Dear Father Christmas on Channel 4: Celebrity Traitors star Stephen Fry confirmed for 'heart-warming' festive drama
Expect a blend of 'comedy, adventure and heart' in the festive film
Dear Father Christmas is a “heart-warming” and “hilarious” new drama airing on Channel 4 over the festive period.
The “headliner” drama will air alongside other C4 Christmas favourites, including the annual Big Fat Quiz of the Year, and the Alternative Christmas Message.
Expect a blend of “comedy, adventure and heart” in the festive film, which “celebrates the magic of Christmas and the bond between father and son”.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dear Father Christmas on Channel 4, including plot, cast, start date, and latest news.
What is Dear Father Christmas about?
Dear Father Christmas introduces Chris who, at 16, still wholeheartedly believes in Father Christmas. His concerned dad 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.
A synopsis tell us: “Joined by his cousin Holly, Chris’ journey takes him into the heart of a Christmas conspiracy. Along the way, he meets a cabal of scientists and thinkers 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?
Channel 4 explained: “Blending comedy, adventure and heart, the film celebrates the magic of Christmas and the bond between father and son. While honouring the memory of Chris’ late mum and the traditions she cherished most.”
How many episodes is it?
Dear Father Christmas is a “heart-warming and hilarious” 75 minute festive drama.
BAFTA-nominated Mark Chappell wrote the festive feature. He’s known for Is This Thing On?, A Young Doctor’s Notebook, and Cold Feet).
Who is in the cast?
The rather lovely Lenny Rush plays the lead character is James in Dear Father Christmas. He’s famous for playing Ollie in Am I Being Unreasonable?, Morris Gibbons in Doctor Who, and Morgan in Dodger.
In 2024, Lenny became the first ever child to co-present Children in Need.
The Inbetweeners star James Buckley will play James’ dad.
Comedian and The Cleaner star Greg Davies also appears in the festive film, alongside The Sandman’s Asim Chaudhry, Line of Duty‘s Rochenda Sandall, and Fun Boys’ Ele Mckenzie.
Stephen Fry, Hannah Fry, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Fox also join the cast as the “cabal of scientists and thinkers”.
When is the start date? How can I watch?
Dear Father Christmas will air 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.”
‘A joyful celebration of belief, family and the enduring magic of Christmas’
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.”
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