‘There’s just this wave of love!’ Hannah Waddingham on Emmys, Eurovision and her wildest year ever

When Hannah Waddingham was a kid, she'd sometimes accompany her mother to work at the Coliseum in London, where her mother performed as a mezzo-soprano for the English National Opera. Hannah recalls the experience fondly, as the building and its inhabitants acted as her babysitter. She loved running around and exploring all the different nooks and crannies, although she once got stuck in the orchestra storage room and felt scared when looking down from the upper circle boxes. Despite this, the Coliseum was a magical place for her as a child. Hannah reflects that if she'd known she'd eventually perform her own Christmas special there at the age of eight, she would have fainted from excitement.

The blog talks about the holiday-themed show, "Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas" on Apple TV+. The show is filled with music, fancy outfits, and skits featuring her Ted Lasso co-stars. It definitely feels like a festive celebration and for Waddingham, it's been an amazing year. She became famous after she was cast in the popular US comedy, Ted Lasso, where she played the role of Rebecca Welton, the owner of a struggling English football team. Although Waddingham had been part of other shows including Game of Thrones where she played the "shame nun," it was her role on Ted Lasso that brought her to the forefront and earned her an Emmy award.

People wondered where she had been all these years, to which she replied "traveling around" and struggling to secure appearances on screen. When she was asked to participate in Eurovision earlier this year, her first thought was that someone else must have dropped out, but it turned out to be an excellent decision. Many people agreed that she stole the show, despite the competition which included Croatian punks in underpants, a man wearing inflatable green sleeves, and incredible fireworks that could be seen from space. She sang, danced, played air guitar, spoke French and appeared to be experiencing the best night of her life while grinning from ear to ear. She said that if she could experience one moment again from this year, it would be the week of Eurovision.

The Christmas performance that she put on seems like the most impressive thing she accomplished this year. She expressed that she had a lot of incredible experiences this past year and next year will have to be just as wonderful. When asked about performing again, she admitted that she missed it quite a bit since it's been a decade since she's been on stage. In the beginning of the show, she emerged from the floor and looked as tall and majestic as ever. The audience's outpouring of love overwhelmed her.

Waddingham wanted her special to be meaningful and authentic. She didn't want it to be superficial or about her social status. The people involved and the location were carefully selected and hold a special place in her heart. The special showcases the London Gay Men's Chorus, which Waddingham has supported for years, and the talented but lesser-known duo Patrick Davey and Scott Baker of the Fabulous Lounge Swingers. Waddingham emphasized the importance of bringing others along with her and recognized their excellence in their craft. Additionally, Davey and Baker are the godparents of Waddingham's daughter.

The famous names involved in the event have connections to each other. Luke Evans, who is now a successful actor and singer, has known Waddingham for two decades through working in theatre together. Waddingham invited Leslie Odom Jr to the event because her daughter is a huge fan of Hamilton and Odom Jr was part of the original Broadway cast. Waddingham humbly admits that her daughter was more excited about Odom Jr's attendance than hers, praising his smoothly-classy voice. Sam Ryder, who participated in the Eurovision last year, also makes an appearance, as well as most of the Ted Lasso cast.

Waddingham's achievement of mainstream success during her mid to late 40s is a source of inspiration for those who continue to strive towards their aspirations. Despite experiencing setbacks, she finds solace in the fact that this success did not happen earlier in her life as it may have been too much to handle. Waddingham has remained true to herself and has tried to adapt to the changes around her. She acknowledges that some people may change their attitude towards her, finding her sudden success strange and surprising. However, Waddingham is content to stay the same and remain true to who she is.

The most intimate part of the show occurred when Waddingham brought out her parents and daughter, who were sitting in the audience, and sang with the ENO Chorus. She referred to it as a love letter to them and her child. Waddingham was elated to have her family there, particularly since her father was in the hospital for heart surgery during the filming of the last episode of Ted Lasso, and her mother was suffering from Parkinson's. She wanted to impress them and make them proud.

During a poignant moment, she briefly considered having the song pre-recorded, as she was afraid that she might become too overwhelmed to sing. However, Waddingham is a seasoned professional. 40 years after her childhood visits to the Coliseum, when she was the same age as her daughter at present, Waddingham knew that she was meant to perform on that stage.

Now streaming on Apple TV+ is "Home for Christmas" featuring Hannah Waddingham.