Christmas Unveiled

The Muslim woman pegged to deliver Channel Four's "alternative" Christmas message in full veil has withdrawn (emphasis added).

In a statement, she said that it was the unexpected publicity around her decision that made her change her mind.

But a source close to the programme makers said one of the reasons was that she had been pressurised by senior members of the community who felt it was not her place to talk about Islam. It has also been said that she had received threatening letters from non-Muslims accusing her of trying to upstage the Queen.

Pass the eggnog, please.