As we get set to cosy up on the sofa this festive season, new research from Sky Bingo has lifted the lid on the Christmas telly moments and festive Huns that Brits love most.
The research of 2000 UK adults revealed that the irrepressible Alison Hammond tops the tree, securing nearly a quarter of the Hun loving vote (23%). Whether she’s accidentally pushing a male model into the Albert Dock or making Harrison Ford descend into a fit of giggles, Hammond’s brand of warmth and ‘laugh-until-you-choke’ humour has made her the ultimate TV Hun.
She is followed closely by the late, great Dame Barbara Windsor, who earned the backing of 17% of Brits. As the Queen of the Vic, her 16-year reign as Peggy Mitchell on Eastenders provided the nation with the ultimate Xmas viewing gift.
Taking the bronze with a 12% following is Dawn French, representing the Vicar of Dibley. French remains a holiday staple, reminding us that the festive period isn’t complete
without someone hiding in a puddle.
And not to be outdone, Gemma ‘The GC’ Collins also fought her way into the top five with 9% of supporters across the nation, with her Essex drama and “diva ship” attitude.
Commenting on the research, actress and TV personality, most known for her role as Sonia Fowler on EastEnders, Natalie Cassidy said: “I think the British public voting Alison Hammond as the ‘ultimate TV Hun’, is absolutely bang on. I don’t think anyone can beat her.”
Top five ‘TV Hun’s’ of all-time
| Rank | TV Hun | % of Brits |
| 1 | Alison Hammond | 23% |
| 2 | Dame Barbara Windsor | 17% |
| 3 | Dawn French | 12% |
| 4 | Anita Dobson | 9% |
| 5 | Gemma Collins | 9% |
The study also uncovered the most legendary scenes in Christmas TV history, with Patsy and Edina’s champagne-fuelled chaos from Absolutely Fabulous in 1992 coming out on top with 17% of the selection – and with the iconic duo set to reunite on screen once again in the Amandaland Christmas special, it seems their Hun legacy is far from over.
Close behind, Dawn French’s heroic attempt to tackle four consecutive Christmas dinners in The Vicar of Dibley (1996) and Den Watts’ infamous decision to hand Angie her divorce papers in Eastenders (1986), both secured 16%, rounding out the top three.
When addressing the legendary scenes from Christmas TV history, Natalie said: “For me, it has to be The Vicar of Dibley Christmas dinners. I’ve already watched that episode twice this year. Dawn French as Geraldine is an incredible Hun.”
Top five most iconic ‘Hun moment’ in Christmas TV history
| Rank | Christmas TV Moment | % of Brits |
| 1 | Patsy and Edina’s champagne-fuelled Christmas chaos (Absolutely Fabulous, 1992) | 17% |
| 2 | Dawn French doing the four consecutive Christmas dinners (The Vicar of Dibley, 1996) | 16% |
| 3 | Den handling Angie’s divorce papers on Christmas Day (EastEnders, 1986) | 16% |
| 4 | Angie Watts’ “six months to live” confession (EastEnders, 2001) | 12% |
| 5 | Peggy Mitchell shouting “Get outta my pub!” in a Christmas showdown (EastEnders) | 12% |
So, what exactly turns a regular star into a Christmas TV Hun? According to the nation, it’s all about that truly sparkly, dramatic monologue delivered with full soap-opera intensity, which came out on top (24%).
The perfect recipe for a holiday legend also includes timed-to-perfection feuds (18%), chaotic gift-giving (16%), and those heartfelt moments hidden beneath layers of sass (15%). Because nothing says Christmas quite like emotions running high over a turkey dinner.
Having her final say on the research, Natalie Cassidy said: “The key ingredient of a Hun is that even though they’re famous, you feel like they could still be your best friend. If they knocked on your door, you’d happily have a cocktail with them. This year, I’m really looking forward to watching Christmas Day as a viewer!”
A spokesperson from Sky Bingo said: ‘Christmas TV is all about going bigger, bolder and a bit more dramatic – and our festive Huns deliver every single time. Whether it’s Alison Hammond lighting up the screen or iconic moments that still have us talking years later (we’re looking at you Patsy and Edina), these are the scenes that make Xmas telly unmissable.’
‘At Sky Bingo, we’re raising a glass to the Huns who make the festive season extra fabulous.’