Channel 4 unveils 2025 drama: Dear Father Christmas

A warm and witty 75-minute festive special, penned by BAFTA-nominated writer Mark Chappell (See How They Run, Is This Thing On?, A Young Doctor’s Notebook, Cold Feet). Produced by Big Talk Studios (Ludwig, Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping) and co-produced by South Shore Productions (Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams).

Dear Father Christmas follows 16-year-old Chris (BAFTA TV Award winner Lenny Rush – Am I Being Unreasonable?, A Woman of Substance), who still wholeheartedly believes in Father Christmas. His well-meaning dad (BAFTA TV Award nominee James Buckley – The Inbetweeners) decides it’s time for “the talk” and tries to break the news. But Chris isn’t having it.

Determined to prove Santa is real, Chris teams up with his cousin Holly (Ele McKenzie – Funboys) and dives headfirst into a festive adventure that uncovers a wild Christmas conspiracy. Along the way, they encounter a secretive circle of scientists and thinkers – including Stephen Fry, Hannah Fry, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and Jason Fox – who may have unlocked the science behind Santa’s legendary feats.

From quirky Santas to eccentric experts, Chris’s journey is packed with surprises. But will it lead him to the real Father Christmas?

Dear Father Christmas W/T also features BAFTA TV Award nominee Greg Davies (The Cleaner, Man Down), Asim Chaudhry (BAFTA-winning People Just Do Nothing), and Rochenda Sandall (Line of Duty, The Rig, Amandaland).

Blending humour, adventure, and heartfelt emotion, the film captures the spirit of Christmas and the enduring bond between father and son — all while paying tribute to the memory of Chris’s late mum and the cherished traditions she held dear.

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.”

Dear Father Christmas W/T will TX on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025 on Channel 4.