Taskmaster, Inbetweeners and Celebrity Traitors favourites to lead Sky’s “heartwarming” Christmas drama

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Channel 4 is bringing a brand new, feature-length comedy to screens this Christmas, and it’s packed with stars! Lenny Rush, known for his BAFTA-winning role in ‘Am I Being Unreasonable?’, leads a cast of many other well-known actors.

This special tells the story of Chris, a 16-year-old who still firmly believes in Santa Claus, even though most kids his age have stopped.

I’m already hooked! This kid, Chris, is so determined to believe in the magic of Christmas. When his dad – played by the hilarious James Buckley, you might know him from The Inbetweeners – tries to talk some sense into him, Chris just won’t let it go. He goes on this totally wild adventure to *prove* Santa is real, and I can’t wait to see what happens!

The story takes him on a journey to uncover a Christmas mystery, a plot involving a group of brilliant scientists and thinkers. Stephen Fry (known from Celebrity Traitors) and Jason Fox (from SAS: Who Dares Wins) star, alongside actual academics Hannah Fry and Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

I’m so excited to hear that Ele Mackenzie from Funboys, Greg Davies from Taskmaster, Asim Chaudhry of People Just Do Nothing, and Rochenda Sandall, who I love in Amandaland, are all going to be part of this amazing show! It’s especially cool because Greg Davies and Hughie Rush were hilarious together in Taskmaster’s New Year Treat last year, so I can’t wait to see them team up again.

Channel 4 describes the film as a heartwarming mix of comedy, adventure, and emotion. It’s a celebration of Christmas and the special connection between a father and son, and a touching tribute to the mother they’ve lost and the traditions she loved.

Jonah Weston, a commissioning editor at Channel 4, announced that “Dear Father Christmas” will be the channel’s major holiday offering for 2025.

Mark Chappell’s clever script combines funny family moments, touching drama, and a fun exploration of the science behind Santa Claus. It’s all brought to life by a fantastic cast of well-known British actors.

This movie is packed with happiness, excitement, and magic, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it this Christmas.

Kenton Allen, the show’s executive producer, explained that ‘Dear Father Christmas’ is fundamentally a heartwarming story about the joy of believing, the importance of family, and the lasting wonder of Christmas.

Mark Chappell wrote a fantastic script and assembled a remarkable group of actors – including well-known comedians and beloved performers – to tell a story that is both hilarious and deeply touching.

“We can’t wait to share it with Channel 4 audiences this Christmas.”

Dear Father Christmas (working title) is coming to Channel 4 this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

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2025-10-10 17:46