Faye Barker's Sunday blog

This weekend is continuing to be a busy time for last minute Christmas shopping. Traditionally today - the day before Christmas Eve - is the time that everyone starts getting all their special festive food in. As the 23rd December falls on a Sunday this year, this brings the added complication of shorter opening hours meaning the time available at the shops is limited. However, in the West End, hundreds of thousands of people have been braving the crowds to buy those final presents (apparently more men than women are out shopping today.... no comment). Our correspondent Glen Goodman has sharpened his elbows to join the hoards and find out how retailers are coping.

Aside from all the fun and celebration of Christmas, it can be a lonely and difficult time too for some. The charity Crisis has been busy this weekend preparing to welcome thousands of homeless people into nine new shelters which will be open over the festive period. The number of homeless people in the capital has risen by 40% so this work by volunteers is coming at a vital time.

Now if you haven't heard of the "One pound fish man" already then you will probably come across him on a TV or radio sooner or later... or even at Queen's Market in Upton Park. We went to east London today to catch up with the market trader turned pop star who has become an internet sensation with his catchy ditty about selling fish. As our cameras filmed, Shahid Nazir was mobbed by fans of his song which is now in the running for the coveted Christmas number one slot. You can read and see more about Shahid and his bid for Christmas number one here and we'll also be hearing from him on this evening's show.

Our programme is on at 6:30pm tonight - hope to see you then - but if I don't, have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Faye