A Christmas Star

# Hark the herald angels sing

# Glory to the newborn king

# Peace on earth and mercy mild

# God and sinners reconciled

# Joyful all ye nations rise... #

Christmas Eve, well, let's hope it's better than last year.

Five pairs of socks,

burnt turkey and Aunt Muriel's Brussels sprout chutney, eughh.

A merry bloomin' Christmas that was.

Remember, Christmas is a time for giving,

though about all I was given last year was the flu.

# Have a very merry Christmas from Pottersglen FM. #

Careful if you're driving as they're predicting a storm,

which there certainly will be at our house.

If your family are already driving you crazy, just remember,

they'll be away soon, and it only happens once a year.

I would've done those myself

if I'd have known you were going to do such a desperate job!

You're eight months pregnant, I couldn't let you do that.

You let me do the cooking, though?

Yeah, I think burnt pastry is definitely underrated.

I'll underrate you in a minute.

THUNDER RUMBLES

Ta da!

Don't think that you can win me over with gifts, Mr O'Hanlon.

Sotto, la stella, e il miracolo dell'amore!

Grazie, amore mio. Thank you, my darling.

You have to admit I did a grand job on the lights this year.

THUNDER RUMBLES

Oh! Oh! Eccolo!

Calm down Maria, it's just a power cut. Must be the weather.

Eccolo, arriva. It's coming, Joe!

It's just a storm, don't worry.

No, Joe! The baby! The baby's coming!

What? Oh, eh, jeepers! Right, keys. Where are my flaming keys?!

Breathe. Calm. Focus.

Yes. Thanks. I'm OK.

Right. Well, get me to the hospital, then!

Right!

Joe! You're going up the mountain!

You try driving in these conditions!

Now don't panic, but I may have gone the wrong way.

I just need to find a place to turn.

Don't worry, it'll be OK.

How about some music to calm you down?

-PUNK VERSION OF THE FIRST NOEL PLAYS

-No! Oh!

What is that?!

Make it stop, Joe!

Sorry! I can't turn it off now!

BANG!

Oh, no! What's this now?!

I'm not having il mio bambino in a Vauxhall Astra, Joe!

Don't worry. It'll be OK.

It'll be OK.

-Turn that racket down!

-It won't start! Come on!

You're disturbing the sheep.

Start! Start!

It'll be OK. It'll be OK.

Oh, dear. We'd better get you inside.

Breathe. That's it. You'll be OK.

You'll be OK.

Breathe, Maria. Big deep breaths. That's it. You can do it.

You can do it.

Towel, please.

Have you done this before?

Oh, yes.

With cows, right enough.

We did it.

We did it!

I mean, you did it.

Trust us, eh? Our first baby, on Christmas morning.

She's beautiful.

Noelle.

(Do you want to see your daddy? Do you?)

Yes.

Our wee Noelle.

Our wee miracle.

Excuse me!

Don't you get in my way!

Do you hear I'm saying to you! Look at you with your fine jewellery.

Do you hear what I'm saying?!

After you.

Thank you!

SHE LAUGHS

Look, have you met my daughter?

My life won't be worth living if I go home without this.

Gimme!

You know what, Mervyn? It's all yours.

Happy Christmas!

No pushing!

Shh!

Imagine actually living in a castle.

No-one lives there.

Dad said that the man who owns it stays in America.

It's well for some.

Spud-Bob, do you ever feel...different?

Seriously? You're asking ME if I feel different?

I mean inside.

Yeah, I guess so. Especially when my daddy died.

I kinda felt I had to be there for my mummy somehow.

Why, do you feel different?

Maybe everyone does, I just...

Noelle! Let's go get your daddy, it's time for lunch!

OK, Mum, thanks! On my way!

Spud-Bob? You're my best pal.

See ya, Noelle.

MUSIC: Ride Of The Valkyries by Richard Wagner

What are you doing?! This way! This way!

Not that way, this way!

These people!

Noelle! Vieni dentro ora!

Scusa, scusa!

PHONE RINGS

Ah...Mr Shepherd?

Yes, it's me. Are you there yet, McKerrod?

Yes, sir, we flew in last night, it was actually a lovely flight.

Yes, yes, I'm not interested in how you got there.

If I wanted a conversation, I'd talk to someone interesting.

Just tell me what's going on with the plan.

Well, ah, we're right on schedule

and the surveyors are measuring up as we speak, sir.

Good, good, good. Are you're sure they'll sell?

Once I've spoken to them, sir,

I guarantee that they will sell, yes. Yes, sir.

Good, I'm glad to hear that, because this is your big idea, McKerrod,

which I am financing, so just don't go say anything stupid.

Which in your case means don't say anything at all.

OK, that's enough, I need a rest.

Well done, Ms Bernie.

It's tough to be me.

Come on, Junior! Stop admiring the scenery.

There's no point getting used to it because it'll all be gone soon.

Come on!

To Mervyn!

Mervyn!

-Speech!

-Speech!

-Speech!

Mervyn, we are all going to miss you...

Potters... Pottersglen Pottery is a 500-year-old tradition

and you are a big part of that tradition.

You can take the man out of Pottersglen but...

ALL: You can't take the Pottersglen out of the man!

To Mervyn...

-Mervyn!

-Mervyn!

Whiskey. Neat.

Still an upstanding member of the community, O'Hanlon?

What's he doing back?

There's going to be trouble, so there is.

Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate?!

Go...Snowballers!

Stop! Just let me sing!

# Joyful all ye nations rise

# Join the triumph of the skies... #

Look out for Noelle!

Free kick.

That was such a foul!

Try and catch me!

That's it, both of you, off!

You better watch it, O'Hanlon!

It's OK, Noelle, we can still do it.

Doubt it, we just lost our captain!

Don't worry, Thomas. If we chase, we might still win.

Coach is going to kill me.

Not if I get you first!

Girls! Girls! What's going on here?

She thinks she's so special.

Both of you fouled, now calm down.

-Me?! Did you not see that foul?!

-Girls! Girls!

Noelle, is your ankle OK?

All right, seeing as you two have sorted out

your differences, you can come back on the pitch.

All right? Two minutes left - everything to play for!

How do you do that?

What?

That. You make everyone, I don't know, calm down or something.

Like you've got magic powers.

Nah.

# Joyful all ye nations rise

# Join the triumph of the skies... #

CHEERING

# Christ is born... #

Silence.

I need silence.

And breathe.

Why are we here?

I want to create magic, I want to touch the hearts of everyone

who walks into this auditorium.

We are not going to act.

We are going to be.

Now, who can tell me what this Nativity of ours is all about?

Yes?

Christmas, Ms Darcy. It's Jesus' birthday.

My birthday's Christmas!

Yes, but he came down from Heaven,

was born under the Christmas Star, grew up to perform miracles.

Thank you, Bernadette.

He wore sandals.

I have sandals.

Well, it's not about the sandals, darling.

It's about the feet that tread the boards.

Noelle can do miracles!

Yes, thank you, I'm sure she can.

Quiet! Children, please! Settle down!

I would like to be ready for this Christmas!

Children! Boys, please! Put that away!

Put that down!

Children!

Quiet!

Sorry, miss.

There it is again. You did that!

You can work miracles!

I don't know, Spud-Bob.

Miracles are like...walking on water and stuff.

Let's try it. Come to my house.

It hurts my toes when I play football in sandals.

OK, let's try the multiplying-fish-and-bread one.

Don't give up. How about the classic - water into wine?

No use.

One last one to try.

Walk on water.

No, thanks, Spud-Bob.

I don't understand why it's not working.

Have you always been able to do it?

Like, since you were born?

I don't know, I've never really thought about it before.

They say out of difficulties grow miracles.

Well, if that's true, I must be owed an awful lot.

Try working here for a week and see if you don't need a miracle!

Now we're going to continue with the Christmas Crooners,

so do bear with us and stay tuned to Pottersglen FM.

Sorry. I thought we were getting new decorations this year?

Money's a bit tight, pet. The factory's not doing too well.

Would you look at the mess in here!

Come on, hop up.

How come I have to wear a stupid dress in the Nativity play?

Because you're an angel and they don't tend to wear hoodies.

Why is my birthday on Christmas Day?

Because you were born on December the 25th.

Like Jesus?

Ah, don't push your luck, you. You're an angel already.

I always said you were heaven-sent though, captain.

But I was born in a stable, wasn't I?

More a barn than a stable.

Can we go there?

Yeah, sure.

Stay still, please. I don't want to stab you with these pins!

Can we go now?

Not now, love, it's late and I've still got the decorations to finish.

There, just stay still. Up, up.

And...we are done!

Great, can I get these things off, then?

Sorry...

Right, I'll get the car keys.

Here we go, hope Angela's in.

Yep, it looks like it.

CAR HORN HONKS

Joe, Maria, how lovely to see you, so...unannounced!

It's lovely to see you again!

-We just wanted to show...

-Noelle! All grown up.

The last time I saw you, you wee'd all over your father.

Come on in out of the cold, I have the stove on.

There's the tea wet.

Thanks, Angela.

Thanks. Look, we brought you an early Christmas present too.

You shouldn't have.

Shall we go to the barn, Noelle?

You two can stay as you are.

Make yourselves at home, put your feet up.

Not there!

So this is where I was born?

Probably not their first choice but it makes a good story, doesn't it?

Do you see that star?

That one?

No, that's Orion's Belt.

That one?

No, that's the North Star.

Em...that one?

No, dear, that's a plane.

That one, the brightest star.

That's the Christmas Star. Some say it's the miracle star.

Miracles?

If you believe in miracles.

Can I tell you something?

It's going to sound kind of crazy,

but sometimes I think...

that I can do...miracles.

Sort of small ones, though.

The night that you were born I wasn't supposed to be here,

but I couldn't get this thing started.

Beast of a night, it was.

Your parents were lucky to get up the mountain.

I'd never delivered a baby before.

Calves, yes. Hundreds of them.

When you think about it, that was a miracle.

You were a miracle.

But does that mean I can do miracles?

Do you love your family?

Yes, of course.

Well, love is a miracle.

It's the most powerful miracle, in fact.

It is? Yes, love can make bad things good.

Love can bring people together.

And I can use it?

As a miracle, I mean?

You're capable of great things, Noelle. You always have been.

Now, come on, before your father ruins half my furniture.

Do you ever think the star gets lonely?

Up there...all on its own?

Maybe it wasn't always on its own.

There's a bingo and bridge bonanza on Thursday,

and just when you thought it couldn't get any more exciting,

don't forget the Pottersglen School Nativity is on tomorrow.

They tell me tickets have been selling well so don't delay.

Buy today.

Until then, keep listening to Pottersglen FM

where we've got another Christmas classic coming right up.

# I've been looking for a light to guide me home

# Glimpse a thicker oar, a star to call my own... #

Here you go.

Thanks.

-I love you.

-I love you too.

Head touch.

Now, get yourself tucked in.

Dad? Do you think I'm special?

Of course I do, it's in your genes.

You said I was sent from heaven.

That you were.

So does that mean I can do, you know...miracles?

Well, if you ever went to bed when we asked you, that'd be a miracle!

No, Dad, I mean real ones.

Yes, captain. I do.

Night.

Look at yonder star.

It is so bright.

And high.

Buttock.

Buttark.

(But hark.)

But hark I hear an angel sing.

I have a message for you, Mary.

I'm Bubble.

Can I do my song now?

LAUGHTER

APPLAUSE

-I really enjoyed that.

-You were fantastic!

-Everyone laughed at me.

-Not everyone.

Not Dad, he was asleep!

Your daddy's got a lot on his mind with the factory, darling.

And anyway, he only fell asleep at the start.

Yeah, he woke up in time to see me fall over!

ENGINE REVS

Oi!

Mervyn, are you all right?

-Noelle?

-Where is she, Joe?

-Honey, you were talking to her!

-You had her!

-Noelle!

-Noelle!

-Noelle!

TYRES SCREECH

Sorry. Sorry...

Noelle! Noelle! What the heck were you doing!?!

You could have been killed!

I mean, what were you thinking playing chicken with a motorbike?!

Stop shouting, Joe.

You said I was special, Daddy. I can do miracles.

What? For flip's sake, don't be ridiculous!

Don't worry, darling, your dad's just worried.

Maria, she needs to learn that she can't put

herself in danger like that.

Now no more talk about miracles, you hear.

Home! Now!

Noelle, I'm not mad, it's just...

you're so fearless sometimes.

If anything happened...

I think it's best you just forget this miracle stuff, OK?

Captain?

Head touch?

-Night.

-Night.

Well, maybe people just don't want this kind of thing anymore.

Then make them!

Find a way to put Pottersglen on the map.

People aren't going to want to buy anything if they don't know that you exist.

What can I do?

Joe, are you going to lose your job?

No-one is being let go.

What about Mervyn?

If you lose your job, we would have to move, wouldn't we?

I'm sure it won't come to that.

Oh, you're sure, are you? Aw, well, that's really comforting!

Like you were sure that you had Noelle's hand at the Christmas market?

Joe, Pottersglen is the factory.

Without those snow globes, the whole village will shut down.

KNOCKING

Let's just hope that your friend the mayor has got some more creative ideas.

He's through here, Proinsias.

-Everything all right?

-That depends on whether you've got good news or not.

Well, you know, that bike destroyed a lot of stock at the market.

We're in trouble, all right, Joe,

but there is one option.

Somebody's made an offer on the factory.

-Who?

-You're not going to like it.

Noelle! What are you doing?

Em...sleep walking?

Right, get up the stairs now, go on! Up!

It's just a bit of a shock, I suppose.

Thanks for coming over, Proinsias.

Take care now.

Be careful out there.

Well?

He says there's a backer.

Who?

Pat McKerrod.

McKerrod!?

I haven't heard that name in a long time.

Yeah, well, he's back. I saw him the other night.

What? Why didn't you tell me?

Joe?

Well, you two... You know.

Ah, Joe, don't be ridiculous!

He looked richer, if that's possible.

If I had wanted to marry a rich man, would I have married you?

Yeah, well, if he's our only option I think we really do need a miracle.

ENGINE CHOKES

# La, la-la, la, la

# I've been looking for a light to guide me... #

Whitney, will you stop that, coach is trying to concentrate.

Oi, I'm a good singer! You wait.

I'll show you.

Who's that?

Maybe it's the Mafia.

I doubt it. What would the Mafia be doing in Pottersglen?

Stealing my homework?

Good luck to anyone stealing your homework!

CAR HORN HONKS

It won't start!

Mind if I have a go, coach?

I'm sure I recognise that bike.

Pat McKerrod?

Do you know him, coach?

Who is it?

ENGINE STARTS

OK, here we go, then.

Go! Here we go!

Whitney, seriously! You're getting on my nerves!

Oi!

-I can't believe it's come to this.

-Calm your jets, Joe.

Yeah, but McKerrod?

I hope we haven't kept you, Proinsias.

You're all right, Pat.

O'Hanlon, good to see you standing to attention.

Which is more than you could manage the last time we met.

That was The Cliches with Everything Comes To Those Who Wait.

They've obviously never been to my house on Christmas Day.

Here's where the magic happens.

Would you like to have a go at glazing the snow globe interior?

Here, let me, Junior, this is a delicate...

process.

Must be a faulty batch.

I'll give him a faulty batch.

Not to worry. Let's move on, shall we?

"Pottersglen Pottery - kindly given to the Pottersglen community

"by Maeve and Vincent McKerrod."

Yes, we McKerrods are a generous bunch.

OK, shall we get down to some business?

Um, not you. Junior.

This is man's work.

So why don't you just stay down here and try not to break anything?

OK?

Come on. Noelle, we're getting hammered here!

-I'm sorry.

-What is it?

It's just that man from the castle,

there's something really funny about him.

Sure, he lives in a castle,

has a suit that cost more than this village and his skin's orange.

No, I mean, I think I've heard his name before.

My mum and dad were talking about him.

Let's talk about it later. Right now, we need to win this game.

I didn't see that one coming.

-So that's that then, Mike?

-Yeah.

-I can't believe it's come to this.

Suppose we haven't any other choice.

Anybody but McKerrod.

Listen. O'Hanlon. Joe.

No hard feelings, OK?

As far as I'm concerned this is all water under the bridge.

You knew full well what you were doing!

Well, what can I say?

I was young and Maria was a beautiful woman.

I was talking about the factory.

Oh, that? Well, I guess I used to be a little...clumsy.

Clumsy?

Was smashing the entire production line of snow globes clumsy?

Knocking over one of the oldest machines? Was that clumsy?

No. It was an accident.

An accident that happened just after your parents threatened

-to change their will!

-Yes, well, they didn't, did they?

Everything all right here, gentlemen?

-Fine.

-Fine.

Junior.

Oh, how is Maria, by the way?

Calm yourself, Joe.

-We need this.

-From him?

There's nobody else.

Mr O'Hanlon?

Yes? Junior, isn't it?

Um...Mr O'Hanlon, my dad,

he doesn't always act so nice, but he is, really.

Did he send you over?

No, no, it's just that...

he's been working really hard and since my mum left,

he hasn't been the same.

You don't need to make excuses.

We all have our problems, I understand.

I'd just hate for you to get the wrong impression of him, that's all.

Best be getting back to your dad, he'll be waiting.

Goodbye, Mr O'Hanlon.

Well? Did he buy it?

I think so. Dad.

You are learning.

Slowly.

Come on, Noelle, we'll be off soon.

I don't think I like that man.

Which man?

The one with the fake tan and the suit. You know, McKerrod.

Noelle, don't be rude.

But there's something about him.

You don't like him either!

Listen, that man might be the only hope we have of saving the factory.

He's not that bad.

Now, come on. Joe, have you got the keys, love?

Course I got the keys.

Keys, keys, keys, keys...

I won't be long. Sure, you can play in the yard with your mates.

-OK. Hi, Spud-Bob.

-Hi Noelle.

Em, ladies, gentlemen, potters.

They say the best speeches start with a little joke,

so I ask you...

..how much does a potter actually...urn?

What are they saying?

I think he's just making bad jokes.

That's adults for you. Never take anything seriously.

As you know, Pottersglen Pottery is in a bit of trouble.

Demand for our Nativity Snow Globes has almost died out.

But all is not lost.

We have a potential buyer, and he's here to say a few words.

Some of you may remember him - Pat McKerrod.

-BOOING AND JEERING

-McKerrod, are you having a laugh?

After what he did to our factory?

Festive greetings, everyone!

Now, please, please calm down.

Will you let me explain?

What is wrong with these people?

Let's give him a chance!

Oh, my dad's speaking.

Doesn't look like it's going well.

What happened was a long time ago and, sure,

hasn't the McKerrod family always been good to us in the past?

Not this McKerrod!

Best thing he ever did for this place was to leave.

Every man deserves a second chance, don't they?

No, Joe.

Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?

This is why we're all here.

To try and save Pottersglen.

Thank you, Joe.

I was born here,

my father was born here.

I grew up round here.

These glens are just as much a part of me

as my own son.

My one true heir.

Everybody, this is Junior. Say hello, Junior.

Junior, say hello.

Hi.

Thank you. Junior.

Now, I want Junior to grow up to love this village

just as much as I do.

So let me assure you all,

that under our ownership everyone will be guaranteed a job for life.

-Is that right?

-Yes.

And not only that, those of you who agree with our terms,

will receive a check for £10,000.

A token of McKerrod good will.

APPLAUSE

Smile!

Smile for the pretty people.

Thank you.

-All the best.

-Bye, Mick.

Maria Minnelli!

Maria O'Hanlon now.

Yes, of course.

You do not look a day older than you were at 18.

-Noelle, I'd like you to meet...

-Mr McKerrod.

Please, call me Pat. Pleased to meet you, Noelle.

What a...festive name.

If you'll excuse me, Maria.

Do you fancy a kick around with us?

I don't know. I don't play soccer.

Just American football.

Well, it's pretty similar - you just use your feet

and don't get any helmets!

So you kids play all the time?

Pretty much.

Oh, Junior!

You really need to grow up.

Fraternising with the locals?

Football? Man up!

PHONE RINGS

Mr Shepherd?

Why do you always ask if it's me, McKerrod?

My name comes up on your phone, you idiot.

-Um, well, I...

-No, no, don't talk. Just tell me how it went.

Yes, it went very well

and I think we'll have their full consent by the end of the week.

Good. Good. I'm glad to hear that.

I always said you'd go far, McKerrod. I'm glad you did.

Thank you.

Give me a bit of piece and quiet.

Oh.

Just make sure you get them to sign, OK?

Much as I like sending you away, it's costing me money!

Yes, sir.

And one more thing - are they still making those snow globes?

Do not worry about the snow globes, sir.

Soon there will be no snow globes.

Ugly little things.

I like them.

Oh, oh, well, I guess we could always make them in China?

Look, just do your one job and get those signatures.

I want to be under way by the new year. Do you understand?

Don't let me down, McKerrod! Capisce?

Yes, sir.

Idiot.

Oh. Yes, sir.

He is so proud of your dad.

I'm sure he is.

Pottersglen Potteries!

Place should've been flattened years ago.

Imagine when this all makes way

for McKerrod's Christmas Kingdom -

casino, hotel, golf course.

Dad, Why do you hate Pottersglen so much?

There are two types of people in the world. Junior.

And I hate them both. Get in.

The other car.

Get in. Now.

The bike from the market?

-Do you remember that film?

-What film?

You know, the one where they had all the pastries in the calendar.

-No...

-I think we're going to need considerably bigger buns.

What did I ever see in you?

More than you saw in Pat McKerrod.

"You don't look a day older than you were 18."

Dad.

I overheard Mr McKerrod and his son talking.

What have I told you about eavesdropping?

Please don't let them sell the factory, Dad.

There's something about him.

And that man on the motorbike...

Noelle, it's OK.

Everyone liked him. Well, after I stepped up.

-You should have seen it...

-No!

No, you don't understand. I made them listen!

Oh, yeah? And how did you do that?

I used my miracle power.

Noelle! What have I told you?

There's no such thing as miracles!

He's not my favourite person either but we need him,

so just stay out of it, OK?

Why don't I just stay out of everything, then?!

Don't be so silly, Noelle!

Smart, Joe. Real smart.

Boo!

Come on, love. Come here.

You know your daddy didn't mean it.

He's under a lot of pressure at work.

He's always under a lot of pressure nowadays.

What is it with him and Mr McKerrod anyway?

Well, he asked me to marry him before your daddy did.

-Mr McKerrod?

-Yes.

The really rich guy?

Yes.

The one with all the cars who lives in a castle?

Yeah, all right, don't rub it in.

But that's kinda why they don't exactly see eye to eye.

-And now he's buying the factory?

-Now he's saving the factory.

No, he's not! He's changing all of it.

Sometimes we need change, Noelle.

Maybe he's exactly what Pottersglen needs.

Come on, get to sleep.

And don't you worry, everything is going to be fine.

-Night, night.

-Night.

I overheard him saying really nasty things.

I just know he's up to no good.

But my dad is so happy.

He says that Mr McKerrod is the reason we don't have to move away.

What could we do anyway?

Why don't you do that thing you do, Noelle?

You know, use your miracle power.

Miracles don't exist, Spud-Bob.

They do!

How do you know?

Cos I've seen them. I believe.

Remember all the times she made our teachers be nice?

I believe in miracles.

It's worth a try.

I don't think we should.

Let's give her a chance.

-Yeah! Come on!

-OK!

All I need is to catch his attention and look him in the eye.

How do we get his attention?

Football. Straight to the head!

Perfect.

MUSIC: Ride Of The Valkyries by Richard Wagner

Well, look who it is.

How's that for timing?

Perfect.

The new outbuildings will be built along there, which will

provide access off the main drag, parking along here.

You could go either way on that, I'm not sure which.

Yes, moving forwards, you can see...

-Dad?

-..how my factory improvement scheme will lift the economy...

-Dad, Dad?

-..of this entire area, see?

Excuse me a moment. What?

Dad, can I play... I mean, talk to those kids over there?

You are not going to play football, Junior! Use your head.

Who was that?! Answer me!

You little...

Little scamp!

Now, anyway, where were we?

My miracle power didn't work.

I told you! There's no such thing as miracles.

I'm going.

I should have never listened to you.

This is what happens when you break the rules!

OK, go if you want!

Some day you'll know the truth, and then you'll be sorry.

Spud-Bob?

Sorry, Noelle, my mum's making sausage rolls and spaghetti hoops.

Welcome, everyone, to this very special day.

The signing of the new ownership agreement of Pottersglen Pottery!

APPLAUSE

It is with a touch of sadness that the village community

has had to sell, however it feels right that it goes back

to the McKerrod family.

APPLAUSE

Messing around again, are we?

I know you and your dad are up to no good, I've heard you talking.

I know about the golf course and the hotel

and you want us to make the globes in China!

Junior.

Gotta go - important business!

Both my son and I will be leaving soon

to announce our Pottersglen plans at Stormont.

Both UTV and the BBC will be there

so you will all get to witness my...

I mean, our big moment live on television.

FIRE ALARM

There has been a fire in the furnace room -

please form an orderly queue and exit the building.

This is not a drill.

Please leave immediately by the exits and...

What on earth are you doing?!

Trying to save the factory!

I told you to leave this alone!

I'm trying to stop that weird man, Daddy. He's a fake!

Fake hair, fake teeth and fake tan!

Just so you know, this is not fake. It's pure Californian sunshine.

He wants to make a hotel here just for Christmas

and for us all to make the globes in China.

The little girl is obviously confused.

She means porcelain - who would make a snow globe out of china?

Stop. You could ruin this for everyone.

We're trying to save Pottersglen here!

But you're not!

I am not trying to cause any trouble, Daddy, honestly.

My miracles just won't work anymore!

Miracles? That is enough, Noelle! You are in so much trouble!

Now, you can stay up here while we finish this

and I'll deal with you later!

Ah, the imagination of children.

Well, that was alarming.

Thank you.

Thank you, everyone, if you would like to come up

and sign your agreements then Proinsias can give you your cheques.

Thank you.

Chip off the old block, O'Hanlon.

Don't push it, Pat.

How did that little brat even come close?

China? China?

-Was that you?

-NO!

The O'Hanlons have been the bane of my life

so I am not going to let some little upstart spoil things for us now.

So you go and you find her and you shut her up.

-Oh, and Junior?

-Yeah, Dad?

Try not to disappoint me!

Man up!

I never get to sing.

Noelle? Hey. Noelle!

-I thought you were my friend!

-I am your friend!

Well, then, where were you?

I needed your help. Don't any of you believe me?

None of you are my friends!

Hey!

Where did she go?

I don't know.

Hey, leave him alone.

Look at you! You're so pathetic.

At least we know how to have fun!

I know how to have fun all right!

My daddy and me, we own this place.

We can do whatever we want.

Oh, yeah. Like what?

Like knocking down everything

and making The McKerrod Christmas Kingdom!

That's what!

Get in!

Noelle? Noelle!

Where are you?

Maria, Maria! Have you seen Noelle?

What? Aw, Joe not again.

I can't find her anywhere.

-Maybe she's gone home in a sulk?

-Let's go, quick.

What are you kids up to? Where's Noelle?

I think she went up the mountain, coach.

On her own? It's dangerous up there. Those paths aren't safe.

Aw, no!

Hey, there! Look, don't be frightened.

Want a ride?

Look, Noelle, we're going to offer your dad a big promotion.

Think about how happy your mom and dad are going to be.

Hey, we'll even give your team new soccer gear...

It's football.

-Noelle!

-Noelle!

Noelle!

Are you up there? Noelle! Noelle?

Noelle? Sweetheart?

Where is she, Joe?

What about the marina?

I know what you're up to.

I know you want to shut the factory.

So why does no-one believe you?

Your friends don't believe you. and more importantly,

why does your daddy not believe you?

Does he not love you?

You don't even know what love is! My daddy does love me!

At least he doesn't tell me to man up!

Maybe you should, though.

You don't know what it's like to be me!

You can have fun all the time

and you don't have to think about anybody but yourself!

It was you, at the market.

Who are you?

Who needs to man up now?

I'm not scared of you!

What about these guys? Get her!

Get your maggoty friends off of my mountain!

Or a storm will come down on you the like of which you have never seen!

Clear off! Away with yous all!

They should see me first thing in the morning.

Thank you so much!

I was coming to see you.

I didn't think you were here for the sheep.

We all should have believed her.

Well, we know Noelle is kind of...special.

And most of all she's our friend, and we have to stick together.

-We're the Snowballers!

-Yeah!

But we didn't stick together!

She's my best friend and I let her down.

We all let her down.

Now it's time to take matters into our own hands!

Just like Noelle wanted us to!

Well, we could tell everyone what McKerrod's son just said.

They won't believe us. We need solid proof.

I've got an idea!

I've got a cold.

Maybe I never had miracle powers.

Maybe my dad was right and it was all in my head.

I hate that man and his stupid son!

Which man?

The one with the leathery skin and fake smile. You know, McKerrod!

-I hate him!

-Hate?

Did you ever think that might be why it's not working?

Love is the miracle, not hate.

But they hate me and they've won.

No-one believes me. They all signed those papers.

My friends think I'm crazy and my dad's really mad at me.

We all lost.

It's only lost if you give up.

Well...

are you going to give up? Let the hatred win?

You're the captain, Noelle.

What are you going to do? Win...

or lose?

Win.

Good.

Now we have to find a way to get you down the mountain.

Coach.

Bubble, this way!

You took your time. All good?

Yeah. All good.

Then clean yourself up, you look a mess,

you look like one of the locals.

I can't have you ruining my image in front of the cameras.

Dad, is this all the right thing to do?

Let me tell you something. I grew up around here.

The sea, these hills, the pottery -

it's in my veins.

This village means the world to me.

Really?

Of course not. This place stinks and I can't wait to bulldoze it.

Now get in.

Hurry up, we need to be at Stormont by four.

How do we actually get in?

The door's locked.

Of course they're locked.

I don't think we should be breaking in.

We should go back before we get in trouble.

-Give me your hairpin.

-Ow!

-Always works in movies.

-Give that back!

Oh. That was easy.

How did she do that?

Bubble?

In we go, I guess.

Wow. This is so fancy.

-Is he royal?

-He's a royal something, all right.

Here we go.

Noelle? Noelle!

Where has she gone, Joe?

It's OK, we'll find her.

-It's not OK, she's missing!

-She can't have gone far.

Are you sure you checked the factory?

Yes, I checked!

Well, check again! I'll go home in case she comes back.

We'll find her. I promise.

Hurry up, O'Brain.

Got it.

No way! That will wipe out the whole village!

He tricked everyone! We can't let him get away with this!

Noelle was right!

Yes, she was. And I didn't believe her.

Right, no time for a pity party.

What are we going to do?

We should take this laptop as evidence,

find Coach and get him to take us to Belfast so we can show

the Government McKerrod's plans before it's too late.

What?

What are you kids doing here?

I'm going to have a heart attack!

Get back here!

Come on! Come on, faster!

Come back here now!

Stop!

Get back here now!

-Oh, come on!

-Move it!

WHISTLES BLOW

You didn't expect me to miss all the fun, did you?

I owe you an apology. I've been a rotten friend.

Me too.

Sorry, Noelle.

No time for apologising now, we've got to get to Stormont!

Come on!

All right, come on, in you get, guys. Come on.

Have you told your parents?

Stormont. Can't believe this.

Mick! Have you seen Noelle about?

Sure, she was on the wee bus with all her other school pals

and that teacher of theirs.

Where was she going?

I think they said Stormont.

Stormont? For the love of...

We will now hear from Mr Pat McKerrod

about the Pottersglen development,

an undertaking that will save over 150 jobs.

APPLAUSE

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

It gives me great pleasure to announce...

DOOR OPENS

WHISTLES BLOW

Stop! Stop!

We can both go together, can you get over here?

I'll be right over.

Oh, no, she's done it now!

What's going on, Joe?

Just get yourself round here now!

This man is lying. His plans aren't what he says they are.

Nelly, come in here till ye see this!

Nelly, you're missing a treat. These kids are really going for it!

-In Stormont!

-I'm getting my tan on!

Nelly, it's Stormont! It's on the telly!

Look at this!

Show these children out.

No, wait! We have proof!

-Why didn't you call me in sooner?

-Ah, you're stinking.

We remain live at Stormont, where it seems...

..there has been a disturbance here at Stormont,

where a group of children burst in moments ago.

They appear to have information...

The children are just about to present findings

that are in some way related to ex-local businessman Pat McKerrod's

current development proposals.

Accusations by the...

This is his real plan for Pottersglen.

This... It's ludicrous.

I have never seen this laptop before in my life.

Ever, ever, ever.

MUSIC PLAYS

What's this I hear about McKerrod's Christmas Kingdom?

Ah, Mr Shepherd, if you would...

I wouldn't give a fart your name!

I said develop the place, not destroy it!

Well, here's a new plan for you, Mr McIdiot - you're fired!

McIdiot! That told him.

How did she get there, Joe?

Would you tell us what is happening here?

No, enough!

Why are you listening to these... children!

I am an adult, listen to me!

Not some silly little girl!

I want to hear her speak.

Um...

Mr McKerrod is not a bad man.

He maybe just got a wee bit lost.

He couldn't make snow globes himself

so he smashed up all the other ones people made.

I guess that he's still trying to do that.

Is this one of the snow globes there?

Sotto, la stella, e il miracolo dell'amore!

What does that mean?

Under the star is the miracle of love.

I thought that because I was born on Christmas day,

under the Christmas Star...

I thought that I had a gift.

But it turns out everyone has that gift.

My friends, my mum and dad...

All of us.

It's the gift of love, and it's the most powerful gift of all.

Oh, please, give me a break!

No, give me a sick bag.

Because I feel physically sick!

Now you can see why I want to flatten this place. Unbelievable.

Do you know who I am?!

Barry, there's someone here doesn't know who he is, like.

Get your hands off me!

You're all forgetting one little detail.

I own Pottersglen Pottery!

I own Pottersglen Pottery, I own Pottersglen...

Actually, Dad, you don't.

Junior. Give that back.

While you were at the meeting in the factory,

I decided to have a look over the property book.

It turns out after you smashed up the place,

Grandma and Grandpa put a clause in the contract

saying that you could never own Pottersglen Pottery.

-It means that I own it.

-Oh, really?

And I think it should go back to the people it belongs to.

Junior. Junior! Jun...

CHEERING AND LAUGHTER

These are those dramatic scenes again from Stormont this afternoon

where a young girl saved her village from demolition.

Looks like I've manned up.

Maybe I'm the one who needs to man up, Junior.

APPLAUSE

We're not all won yet, though, folks.

We still have the problem of what to do with the factory.

PHONE RINGS

Pottersglen Pottery, how might I help you?

I'd like to order ten boxes of your snow globes, please.

Of course! Could I take a name, please!

Kylie Minogue.

Ha-ha! I should be so lucky!

PHONES RING

Hello, Pottersglen Pottery?

Oh, hi, is that Pottersglen Pottery?

Yep, excellent. Listen, I want to get myself some of those snow globes.

Five or six boxes should do it.

It's a nice change from socks.

Do you deliver? Around the globe?

Yes, very funny.

It's 25 - wait for it - Tinsel Lane.

Yes, I know. It's very Christmassy. That's what everyone says.

Mum! Dad! You'll never guess what!

There she is.

Oh, darling!

What am I going to do with you?

Have you any idea how worried we've been?

Noelle, honey?

Wait to you hear this.

"It is with great pleasure that I invite your daughter,

"Miss Noelle O'Hanlon,

"to switch on the city's Christmas lights this year."

"We have been so inspired by her brave actions..."

Are you kidding me?

It's real, captain. You deserve it.

What about my friends?

Says here they're invited too.

Wait. Can I wear my football kit?

What are you like?

# Have a very Merry Christmas from Pottersglen FM. #

Christmas Eve.

I'd like to wish the young folk from Pottersglen

all the best as they head to switch on the Belfast Christmas lights.

Oh, yes. Something I've never been asked to do.

25 years of broadcasting.

Not even the ones here at Pottersglen.

Or my own house.

So while they're enjoying all that,

let's hear this year's Christmas Number One, We Can Shine.

Here you go, Whitney. Now's your chance to sing.

APPLAUSE

# I've been looking for a light to guide me home

# A glimpse, a flicker or a star to call my own

# How can I be heard if no-one seems to listen

# But I'll shine just like the stars above me glisten

# We can be united

# There's something in the air

# It's out there

# We can shine

# And the world will sing for one thing

# Stars align

# And they bring me back to home

# We can shine

# And the world will sing for one thing

# Stars align

# And they bring me back to home

# But not alone... #

OK, here we go, then!

The Christmas lights countdown!

Five, four, three,

two, one...

# We can shine... #

Merry Christmas!

# And the world will sing for one thing

# Stars align

# And they bring me back

# We can shine

# And the world will sing for one thing

# Stars align

# And they bring me back

# Home

# Home

# Home

# Home... #

CHEERING

# We can shine! #

Well, this is certainly going to be a Christmas we all remember.

The year a wee girl showed us what Christmas really means.

Friendship and forgiveness.

That the greatest gift of all is love.

Or in my case, socks.

Again.

Merry bloomin' Christmas to the lot of you.

# The first noel the angels did say

# To certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay... #

I'm Ross King, with the lowdown on Tinsel Town.

The big news in Hollywood tonight - why do so many celebrities

why do so many celebrities want to get their hands on a Pottersglen snow globe?

We're hearing reports from the White House that the President himself

wants to get two for his children.

A full report, and live coverage, coming up.

Why are you listening to... They are children!

I am an a-dult... I've done it again!

I am Spartacus!

..I, Noelle...

LAUGHTER

OK, keep running, keep running!

Oh, I thought that as so good(!)

Use your head, Junior.

LAUGHTER

-Two feet away...

-Reset!

-..and he misses.

Use your head.

Have I got the world's smallest head, or something?

Can we put a bull's-eye on the back of me head?

-ALL: Go Spud-Bob!

-Stop!