Mog's Christmas to get star-studded adaptation with Benedict Cumberbatch and Miriam Margolyes

Virgin Radio

23 May 2023, 10:35

Mog’s Christmas is about to get its own festive special featuring the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy and Miriam Margolyes.

It might only be May, but Channel 4 have announced the brand new adaptation of the beloved Christmas tale, which will celebrate author Judith Kerr’s 100th birthday. 

Kerr also wrote The Tiger Who Came To Tea, and the animated short film was one of Channel 4’s highest-rating programmes of 2019. 

Joining the cast for the adorable festive feature will be narrator and Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh, while Mr and Mrs Thomas will be played by Dr Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch and The Crown’s Claire Foy respectively.

Harry Potter legend Miriam Margolyes and Paddington 2’s Maggie Steed will play the Aunts, while Zawe Ashton will star as one of Mog’s neighbours, Mrs Mayor. 

The Fast Show’s Charlie Higson will play the Jolly Uncle, while comedian Garth Berliner is the Chestnut Seller. 

Mog’s purrs and meows will be provided by Tacy Kneale, Judith Kerr’s daughter, who said in a statement: “Our own Mog was a huge part of my childhood. I hope I've done her justice!”

Judith based Mog on the antics of her first family cat, and published the debut book, Mog, The Forgetful Cat, in 1970. She went on to create 17 more picture books in the series, selling over four million copies worldwide in 21 languages. 

The official Mog’s Christmas synopsis reads: “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!”

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.”

Mog’s Christmas will air on Channel 4 this festive season.