Hans Goodisson

hayu is the home of The Real Housewives, Below Deck, Vanderpump Rules along with so many of your favourite reality shows that you can watch from start to finish! It’s also the ONLY place you can catch new episodes the same day as they air in the US — so that means no spoilers! And, there are no adverts either so you can enjoy non-stop reality heaven.

Then settle in for a mammoth binge watch!

We’ll be starting with some festive fun courtesy of The Housewives of the North Pole. This movie, available until January 10, stars Real Housewives regular Kyle Richards alongside actress Betsy Brandt as best friends Trish and Diana. Having won the annual Best Holiday House decorating competition for nine straight years, things go awry when they have an argument just before Christmas, sparking a town-wide feud and drawing the attention of a scheming magazine writer. Mixing Real Housewives with Christmas? That’s a big yes from us!      

We’ll see Paris and fiance Carter Reum as they plan what has to be THE wedding of the year. With unexpected twists and turns on the way to the alter, it’s a good job she has mother Kathy Hilton and socialite turned entrepreneur sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild on hand to support her, as she navigates pre-wedding jitters and a rollercoaster of emotions.

From her engagement party in New York, to bridal dress shopping, hunting for the perfect venues for the three-day celebration, the joint bachelor-bachelorette party in Las Vegas and the bridal shower hosted by Kathy — get a first-hand look at all the details that go into planning the most high-profile party of the year. 

If you’re a fan of true-crime, hayu has a huge range to feast on and top of the list has to be The Curse of Von Dutch! Available exclusively on hayu, new episodes will be on the streaming service every Wednesday and this is one story that has to be seen to be believed. 

The Curse of Von Dutch chronicles the astonishing story of kidnapping, backstabbing, extortion and violence behind the cult fashion brand that embodied the birth of the internet age and celebrity culture. With fascinating contributions from drug-pushing gangsters and Venice Beach surfers to Hollywood movers and shakers like Paris Hilton and Dennis Rodman, it’s an absolute must-see. 

And if you thought life was sweet in Orange County then watching The Real Murders of Orange County will give you a different perspective on this Californian idyll. In this fascinating docu-series, you’ll discover that money doesn’t always lead to happiness as each episode tells the shocking tale of homicide cases involving famed musicians, billionaire moguls and entitled narcissists who wanted more than their fair share… or were victims of others who did. Catch a new episode on hayu every Monday!

But, for some light relief and a welcome return to the lives and loves of some seriously glamorous women, why not spend a few hours in the company of The Real Housewives of Orange County? Season 16 is on hayu now, with new installments arriving every Thursday. 

Heather Dubrow is back living the dream in her 22,000 square foot home in Crystal Cove with husband Terry and their four children. Their kids are growing up, with Max even writing a book for parents about teenage sexuality. After many years, Heather and Shannon finally reunite, but instantly find themselves at odds over loyalty and betrayal. Gina Kirschenheiter is looking to the future working to launch her own skincare business, while co-parenting her children with ex-husband Matt.

Season 16 also sees the return of Emily Simpson who is looking rather refreshed thanks to a new jawline and bustline. And after meeting Gina and Emily last year, aesthetic MD, Dr. Jen Armstrong immediately integrates into the group by performing cosmetic procedures on the ladies! But for Noella Bergener, things are turned upside down when her husband unexpectedly files for divorce. 

So as you can see there’s a LOT to catch up on. 

Stream or download episodes of all your favourite shows so you can watch them on the go and they’re all advert-free! And don’t forget you can also watch them all on your smart devices including on your TV. 

Where to shop for last minute gifts! 

We’ve all been there… Struggling to find the perfect present for someone we love.

Just a few minutes’ walk from King’s Cross and St Pancras rail and tube stations, it’s easy to reach by public transport and will provide an alternative to online shopping or trawling the usual high street shops.

In a cool, canal-side setting, Coal Drops Yard hosts nearly 50 stores with a mix of global and independent brands.You’ll find fashion labels like A.P.C, ba&sh, Rains, American Vintage and Lavenham alongside eclectic homewares from the likes of Tom Dixon, Earl of East, Caravane and Botanical Boys, as well as must-have beauty from Aesop and Facegym.

And with an amazing range of places of grab a bite to eat too, you can really make a festive day of it.

And if the promise of fabulous shopping and fantastic food isn’t tempting enough, this month there’s also plenty of festive fun to be had. 

Gather your friends together and have a go at Club Curling!You can curl the night away with teams of up to four players across six synthetic ice rinks. Sessions are 45-minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy the cocktails — shaken not curled — at the Club Curling bar.

Club Curling has been extended throughout January and is open 7 days a week from 12noon — 8pm.Tickets are just £5, but book now to avoid disappointment.  

Covered in angled lights and mirrors, you’ll be transported into a world of light, reflection and colour — like being inside a giant kaleidoscope.Designed to signify unity, the Prism Tree gives you the sense of being connected to each other in a beautiful world of colour and light. 

Where to be wowed by the lights!

One of the best things about this time of year is all the twinkly lights.

From fairy lights on our Christmas trees to the big displays brightening up our high streets, they’re cheerful, pretty and sure to bring a smile to our faces.

So what better way to spend a frosty winter evening than taking a stroll through beautiful landscaped gardens adorned with breath-taking light installations?

Book tickets now to enjoy a magical evening on the Illuminated Walk.Wrap up warm and follow the route as it snakes through the incredible gardens of this wonderful stately home. 

You’ll experience more than a little atmospheric festive sparkle as you discover new areas of the 105-acre grounds.From historic waterworks and modern sculptures to the Victorian rock garden, they’ll be even more enchanting after dark.  

But that’s not all there is to enjoy at Chatsworth House.

The decorations inside the house are inspired by the past two decades of spellbinding displays.Nostalgic references to Christmases past are mixed with music, a kaleidoscope of colour and even a sprinkling of the white stuff. 

And for 2021, Backyard Cinema has three wonderful experiences guaranteed to make your Christmas special.

The Art Deco interior of the Troxy will be transformed into the ultimate festive palace with extra tinsel, glamour and sparkle!

At Capital Studios you’ll enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with unexpected delights around every corner.Venture through a magical wardrobe, down a secret tunnel of trees and discover a beautiful overgrown theatre, set in an enchanted forest.

It’s here you can watch your favourite Christmas movies. From Muppets’ Christmas Carol to Santa Claus The Movie and The Holiday to The Nightmare Before Christmas, you’re spoiled for choice. 

And don’t forget to get there early so you can take advantage of the delicious food and drinks on offer.Tuck into an artisanal pizza and loaded nachos or head outside to the Honest Burgers Test Kitchen for perfect patties. 

Sip on a signature Palm Tree Cocktail, a boozy Slush Puppy or a cold craft beer while you snack on rainbow popcorn.

Once you reach your destination, settle back and soak up those Christmassy feelings as you watch a choice of movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th street and Bad Santa.

It’s the perfect way to feel more festive than ever.