I love Emma Freud (A companion piece to 'I love Richard Curtis' by The Optimist)

You may remember a post I wrote some time ago in which I declared my love for the work of Richard Curtis. The post was subsequently viewed by Emma Freud, Curtis's partner and script editor on many of his films, who tweeted that it was, and I quote "gorgeous" *smiles proudly*. We're well into December, so I expect you've all enjoyed your annual viewing of Curtis classic, Love Actually, and on Saturday Richard, Emma and two of their kids did just the same, when they attended a midnight screening of the film in New York. Rather marvellously, Emma live tweeted throughout, with hilarious insights into the making of the film, so now, it's her turn for a bit of love from The Optimist. Take a look ...

The Killers - Dirt Sledding

My favourite Las-Vegans are back with their annual Christmas track in support of Product Red. This year's offering is the final part in the Don't Shoot Me Santa trilogy, in which, a homicidal St Nick has a score to settle with one of the kids on his naughty list. This time around though, Santa has softened and in the rather eccentric video, he finally gets into the Christmas spirit with the help of some other seasonal mascots. The Easter Bunny, a Shetland pony, a pillow fight in the desert, what could be more Christmassy?

Steve Jobs

It's been five years since The Social Network and at long last, Aaron Sorkin's given the dialogue lovers of the world another film to fawn over, the talk-a-thon that is Steve Jobs. Helmed by Danny Boyle and starring Michael Fassbender as the co-founder of Apple, I've been desperate to see this one for months. I've taken the time to review it so you already know what I'm going to say ...

Mog

John Lewis' Christmas ad The Man on the Moon is undoubtedly a beauty, but Sainsburys may just have out-charmed them this year. Judith Kerr, author of The Tiger who Came to Tea has resurrected Mog, another of her famous characters for a one-off festive story narrated by Emma Thompson. The clumsy cat, who's been brought to life with CGI, causes havoc in the Thomas household, almost ruining Christmas, but there's a heartwarming twist in the tale.

Well played Sainsos, you just won Christmas.

Jacob Collier - Jerusalem

I may not be much of a rugby fan but I do love a bit of acapella, so I'm grateful to the England team and their affiliation with Beats by Dr Dre for bringing Jacob Collier's stunning rendition of Jerusalem to my attention by way of their World Cup advert.

Have a listen.

A complete ranking of every Doctor Who episode 2005-2015: Volume 4

The day is finally upon us ... Doctor Who Series 9 begins tonight! So, without further ado, please enjoy the final part of my Doctor Who countdown: Eps 24 to 1.

A complete ranking of every Doctor Who episode 2005-2015: Volume 3

We're perilously close to Doctor Who day and I'm already preparing my sofa and snacks for the big event. To get you through the final few hours, here are numbers 49-25 in my countdown.