Claire Foy and Benedict Cumberbatch are just some of the stars voicing this year’s Channel 4 animated Christmas special – Mog’s Christmas.
BUY MOG’S CHRISTMAS CHILDREN’S BOOK HERE
Get ready for the paw-fect festive treat as Channel 4 announces an animated adaptation of Judith Kerr’s much-loved classic children’s book Mog’s Christmas.
FIRST LOOK: Watch Channel 4’s Mog’s Christmas Trailer here:
UPDATE: Sophie Ellis-Bextor, David Arnold, and Don Black all come together for Mog’s Christmas Theme song and it looks like a real cracker. Multi-award-winning composer David Arnold and Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black have penned “As Long as I Belong” which has been recorded by singer-songwriter, Sophie Ellis-Bextor for the film.
The stunning ballad is about the importance of belonging, will play over a specially animated segment of the animated special, and illustrates Mog’s dream as she falls asleep on a snowy rooftop on Christmas Eve.
Speaking at Air Studios in London where the song was recorded, Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “When I told my kids I’d been asked to sing Mog’s song, they couldn’t really believe it because Mog has been part of our world since my eldest was small, and he’s 20 next year! It feels really special.”
David Arnold, composer, said: “I’d have been really annoyed if they’d have asked someone else – it takes you back to the days when you were reading the book to your kids, so it’s a lovely thing to be asked to do.”
Lyricist Don Black said: “We both had such a great time doing The Tiger Who Came To Tea that it was an easy decision to come back for Mog – it’s a dream project for a lyricist.”
Lending their voices to the festive TV special include Claire Foy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Adjoa Andoh, Miriam Margolyes, Maggie Steed, Zawe Ashton and Charlie Higson.
Marking the 100th anniversary year of Judith Kerr’s birth, this hand-drawn animated special brings Mog’s family and neighbours to life.
Gwawr Lloyd, Drama Commissioning Editor at Channel 4 said: “We are utterly delighted to be bringing Mog to screen with our partners. It is the perfect Christmas tale full of fun and adventure with a star-studded cast including Claire Foy as Mrs Thomas and Benedict Cumberbatch as Mr Thomas. Channel 4 has a long-standing relationship with Lupus Films and together with their creative flair we have brought so many classic stories to the screen that have been enjoyed by generations of viewers. Judith Kerr’s much-loved Mog will be a great addition to this collection and a really special festive treat for the audience.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Mog’s Christmas…
What time is Mog’s Christmas on TV?
The festive treat is likely to air on Christmas Eve if previous specials such as The Tiger Who Came To Tea are to go by however no transmission date and time has been announced.
What is Mog’s Christmas about?
In Mog’s Christmas Mr and Mrs Thomas and their children Debbie and Nicky are busy making preparations for Christmas. With two Aunts and a jolly Uncle also staying in the house, Mog, the beloved family cat, is feeling a bit ignored.
When Mr Thomas and the two children arrive home with an enormous Christmas tree, Mog takes fright and scrambles onto the roof for safety. Regardless of the Thomas family’s attempts to rescue her, Mog doesn’t manage to come down.
Despite everyone’s fears, Mog has a magical night in the snow with a cat-themed Christmas dream. The next morning on Christmas day, when a hungry Mog hears the mention of breakfast, she falls down the chimney and arrives in the kitchen to the surprise and relief of all the family. At last Mog has everyone’s attention, and a Happy Christmas is had by all!
Who stars in Mog’s Christmas?
The special will be narrated by Adjoa Andoh, Claire Foy will play Mrs Thomas, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Mr Thomas, Miriam Margolyesand Maggie Steed as the aunts, Zawe Ashton is one of Mog’s neighbours, Mrs Gaynor, Charlie Higson plays the jolly uncle, Gareth Berliner is the Chestnut Seller, Teddy Skelton and Amelia Law play children Debbie and Nicky, and Mog’s purrs and miaows will be provided by Tacy Kneale, Judith Kerr’s daughter.
Is there a trailer for Mog’s Christmas?
At the moment no trailer is available, once this has been launched we will update this page.
Where can I buy Mog’s Christmas children’s book?
You can purchase Mog’s Christmas here for £5.99 at Amazon.co.uk
