Channel’s 4 has announced its headline Christmas drama for 2025, Dear Father Christmas (w/t), commissioned by its specialist factual department. Written by Mark Chappell ( See How They Run, Cold Feet), it is co- produced by Big Talk Studios and South Shore.
Dear Father Christmas follows 16-year-old Chris (played by Lenny Rush), who still believes in Father Christmas. His concerned dad (James Buckley) decides it’s finally time to tell him the truth. But Chris refuses to give up on Santa and embarks on a madcap mission to prove his dad wrong.
Joined by his cousin Holly (Ele Mackenzie), Chris’s journey takes him into the heart of a Christmas conspiracy. Along the way he meets a cabal of scientists and thinkers – Stephen Fry, Hannah Fry, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Fox – who seem to know the truth about Santa and may have cracked the science behind his apparent magical feats. But will he find the real Father Christmas?
Also starring in Dear Father Christmas Greg Davies, Asim Chaudhry and Rochenda Sandall.
The 1×75’ film was commissioned by Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual, Jonah Weston, commissioning editor for specialist factual and Andy Brereton, Senior Commissioning Editor, Comedy at Channel 4, and is executive produced by Kenton Allen, Luke Alkin, and Toby Welch for Big Talk Studios, Mark Chappell, and Andrew Mackenzie for South Shore Productions. Anthony Wilcox is the director and an executive producer, and Spencer Millman is the producer. Big Talk Studios and South Shore Productions are both part of ITV Studios.
Dear Father Christmas will tx on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025 on Channel 4.
Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor Specialist Factual said: “Dear Father Christmas is Channel 4’s big festive treat for 2025. Mark Chappell’s brilliant script weaves together family comedy, heartfelt drama and a playful look at the science of Santa, brought to life by a cast packed with some of Britain’s best-loved stars. It’s a film full of joy, adventure and wonder, and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with viewers this Christmas.”
Kenton Allen, Executive Producer, Big Talk Studios, said: “At its heart, Dear Father Christmas is a joyful celebration of belief, family and the enduring magic of Christmas. Mark Chappell’s brilliant script brings together an extraordinary cast – from comedy icons to national treasures – who all share in telling a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving. We can’t wait to share it with Channel 4 audiences this Christmas.”
Andrew Mackenzie, Executive Producer, South Shore Productions, said: “It’s been a joy to see Mark and the talented folk at Big Talk bring this magical story alive.”
Pippa Considine
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