The UK's coronavirus hospital death toll has increased by 403 - a 16% jump on the total reported a week ago. England reported 317 fatalities, Wales had 38, Scotland recorded 36 and Northern Ireland had 12.
Hospital deaths had been trending downwards for a fortnight, but they have been climbing again this week. Friday's total is 16% higher than the 346 fatalities announced on December 11.
The tolls announced on the previous Fridays were 354 on December 4, 408 on November 27, 401 on November 20, and 342 on November 13.
The latest figures came as the four UK nations faced fresh calls to rethink their plans to allow limited family gatherings under special Christmas bubbles.