicester City after only 20 minutes, eventually losing 4 – 2, not good. The previous weekend a nine-man City team went down 2 – 1 to imperious league leaders Chelsea. Being fined £35,000 for their part in an ill-tempered game is nothing to City, but indiscipline and key players summarily suspended is a team management problem, where players are seemingly allowed to take the law into their own hands. While an embarrassing early exit from the club for the dignified Spaniard is not credible, even in the crazy world of football, results at the Etihad just must improve, where nearby only Man United and Jose Mourinho’s suspect Red-faced performances to date this season, ease the situation slightly for everyone Blue. Seriously, City really have to do better, and quickly. Next up? Hey, it’s at the expectant Etihad on Sunday, the place where the Blues struggle most- and it’s only second-placed Arsenal coming to town…

PREMIER LEAGUE 13:30 Crystal Palace v Chelsea 16:00 Middlesbrough v Swansea City 16:00 Stoke City v Leicester City 16:00 Sunderland v Watford 16:00 West Ham United v Hull City 18:30 West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP 16:00 Blackburn Rovers v Reading 16:00 Bristol City v Preston North End 16:00 Burton Albion v Newcastle United 16:00 Cardiff City v Barnsley 16:00 Fulham v Derby County 16:00 Leeds United v Brentford 16:00 Nottingham Forest v Wolverhampton Wanderers 16:00 Sheffield Wednesday v Rotherham United 16:00 Wigan Athletic v Ipswich Town 18:30 Birmingham City v Brighton & Hove Albion LADBROKES SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP 16:00 Celtic v Dundee 16:00 Heart of Midlothian v Partick Thistle 16:00 Kilmarnock v Inverness Caledonian Thistle 16:00 Ross County v Aberdeen 16:00 St Johnstone v Motherwell SKY BET LEAGUE ONE 16:00 AFC Wimbledon v Port Vale 16:00 Bury v Oxford United 16:00 Charlton Athletic v Peterborough United 16:00 Chesterfield v Bolton Wanderers 16:00 Gillingham v Milton Keynes Dons 16:00 Northampton Town v Rochdale 16:00 Oldham Athletic v Southend United 16:00 Scunthorpe United v Millwall 16:00 Shrewsbury Town v Bristol Rovers 16:00 Swindon Town v Fleetwood Town 16:00 Walsall v Bradford City SKY BET LEAGUE TWO 13:30 Doncaster Rovers v Grimsby Town 16:00 Accrington Stanley v Plymouth Argyle 16:00 Barnet v Stevenage 16:00 Blackpool v Luton Town 16:00 Cambridge United v Crewe Alexandra 16:00 Carlisle United v Yeovil Town 16:00 Colchester United v Notts County 16:00 Crawley Town v Newport County 16:00 Exeter City v Mansfield Town 16:00 Morecambe v Cheltenham Town 16:00 Portsmouth v Hartlepool United 16:00 Wycombe Wanderers v Leyton Orient LADBROKES SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP 16:00 Dumbarton v Falkirk 16:00 Queen of the South v Dunfermline Athletic 16:00 Raith Rovers v Dundee United 16:00 St Mirren v Ayr United 18:15 Greenock Morton v Hibernian LADBROKES SCOTTISH LEAGUE ONE 16:00 Alloa Athletic v Queen's Park 16:00 Brechin City v Stranraer 16:00 East Fife v Peterhead 16:00 Livingston v Airdrieonians 16:00 Stenhousemuir v Albion Rovers LADBROKES SCOTTISH LEAGUE TWO 16:00 Arbroath v Elgin City 16:00 Berwick Rangers v Montrose 16:00 Clyde v Edinburgh City 16:00 Cowdenbeath v Forfar Athletic 16:00 Stirling Albion v Annan Athletic

Information correct at time of publication but subject to change at short notice.

Saturday 17th December 2016

Sunday 18th December 2016 PREMIER LEAGUE 14:30 Bournemouth v Southampton 17:00 Manchester City v Arsenal 17:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP 13:00 Queens Park Rangers v Aston Villa

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REAL IN FINAL

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Goals from Benzema and Ronaldo, with his 500th professional strike in the last kick of the game, gave Real Madrid a two-nil win yesterday in their Club World Cup semi-final clash against Club America in Yokohama. Real took the lead against the Mexican side just before half-time when Karim Benzema latched on to a Toni Kroos pass and sent in a shot from 12 yards. Ronaldo’s came in the third minute of injury time in the second half. Real will now take on Japan’s Kashima Antlers in Sunday’s final which will kick off at 11.30 am.

STRONG BET

Mercedes are "absolutely favourites" for the 2017 Formula 1 title, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner believes. The world champions will still be the team to beat despite new rules and the problems they are having replacing title winner Nico Rosberg, Horner says. "Mercedes have a few things going on with drivers and technical staff but they have a very strong team," he said.

STRICTLY SOCCER! Selhurst Park is the place to be early doors this Saturday as a great football weekend kicks off in south London, writes JOHN MCGREGOR. Stylish league Leaders Chelsea waltz over to the Palace – no, not that one, to Selhurst Park to take on a crazy Crystal Palace side who are out of step and all over the place. The barnstorming Blues must fancy their chances with 34 golden goals scored in 16 matches, while Palace have conceded 31, albeit scoring 28 themselves, one more than Spurs in fifth. Midweek form? Palace lost a thriller 2 – 1 to Man United…and Chelsea won 1 - 0 thanks to back-in-the-fold Fabregas at Sunderland. Hey, that’s ten wins on the trot now, and the Blues are six points clear at the top – who can stop Conte’s kids careering away with the title? West Brom are seventh – no, honest, look - league tables don’t lie. Strictly on Saturday evening (!) a resurgent Man United visit the Hawthorns, a prickly place for anyone to get a result these days. Only five defeats in 16 prove the point for Tony Pulis’s side, but United are on the up at last. Pogba and Ibrahimovic combined well against Palace on Wednesday to keep the Reds sitting securely in sixth place - but that’s still a serious six points behind nasty neighbours City in fourth - and the big must-have European places. There’s more on this weekend’s Premier League matches on Page 47.

THE COURIER No.1 for SPORT! All the action p 43-47