Royal Air Force News Friday, December 26, 2025 P4
Celebrities wish the RAF WISHING ALL RAF personnel on duty or at home – and especially your loved ones – the very happiest Christmas. Military service takes its toll on family life, so I send my thanks for your service and everything you do to keep our country safe. Enjoy the celebrations if and where you can, and good luck for 2026! Thank you all. John Nichol, author
THE FIGHTER jets from Leuchars and Lossiemouth used to zoom down our Scottish hillsides, contourflying with thrilling precision, appearing with a roar and vanishing so fast we could hardly glimpse them; we would shout out to each other in excitement but the sheep grazing these remote hills never turned their heads as the great metal thunderbolts swished past their peaceful pastures. This Christmas may my most admiring thoughts and affectionate wishes come whizzing out of the sky, contour-flying goodwill and love to every single one of you in the RAF, with a great song of happiness and gratitude, and trailed by a dazzle of stars. Merry Christmas, you most excellent people, fliers, ground staff, personnel, families, young and old, serving or retired, and a wonderful and brave New Year. Dame Joanna Lumley, actor
AS ALWAYS, I appreciate being given the opportunity at this time of year to wish all the staff of the RAF a very Merry Christmas. I know each and every person, either in the air or on the ground, will have given their utmost during the year to help keep their skills to the highest standard. I hope that you get time to relax and enjoy time with your families and friends knowing that a great deal of you will still be ‘on call’. Thank you for your dedication. Sir David Jason, actor
(Photo: Gemma Levine/Getty Images)
MY TIME as a broadcaster highlighted the bravery and dedication of our Armed Forces, while my links with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust inspired me to research the life of French pilot, Sqn Ldr (Commandant) René Mouchotte. That project led to the French Air Force donating to the RAF Club 12 squadron badges of the French who served here during WWII, together with a portrait of René. I wish all those serving in the RAF today, and those who served in the past, a very happy, enjoyable and peaceful Christmas. Jan Leeming, TV personality
TO EVERYONE in the RAF and the whole RAF family, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you’re away on duty or at home with your loved ones, I hope you get to enjoy a real festive feast. Thank you for all you do to help keep us safe. Matt Tebbutt, chef and TV presenter
DEAREST RAF friends, it’s always so special to be connected with you in a small way, and perform for and with you. A huge thanks to you all as always and I wish you all love and a very merry Christmas. Lots of love Kerry x Kerry Ellis, actor and singer