ALED Jones says his family “are everything” as he prepares to spend Christmas off-air amid sexual harassment claims.

The 47-year-old Songs of Praise host has also told how he often struggles with his faith.

In an interview days before it emerged he had been accused of sending inappropriate messages to a female colleague, Jones set out his festive plans.

The star, who lives in a £1.8million house in South West London with his wife Claire Fossett, 41, and children Emelia, 15, and Lucas, 12, said: “My family are everything to me.

“My kids are incredible human beings and I love being with them.

“Our Christmas is very traditional – eat too much, drink too much and watch too much rubbish on TV.

“I was away for a lot of their younger life, which was rubbish, but that was my job. They’re so interesting now, I’m so thankful I’m home and I love it.”

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Jones has not been on the BBC since a probe was launched into the allegations in October. He strongly denies inappropriate conduct but has said he was “deeply sorry” for “occasionally juvenile” behaviour a decade ago.

Speaking about his faith, the former choirboy said: “I don’t go to church very often. My relationship with God is through my music. I’ll always love a hymn. “I wouldn’t put myself down as a fantastic Christian. “I struggle with it as everyone does and occasionally curse.” Jones shot to fame aged 15 when Snowman song Walking In The Air got to No5 in 1985.

He admits ongoing royalties from the Christmas film come in useful in January.

The singer, who has just released his latest CD One Voice: Believe, added: “There were years I didn’t work and that cheque in January made me very happy.

“There was a time I was really embarrassed hearing it in stores but now I front it out.”