As the forces of commerce gather for the fast-approaching festivities, we would do well to guard against another stain that has, of late, indelibly marked the spirit of the season: "alternative" takes on our cherished traditions.

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Piers Morgan quits America's Got Talent

The TV star has stepped down from the judging panel of the talent show after six years because he can no longer juggle his commitments with his CNN programme 'Piers Morgan Tonight'.

Rebecca Tyrrel: 'In The X Factor's land of musical mediocrity, Louis Walsh’s weirdness is the only oasis of intrigue'

Who knew that Louis Walsh says, "The best thing about The X Factor is it's real... nothing is staged"? Blessings upon him, for of course the best thing about The X Factor in its present manifestation – and who knew such words would ever appear in print? – is Louis Walsh.

Razor sharp, Winehouse changed the music scene for ever

There's no point seeking someone to blame – Winehouse's extraordinary insecurity lay at the heart of her troubles. Sophie Heawood recalls a difficult, funny, gifted and charming woman

Kelly Osbourne praises parents' love

Kelly Osbourne thinks her parents are the "definition of true love".

Diary: Queen Jane's royal return

I'm sure I speak for men of a certain age across much of Middle England when I say a warm "welcome home" to returning English Rose and fourth best Bond Girl Jane Seymour. The California-based actress is back in Blighty working as a royal wedding correspondent for US show Entertainment Tonight.

When autocues go wrong

As the inventor of the broadcasters' friend (and enemy) dies, Rob Sharp recalls the times when technology didn't stick to the script

Kelly Osbourne ready for motherhood

Kelly Osbourne wants to have a baby with her gay best friend.

Ozzy Osbourne still has drug 'wobblers'

Ozzy Osbourne is still feeling the effects of his drug abuse.

Super-chic for shoppers in West Sussex

TheWest Sussex city that dares to be different

Elizabeth Emanuel bounces back with a 'glitzy' collection after a decade in the wilderness

Twenty-nine years after she created Princess Diana's wedding dress, the designer Elizabeth Emanuel will finally show a collection at London Fashion Week.

Disgraced former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich joins Celebrity Apprentice

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will be among 14 contestants on the new season of The Celebrity Apprentice.

Editor-At-Large: Face it, Martin – Katie sells books, and you don't

Martin Amis tells an audience he's based a character in his forthcoming novel State of England on the glamour model turned celebrity author Jordan/Katie Price. According to Amis, "she has no waist... an interesting face... but all we are really worshipping is two bags of silicone". Not just a repulsive comment, but a bit rich coming from the man who's spent thousands on improving his own dentistry.

Joan Does Glamour, ITV1<br/>Hung, More4

Never mind our sagging economy, it's slapping on the lippy that really matters
Career Services

Day In a Page

Teenage kicks: Twitter and the 'bling ring' gang

Lena Corner gets the inside story on this very post-modern scandal.

Moveable feasts: Festival grub goes gourmet

Meet the mobile foodie pioneers bringing Bloody Mary crumpets, craft ales and sustainable seafood to the masses.

'My own Diamond Jubilee': 60 years in same job

The Queen is part of an elite club which clocks in way past retirement age.
Joumana Haddad: 'Arab women have been brainwashed'

Joumana Haddad: 'Arab women have been brainwashed'

Haddad is a voice rarely heard in the Middle East – an unapologetic feminist who wants to challenge the way both Arab men and women think.

Food: Mark Hix knows his onions

Alliums are among the most versatile kitchen ingredients, says our chef.
Grotty no more: How Lanzarote upgraded its appeal

How Lanzarote upgraded its appeal

Lanzarote has been quietly changing its fly-and-flop holiday image, discovers Andrew Eames.
Traveller's Guide: Montenegro

Traveller's Guide: Montenegro

It's one of Europe's smallest countries, but it packs in spectacular landscapes and glittering beach resorts.
48 Hours In: Verona

48 Hours In: Verona

Summer opera returns to the Roman arena, says Charles Hebbert.
Ten things we’re looking out for at E3 2012

Ten things to look out for at E3 2012

From Wii U to The Last of Us we consider this year's show
Come dine (online) with me

Come dine (online) with me

Move over TV chefs, hello YouTube stars
Next in line – but public just can't warm to idea of Charles in charge

Next in line – but public just can't warm to idea of Charles in charge

'Independent' poll finds less that half want him to take throne as ministers moan of interference
Nothing's sacred: the illegal trade in India's holy cows

Nothing's sacred: the illegal trade in India's holy cows

Andrew Buncombe reports from Kaharpara on a bloody war between rustlers and border guards
Mogul grounded: Desmond gives up his jet deal

Mogul grounded: Desmond gives up his jet deal

Media tycoon's company pays £1m to cancel his order for a £36m private jet after drop in profits
How Ai Weiwei built a pavilion in London – by remote control

How Ai Weiwei built a pavilion in London – by remote control

The artist tells Clifford Coonan how he used Skype to escape confinement in Beijing
Nature, nurture... or neither? The new twist in an age-old argument

Nature, nurture... or neither?

The new twist in an age-old argument