Loneliness is the focus of this year's BBC NI Christmas Appeal - we hear from Michael who explained his situation #PlayingOurPart

A new report has said that being lonely is as bad for people as 15 cigarettes a day and that being alone can increase your chance of death by a third. The report is by the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission. They're calling on the Government to fund new ways of battling the loneliness epidemic. An estimated one million people are set to spend Christmas alone this year. Loneliness is the focus of this year's BBC Northern Ireland Christmas Appeal, "Playing Our Part". Stephen has been speaking to Michael who explained his situation.