Channel 4 is giving us a real Christmas treat tonight with a new festive drama that’s packed full of British telly favourites. Described by the channel as “heart-warming and hilarious”, Finding Father Christmas stars Doctor Who‘s Lenny Rush as a 16-year-old named Chris who still believes in Santa.
When his dad tries to give him “the talk”, Chris refuses to give up on Santa and sets off on a mission with his cousin Holly (Ele Mckenzie) to prove that Father Christmas does exist.
The synopsis reads: “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?”
Promising to blend “comedy, adventure and heart”, the film airs tonight (Tuesday 24 December) at 7.30pm on Channel 4.
Channel 4
Related: Best streaming services in 2025
Finding Father Christmas also stars The Inbetweeners‘ James Buckley as Chris’ dad, alongside Taskmaster’s Greg Davies, Asim Chaudhry and Rochenda Sandall.
The Celebrity Traitor‘s Stephen Fry also stars as well as Hannah Fry, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Fox.
Speaking about the drama, Executive Producer Kenton Allen said: “At its heart, Dear Father Christmas is a joyful celebration of belief, family and the enduring magic of Christmas.
Channel 4
“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.”
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.”
Finding Father Christmas airs on Channel 4 on Tuesday 24 December at 7.30pm.
Love TV? Get your Christmas viewing sorted with the Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide, featuring 14 days of Christmas TV listings, plus everything you need for the ultimate festive viewing experience! Just £4.75 – available now at Morrisons, TG Jones and all other good magazine retailers.
Reporter, Digital SpyÂ
Stephanie is a writer who specialises in pro wrestling, covering everything from AEW and WWE to NJPW.Â
After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she went on to study journalism at Birbeck University.Â
Outside of her journalism work Stephanie is also a YouTube content creator focusing on AEW and interviewing talent from AEW, WWE, and across the indie wrestling scene. She has also worked for Revolution Pro Wrestling as a backstage interviewer and commentator.