Netflix’s forthcoming festive film, That Christmas, is set to feature cameos from two highly recognisable figures in British broadcasting.
The animated film, based on the trilogy of popular children’s books by the director of Love Actually, tells the story of a tranquil seaside town thrown into disarray at Christmas due to a significant error made by Santa (played by Brian Cox).
The film boasts a star-studded cast including Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker, About Time’s Bill Nighy and Killing Eve’s Fiona Shaw, with direction by Simon Otto and a script written by Curtis himself.
In an exciting development, Netflix has confirmed that broadcasters Dermot O’Leary and Jordan North will make cameo appearances as Christmas tree sellers.
“Mr Chop (Dermot) and Mr Hack (Jordan) run the Christmas tree stall in winter, trim your hedges in the summer and spend a little too much time in the pub in spring and autumn!” reads the official description, reports the Mirror.
Dermot is most recognised for his current role presenting ITV’s This Morning alongside Alison Hammond on Fridays, while North hosts the Capital Breakfast Show.
Dermot was able to share the thrilling news on this week’s edition of the Friday talk show, expressing his excitement about venturing into the realm of animation.
His co-host Alison commented: “Dermot O’Leary, genuinely is in a Hollywood movie, a blockbuster for Christmas!”
To which Dermot confirmed: “I play the part of Mr Chop, it’s some of my finest work.”
After getting a glimpse of his new role on This Morning, he expressed his gratitude: “Thanks everyone! It means an awful lot to me, thanks.”
Celebrated writer-director Curtis, the man behind the festive favourite Love Actually, has also crafted hits such as Yesterday, Notting Hill, and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Curtis shared his joy in a statement: “This has been the most amazing adventure, my first animated film.
“It’s been especially exciting to see the whole world I imagined come to life beyond my wildest dreams – and populated by a dream bunch of actors, their wonderful voices turned into such rich and funny characters.”
Director Otto, famed for his work on the How To Train Your Dragon series, shared his long-held animation aspirations saying: “Becoming an animator had been on my Christmas wish list ever since I was a child and watching animated movies was one of the biggest Christmas traditions in my family.
“But never could I have imagined that one day I would get the chance to direct a Christmas film written by the one-and-only Richard Curtis and collaborate with some of the most iconic voice talents.
“Watching this cast bring life to these heart-warmingly funny tales and infuse them with the magic of animation is truly a dream come ‘true’. I hope That Christmas becomes a cherished tradition for audiences worldwide.”
The cast features talents like Lolly Adefope, Katherine Parkinson, Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, and Rhys Darby.
That Christmas will be released Wednesday, December 4 on Netflix.
