While we’re used to seeing her alongside Karl Stefanovic every morning on the Today show, Allison Langdon had a simple answer when he asked to host Carols by Candlelight with her this year.
“I just told him no,” she tells Woman’s Day with a smile.
“He was desperate to co-host but David Campbell and I have such amazing singing voices – a real talent that unfortunately Karl lacks!”
Allison Langdon will be hosting alongside David Campbell.
(Instagram)Despite Karl’s absence, the veteran journalist, 43, says the show this year will be a joyous one, particularly due to there being a live audience once again after last year’s lockdown forced fans to sing-along from home.
“I can’t wait to be surrounded by people, particularly the little kids, singing together at the top of our lungs farewelling a year that has been pretty young on a lot of people,” she says.
“I can’t wait to celebrate with our families and loved ones, all the things we are grateful for.”
And celebrate with the family she will.
Ally says for Christmas Day, she’ll be gathering her sister Kristen and her family as well as her husband Michael Willesee’s sister and her family – who includes her mother-in-law who she hasn’t seen since 2019 – for one huge Christmas lunch.
“I love a big Christmas lunch! Baked ham, turkey and loads of salads. It will be so special,” she says.
And while she finds organising the festive feast an easy task, buying presents for her two children is proving to be a little more difficult.
“Top of my four-year-old son Mack’s wish-list is a remote-controlled flying dragon that breathes fire. Not sure how Santa is going to go with that one!” she laughs.
“And my two-year-old daughter Scout changes her mind every time you ask so who knows what Santa will bring. I think she’ll be happy playing with the wrapping paper.”
Being happy is what the celebration is all about for Ally and her family.
“When putting up the Christmas tree earlier this month my son declared ‘this is the best day of Christmas ever’ so I feel there’s no pressure Christmas morning.
“I just love how excited they are. It’ll be a Christmas we won’t forget.”
