TV favourite Lorraine Kelly and her daughter Rosie Smith have partnered with EE to give Verge Magazine readers an inside look at how they’re navigating a busy, modern British Christmas — and how EE’s award-winning broadband and mobile network is keeping their celebrations running smoothly.
As they settle into Lorraine’s new home and celebrate their second festive season with Rosie’s one-year-old daughter Billie, the pair reveal the juggling act so many families know all too well. Between hosting lunches, visiting relatives and keeping everyone connected, this year’s Christmas looks a lot like what EE has dubbed “The Great Christmas Shuffle.”
A Connected Christmas for Today’s Families
Behind the scenes, Lorraine and Rosie share how they rely on EE’s broadband and mobile network for everything from planning Christmas dinner and buying gifts to finding decorating inspo. Connectivity also helps them stay in touch with family scattered across the UK and beyond — crucial during a season when many people are constantly on the move.
Their partnership follows new research from EE which shows that Brits are preparing for up to three separate Christmas Days this year as they travel between multiple homes to see loved ones.
Key stats from the research include:
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64% of Brits try to stay connected with as many friends and relatives as possible over Christmas
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33% find the logistics a nightmare, with travel averaging more than three hours in a single day
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27% expect to both host and guest
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53% say strong broadband/mobile connectivity is now as important as a working oven
From streaming films (43%) to scrolling social media (42%) and doing last-minute shopping (34%), British households push their networks to the limit over the festive period. Meanwhile, 55% video call friends and family across the holidays using both broadband and mobile.
Lorraine Kelly: “Connectivity Makes Christmas Feel Close”
Speaking about her own festive plans, Lorraine highlights the importance of staying connected:
“Christmas is all about connecting with family and friends and keeping in touch. I’m lucky enough to live near Rosie, Steve and baby Billie, and we will all be together on Christmas Day, but we’re all doing our own thing for the rest of the holidays.
Those video calls with Billie mean the world… When we host, our EE broadband keeps the house alive with music, Christmas films and calls with family in Scotland, Singapore, Germany, America and Canada. It’s a vital way to feel close, even when we’re far apart.”
Rosie Smith: “Sharing Billie’s Firsts Means Everything”
Like almost 47% of Brits, Rosie will be travelling between multiple celebrations — all while keeping the family updated on Billie’s festive milestones:
“Having a baby in the family has made us very popular to spend time with! Being able to send a quick picture or have a fast video call — especially at Christmas — keeps everyone in the loop. With EE’s mobile network, even the smallest update makes a difference.”
EE: Supporting the UK’s “Great Christmas Shuffle”
Kelly Engstrom, EE’s Brand and Marketing Communications Director, says:
“Christmas looks different in every household, but feeling close to the people who matter most keeps the season special. As plans stretch across several homes, EE’s reliable network helps families share the little moments that bring them together.”
EE continues to hold its title as the UK’s best network, offering fast, dependable mobile and broadband coverage nationwide — whether you’re hosting or travelling the length of the country.
Learn More
Find out more about how EE keeps the UK connected over Christmas here: https://ee.co.uk/eedoesmore
