The much-loved broadcaster and Doctor Who actor will star in the new British family feature Santa Express The Movie, written by York-based screenwriter Dave Thorp, with filming about to begin ahead of a planned Christmas 2026 release.
“I have never played Santa Claus before, so it is nice, at my age, to be doing something totally new.”
National icon Peter Purves will play Father Christmas for the first time in his distinguished six-decade career, taking the central festive role in Santa Express The Movie, a new original British family film written by York-based screenwriter Dave Thorp, produced by Picture Point Films and directed by Daniel Coll.
Principal photography is about to begin in York, with the film planned for release at Christmas 2026. The role marks an affectionate return to major family storytelling for a performer known and trusted by generations of British viewers.
Purves first became a household name as space pilot Steven Taylor, companion to William Hartnell’s First Doctor in Doctor Who. He then spent eleven years presenting Blue Peter during one of the programme’s most celebrated eras, before building a long association with Crufts and a television career spanning more than six decades.
Peter Purves on becoming Santa
“It is such a pleasure to finally have the go-ahead on filming this lovely original script. I have never played Santa Claus before – not in any capacity – so it is nice, at my age, to be doing something totally new.”
“Christmas is a lovely time of year – there is something magical about it, even for older folk. I am sure this film will give children and families much pleasure, and I will be doing everything I can to keep it all magical.”
PETER PURVES
A new Christmas adventure with York and railways at its heart
Santa Express follows Bob Browning as he enters Santa’s magical world of elves, trains and Christmas wonder, where one family must rediscover love, belief and the true meaning of Christmas. Set against the atmosphere of historic York, the film combines an original family story with the romance and spectacle of Britain’s railway heritage.
Further major cast announcements will follow shortly. Santa Express The Movie is scheduled for release at Christmas 2026.
A role made for a national favourite
Producer Actor and director Daniel Coll said: “Peter has been part of British family life for generations. He brings warmth, wit and a genuine sense of wonder to the role. The fact that this is the first time he has ever played Santa makes it especially exciting. We could not imagine a more loved and trusted figure to lead audiences into the magical world of Santa Express. We are thrilled to be starting production in York and working towards bringing the film to audiences this Christmas.”
Written in York by Dave Thorp
The original screenplay is written by Dave Thorp, who lives in York and has placed the city’s character and rich railway heritage at the heart of the film.
“York’s history, atmosphere and railway heritage are woven into Santa Express. Peter Purves brings exactly the warmth, wit and sense of wonder I imagined for Santa.”
DAVE THORP | WRITER
Peter’s lifelong love of steam
The railway setting also has a personal resonance for Purves, whose fascination with steam locomotives reaches back to childhood. “And of course it involves a train,” he said. “I grew up when steam trains were great beasts, and I am still thrilled to see the marvellous engines that run on heritage routes across the country.”
His connection to railway heritage has a particularly fitting link: Purves has travelled on the footplate of the restored Peppercorn Class A2 Pacific locomotive No. 60532 Blue Peter.
Coming this Christmas
Filming is scheduled to begin shortly in York ahead of a planned Christmas 2026 release. Further production, distribution and release announcements will follow.