Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, 62, tells Closer what's in her festive fridge...
Where do you do your festive food shopping?
My mother and I do our shopping in M&S and Sainsbury’s. My son Mark, who’s a professional dancer, has just won Dancing With The Stars in the US and he’s coming home for Christmas, which is lovely. He’ll be enjoying some good home cooking from his Nan and I’m planning to get him a special coffee cake made in the shape of a mirrorball.
What do you eat on Christmas Day?
We’ll get up and have a light breakfast but as Mark will be here, we’ll probably have a glass of champagne. Then we’ll have a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. My mother does the cooking and I do the table settings and serve the drinks. I’m the “hostess with the mostess!” In the evening, we usually do a little board for the table with some salmon, dips, grapes, cheese and crackers. Everyone can help themselves.
Are there any seasonal recipes you follow?
My mother cooks her own homemade recipes and makes special roasties and Yorkshire puddings, always served with three lots of veg. You can overdose on her food! She also makes a homemade gravy with sour cream and Bovril. It’s really delicious.
Favourite sweet treats?
There are always plenty of sweets around, but Quality Street are my favourite.
Boxing Day hangover cure?
I won’t have a hangover but my mother might. She’ll probably take two Aspirins and have another whiskey!
Festive tipple
Everybody loves whiskey in this house and we drink it cold, with ginger ale. I'm also quite fond of a G&T.
Boxing Day Leftovers
Sandwiches. My mum makes a great stuffing with the turkey, so we have that with lots of mayo.
Verdict
Nutritionist Juliette Kellow says, "Like most of us at this time of year, Shirley’s fridge is packed with calorie and fat-laden foods – and it’s fine to enjoy these in moderation. It’s great to tuck into other popular festive foods too such as salmon, turkey, potatoes and veg – they’re packed with nutrients. Just watch out for all the trimmings like pigs in blankets and stuffing, which can be high in fat and salt.”