Everything you need to know about Yorkshire film Father Christmas Is Back starring John Cleese, Liz Hurley and Kelsey Grammer

Big names from British comedy play starring roles in a new Christmas film set and made in Yorkshire.

Here is a round-up of all you need to know about Father Christmas Is Back.

What is it?

Father Christmas Is Back is a comedy about four sisters who have reunited for the Christmas holiday in a Yorkshire mansion.

Actress Nathalie Cox on set during the filming of Father Christmas Is Back in Howden, East Yorkshire. Picture Nigel Roddis/PA Wire.Actress Nathalie Cox on set during the filming of Father Christmas Is Back in Howden, East Yorkshire. Picture Nigel Roddis/PA Wire.
Actress Nathalie Cox on set during the filming of Father Christmas Is Back in Howden, East Yorkshire. Picture Nigel Roddis/PA Wire.
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Their father returns after abandoning the family on December 25th many years before.

The plot focuses on Caroline Christmas, a control freak who desperately wants a perfect Christmas.

Through a series of misunderstandings, she uncovers a long-buried family secret.

Who does it star?

John Cleese. Photo by Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images.John Cleese. Photo by Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images.
John Cleese. Photo by Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images.

Caroline is played by Nathalie Cox, with Talulah Riley as Vicky Christmas, Elizabeth Hurley starring as Joanna Christmas and Caroline Quentin being Elizabeth Christmas.

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Kelsey Grammer - star of long-running US sitcom Frasier and voice of The Simpsons' villainous Sideshow Bob - is the father, James Christmas, while April Bowlby plays his 35-year-old American girlfriend Jackie.

Kris Marshall, who is no stranger to fans of Christmas films after playing Colin Frissell in Richard Curtis' Love Actually, stars as Caroline's husband Peter Hope.

Monty Python legend John Cleese stars, while Katy Brand also pops up as a Reverend.

Filming for Father Christmas Is Back in Howden, East Yorkshire, in September. Picture Nigel Roddis/PA Wire.Filming for Father Christmas Is Back in Howden, East Yorkshire, in September. Picture Nigel Roddis/PA Wire.
Filming for Father Christmas Is Back in Howden, East Yorkshire, in September. Picture Nigel Roddis/PA Wire.

Where did it film?

Nathalie Cox was snapped acting for a scene in Howden, in the East Riding, in September, with photos showing her leaving Atkinson Bakers in the Market Place.

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The International Movie Database also says that filming took place in York, with stars such as Cleese appearing at Birdsall House in Malton.

When is it out?

A new trailer has come out - but does include a release date - suggesting the film is either in cinemas or put out for home viewing before Christmas this year.

According to IMDB, it is still in the post-production phase.

Who has made it?

The film has been co-directed by Philippe Martinez and Mick Davis.

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According to the publication Deadline, the film is based on an idea by Martinez, who also produces with Alan Latham from Highfield Grange Studios, while Goldfinch’s Kirsty Bell executive produces alongside Lee Beasley and Karinne Behr from MSR Media.

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