‘I’m not into perfection’: Angela Scanlon on throwing the ultimate Friendsmas

For Angela Scanlon, sharing fun, laughter – and surprises – with friends is one of her favourite ways to catch up at Christmas. Photograph: Lesley Lau/The Guardian. Prop stylist: Zan Morley

When you attend a Friendsmas event at Angela Scanlon’s house, it pays to expect the unexpected. The TV presenter and broadcaster sees the element of surprise as an unmissable addition to any festive gathering of friends – which means her guests might find themselves being welcomed to her north London home by a full-blown Christmas choir, a drag act, or even a cheeky stripping Santa ...

“I love a bit of entertainment, and putting on something unexpected is always a lot of fun,” the former Strictly Come Dancing star says, laughing. “I love it when everyone’s sitting down and there’s a sudden knock at the door. Everyone’s wondering who it is – and, oh look, it’s sexy Santa. You just want a talking point, really.”