Rock star Chris Rea has been forced to turn around on the M1 and will no longer be driving home for Christmas.

Mr Rea had set off for his Middlesbrough home from London and was singing Driving Home for Christmas in his car when news broke on the radio.

Boris Johnson announced London had moved into Tier 4 and no-one could travel or join another household for Christmas.

Lorraine Fisher, 34, Mr Rea’s spokesperson said: “It put him in quite the pickle. He had just got on to the M1 and was looking forward to the 250-mile journey.

“But he then realised he was not allowed to drive home for Christmas after all. So, he had to turn around near Watford and go back to London again.”

It is not known how Mr Rea will pass the time in London. He might take up chess or poker, but is advised to visit the best poker training sites first.

Comforting mugs

You can buy one of our special mugs from the Dirty Old Goat website, or direct from the list below. We cannot guarantee delivery in time for Christmas – Royal Mail had suggested Monday is the last posting day but there could be delays (maybe Chris Rea getting in the way returning to London)…