HANNAH WADDINGHAM TAKES VIEWERS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS IN NEW SPECIAL

Hannah Waddingham’s friends weren’t exactly ready to celebrate Christmas when they received an invitation to attend a live taping of her holiday special last May at the London Coliseum. It “was uncommonly sweaty in London,” recalled Waddingham, “and there was us putting out an invitation saying, ‘Please wear your Christmas finery.’ ” Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, debuting Wednesday (along with an accompanying soundtrack), is a dream come true for the performer, an Emmy Award-winner and three-time Olivier Award nominee. Her mother, Melodie Kelly, was an opera singer and Waddingham says she essentially spent her childhood at the Coliseum. She is joined by other special guests including Leslie Odom Jr., Luke Evans and Sam Ryder. Some of her pals from Ted Lasso also appear. The special caps off an eventful year for Waddingham. Besides Ted Lasso airing its fourth season, she hosted the Olivier Awards, the Eurovision Song Contest and the Earth shot Prize with Prince William .