Channel 4 announces Dear Father Christmas

It stars Lenny Rush as a 16-year-old who wants to prove to his dad that Santa does exist!

Channel 4 has announced a new 75-minute festive drama from Mark Chappell, Dear Father Christmas, which will air this Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day.

Promising to be hearwarming and hilarious, Dear Father Christmas follows 16-year-old Chris, played by Lenny Rush, who still wholeheartedly believes in Father Christmas. His dad, played by James Buckley, decides it’s finally time to have “the talk” and 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 cousin Holly, played by Ele Mackenzie, Chris’s journey takes him into the heart of a Christmas conspiracy and along the way he meets a cabal of scientists and thinkers, including 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.

On his adventure Chris encounters a variety of Santas and Santa experts, but will he find the real Father Christmas?

Blending comedy, adventure and heart, the film promises to celebrate the magic of Christmas and the bond between father and son, while honouring the memory of Chris’s late mum and the traditions she cherished most. And will also star Greg Davies, Asim Chaudhry, Rochenda Sandall.

Produced by Big Talk Studios, and co-produced by South Shore Productions, Dear Father Christmas will be produced by Spencer Millman, directed by Anthony Wilcox, who also executive produces alongside Kenton Allen, Luke Alkin, and Toby Welch for Big Talk Studios, Mark Chappell, and Andrew Mackenzie for South Shore Productions.

Speaking about Dear Father Christmas, Channel 4's Commissioning Editor Specialist Factual, Jonah Weston, 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."

To which Kenton Allen, Executive Producer, Big Talk Studios, added "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."

And 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."

Dear Father Christmas will air on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Channel 4