Our Christmas interview special has light, shade, laughs and a slice of Hope. Ellie Gibson – games journalist, co-host of the Extra Life podcast, and "the common one " (her words) from the Scummy Mummies – is here to tell you all about the joys of gaming. She chats to our Mick about navigating the uber-male world of gaming, letting your kids loose online, and the strangely therapeutic powers of virtual farming. 

Meanwhile, our Jen chats to Liz Scowcroft, head of research and evaluation at Samaritans, about loneliness at Christmas and what can be done to keep an eye on those that might be struggling, and she also catches up with mental health campaigner and writer Hope Virgo, about something to look forward to in January – finally! – with the charity's Brew Monday, and new book How To Listen. 

You'll also hear our Hannah with a reminder that anyone feeling lonely on Christmas Day should definitely check out the boss's excellent Twitter love-in #JoinIn, which will be bringing people together online for the tenth year running. 

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