Upon hearing the news that the Brannings will have the Xmas story (though to be fair, they are due one no matter how much I dislike them), I really hope that a family other than the usual Mitchells/Brannings should get Xmas.

2006: Beales
2007: Brannings
2008: Mitchells
2009: Mitchells
2010: Slaters
2011: Mitchells/Masoods
2012: Brannings

I really hope that the Beales get the next one as they haven't had a Christmas s/l since Pauline died back in 2006 (to me, an indicator about how unimportant they have become recently in favour of the horrific Brannings/Moons)

I'd like the Masoods to get it again

The Beales but the family need some more members.

The Masoods were great last Christmas and as it was their first Xmas, I was pleased that they would take centre stage. This year is the Branning/Moon families- the two most important families atm in the eyes of TPTB

This! Bring back Peter, and get Ian and permanent love interest.

Why they got rid of Mandy... She could have developed into a true love interest.

Maybe they should have saved the breakdown for this Xmas?

The Beales or the Foxes. I really hope Peter comes back (even if its a recast)

Yes, Peter needs to be back by then!

The Beales are due the next Xmas s/l but they have been pushed away in favour of Branning/Moon rubbish

I think the breakdown should have happened this Xmas (and we would have had more Mandy!)

A brand new family?

Impossible, I know.

Can we get 2012 out the way first? Don't want to think that far ahead.

Masoods
Foxes

Masoods just had one though

There's only 3 Mitchell's at this point so them having one is stupid, same for the moons (however I do want the characters to get a bit of a storyline so Tyler leaves and only Michael and Alfie remain on the square)

Brannings are having their one this year, and I do wish they'd drop some members of the family because it's getting ridiculous now.

Masoods just had one.

So I'd say the beales since they have potential to bring back more family members (they could even go to the fowler clan aswell)

Anyone but the Brannings!

I think the Beales Xmas s/l should include maybe Martin or Vicki's return

And with Sharon on the square, a Vicki return is more likely

Oh i wouldnt mind the Beales having one, they havent had one in ages.

Yes, the fact that they haven't had one since 2006 shows that this once great family has been pushed aside in favour of the Brannings and Moons who are not even in the shadow of the Beales

think they have it right this year having the branning s being the major storyline as there is allot going on doesn't mean the Mitchell`s are going to be happy this year still think something is going to happen to Ben in prison I do hope that Ian gets a happy Christmastime this year

I don't see a Merry Christmas in the Mitchell household either, if I'm honest.

The Moons may not be around by the end of next year in my opinion...

personally the Beales need refocusing and expanding and a new family.

I suspect the Masoods will have a heavy year next year after a light hearted 2012...

I actually agree with this, and I'd find a joint Beale-Masood Christmas interesting. I'm hoping they'll give the Brannings a rest, too.

With Janine's break this year, I'm hoping that her and Michael will feature in next year's Christmas or New Year storyline too.

Well the Masoods were great last year so you never know, would be nice to have them again.

But I personally think the Beales should have next Xmas; hey used to have them all back in the early days (well shared with the Watts), then the Mitchells came along and the Brannings now

I for one am hoping that Derek will be gone by Christmas 2013. Wishful thinking

Well, I hate the Brannings but if another Branning Xmas could mean the end of Derek, I'd be happy

Fox's