Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas brings beloved best friends Amanda Holden and Alan Carr back to the sun-drenched Andalusian village of Moclín in southern Spain for a festive special unlike anything viewers have seen before. Rather than renovation chaos and power tools, this one-hour special celebrates community, gratitude, and Spanish Christmas traditions as Amanda and Alan throw a spectacular party thanking the locals who supported their ambitious renovation journey.
The Christmas special arrives as a heartwarming extension of Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job, the wildly successful third series of the BBC factual entertainment franchise that premiered in January 2025 and captivated audiences with its blend of DIY disaster, emotional storytelling, and cultural immersion. With over 18 million viewers tuning in across the series, the demand for more Alamanda magic proved irresistible, inspiring this festive one-off special that airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during the Christmas period.
The Setting: Moclín’s Medieval Charm and Community Connection
Moclín, a picturesque 13th-century village nestled in the northwest hills of Granada province in Andalusia, serves as the geographic and emotional heart of this special. The village, famous for its panoramic views over the Sierra Nevada mountains, became genuinely important to Amanda and Alan during their renovation journey.
The original renovation project centered on Casa Alamanda, a 100-year-old crumbling townhouse located in the heart of Moclín’s village square. When Amanda and Alan arrived, the property had stood empty and neglected for 35 years, representing the broader challenge facing rural Spanish communities experiencing depopulation and economic decline.
The renovation transformed not just the building but the villagers’ relationship with their community. Ian Rutter, director of the real estate agents Granada Village & Country, observed: “One year on from filming, pride and optimism have returned to the village, and now that Casa Alamanda Moclín is available for holidaymakers to stay, it’s a wonderful full-circle moment for the villagers who’ve seen it through the full transformation.”
This context makes the Christmas special genuinely significant—it’s not merely entertainment but a genuine expression of gratitude to a community that welcomed strangers and collaborated on a transformative project.
What to Expect: Spanish Christmas Traditions Meet Alamanda Energy
The special promises to capture Amanda and Alan’s trademark mix of warmth, laughter, and delightful chaos while celebrating authentic Spanish festive customs. The program synopsis indicates multiple layers of content:
Culinary Adventures: Amanda and Alan will embrace Spanish Christmas baking, likely creating traditional treats. The series has featured previous cooking adventures—notably, episode four of the Spanish Job showcased Amanda making traditional pastries with local neighbors, an experience that created genuine bonds with the community.
Sampling Traditional Delicacies: Spanish Christmas cuisine includes distinctive regional specialties. The pair will presumably explore seasonal foods including Turrón (nougat candy), Polvorones (shortbread-like pastries), Romeritos (herb sprouts), and Jamón Ibérico (premium cured ham).
Embracing Local Customs: Spanish Christmas traditions differ markedly from British celebrations. The Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) on January 6th involves parades, gift-giving, and specific foods. The pair will likely encounter Belén escenas (nativity scene traditions), carol singing, and community gatherings.
The Spectacular Party: Most significantly, Amanda and Alan will throw a “spectacular festive party as a heartfelt thank you to the locals who helped them along the way.” This celebratory element transforms the special from observational documentary into genuine community event, likely featuring music, dancing, food, and emotional moments recognizing individual villagers’ contributions.
The Franchise Evolution: From Italian Beginnings to International Expansion
Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas represents the latest chapter in what has become a beloved franchise. The journey began with:
Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job (Series 1-2): The original format established the winning formula—renovation projects in picturesque European locations combined with cultural exploration, cooking adventures, and personality-driven humor. The Italian adventures occurred in Sicily and Tuscany, each generating significant viewership and critical acclaim.
Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job (Series 3): The move to Spain elevated the ambition. The Moclín property represented the “biggest renovation project yet” for the pair, featuring a 100-year-old three-story townhouse requiring extensive structural work, electrical restoration, plumbing overhaul, and design intervention. The series achieved approximately 8 x 30-minute episodes introducing Spanish culture, regional cuisine, and Andalusian traditions.
Continued Expansion: Following the success of the Spanish series, the franchise has been renewed for Series 4: Amanda & Alan’s Greek Renovation (Corfu), with Amanda and Alan confirming plans to tackle an island property in Greece. Amanda stated: “If I said our big fat Greek renovation, I’m sure that will give you a clue!”
The franchise demonstrates genuine creative evolution—each series expands geographic scope, increases renovation ambition, and deepens cultural engagement rather than merely repeating previous formulas.
The Host Chemistry: Amanda Holden and Alan Carr
Amanda Holden (born February 9, 1971) brings decades of television experience to the partnership. Known for Britain’s Got Talent hosting duties (since 2007), The One Show appearances, and various entertainment ventures, Holden combines professional polish with genuine warmth. In the renovation series, she balances authentic DIY participation with emotional intelligence, forming genuine connections with local community members.
Alan Carr (born June 10, 1976), the accomplished comedian and television personality, contributes self-deprecating humor alongside sincere engagement. His comedy background enables him to find humor in renovation disasters without diminishing genuine respect for the projects. The dynamic between Holden’s warmth and Carr’s comedic commentary creates genuine chemistry that audiences find compelling.
Their friendship—described as authentic rather than manufactured—forms the foundation of the franchise’s appeal. Viewers respond to their genuine enjoyment of each other’s company, their willingness to embrace discomfort and vulnerability, and their commitment to honoring the communities they work within.
Production Details: Voltage TV and BBC Collaboration
Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas is produced by Voltage TV, an independent production company specializing in factual entertainment and lifestyle programming.
Production Structure:
- Executive Producers: Claire Walls and Sanjay Singhal (Voltage TV)
- Commissioning: Catherine Catton (Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, BBC)
- BBC Commissioning Editor: Ricky Cooper
- Global Distribution: BBC Studios
The production structure reflects the BBC’s confidence in the franchise—significant investment in production values, experienced creative leadership, and international distribution partnerships indicate genuine commitment.
Cultural Impact: Tourism and Community Revival
The renovation projects have generated tangible economic and cultural benefits for the communities featured. Casa Alamanda Moclín now operates as a commercial holiday rental, with bookings starting from €195 (£170) per night in winter to €225 (£196) per night in summer, accommodating up to six guests.
Crucially, the new owners—a Welsh couple who purchased the property after filming completed—committed to contributing 15% of all rental income to a local women’s association that featured in episode four of the Spanish Job. This profit-sharing arrangement directly benefits the community that collaborated on the renovation.
The broader impact includes tourism promotion for Moclín, global visibility for rural Andalusian culture, and validation of depopulated communities’ value and potential. The franchise has inadvertently become a vehicle for rural tourism and cultural preservation.
When and Where to Watch
Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during the Christmas period (specific date and time to be confirmed by BBC scheduling). Following its initial broadcast, the special will remain available on BBC iPlayer for on-demand streaming, allowing viewers to enjoy the festive celebration at their convenience during the Christmas period and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas air?
The special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during Christmas 2025, with exact dates and times to be announced by the BBC.
How long is the special?
The special runs for 60 minutes, providing substantial time for cultural exploration, cooking adventures, and the community celebration.
Is this a one-off or part of a series?
This is a special edition rather than a regular series episode, though the franchise continues with Series 4 planned for Greece.
Can I visit Casa Alamanda Moclín?
Yes, the renovated townhouse is available for holiday rental bookings starting at €195-€225 per night depending on season, accommodating up to six guests.
What percentage of rental income goes to the community?
The property owners contribute 15% of all rental income to a local women’s association in Moclín that featured in the original series.
Will there be more Amanda and Alan specials?
Series 4 (Amanda & Alan’s Greek Renovation in Corfu) has been commissioned and will air in 2026, with filming expected in summer 2025.
Is this related to previous Italian episodes?
Yes, this builds on Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job (Sicily and Tuscany) and Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job (Moclín, Andalusia).
Where can I stream the special after broadcast?
The special will be available on BBC iPlayer for on-demand viewing following its initial broadcast.
