Already a household name due to her appearances in everything from Bridget Jones to Nanny McPhee, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and The Thursday Murder Club, Celia Imrie has recently cemented her national treasure status due to her appearance on The Celebrity Traitors. And now, she’s been confirmed for a new Christmas film. ScreenDaily has confirmed she’ll be appearing in Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint, which focuses on a model painter named Aubrey Flint who doesn’t like people — and especially doesn’t like Christmas.
An incident forces him into community service, and he’s forced to work at the struggling retirement home Willow Lodge. Soon enough, he’s roped into directing a production of A Christmas Carol, with the residents in the roles. However, tragedy strikes and the entire home risks being shut down.
Aubrey is forced to decide whether to watch by the wayside, or stand up for his new community and accept the True Spirit of Christmas.
What to Read Next
The synopsis describes the film as “chaotic” and full of “mayhem”, but also with plenty of “Christmas cheer”.
BBC
Related: Best streaming services in 2025
Alongside Imrie, the big British ensemble cast includes Game of Thrones’ John Bradley and Richard E Grant, Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh, Loki’s Sophia Di Martino, Slow Horses’ Adrian Rawlins, and comedians Karl Pilkington and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
We’ve also got Nigel Planer, Ann Mitchell, Dave Johns, Dustin Demri-Burns, Harriet Webb and Beau Thompson.
Imrie’s character hasn’t been revealed yet, but we do know that the role is being described as “a chain-smoking former West End diva”.
Netflix
Related: Stealth farter Celia Imrie: 6 things you (probably) didn’t know about the Celebrity Traitors icon
Speaking about the festive movie in a statement, Director Jack Spring said: “Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint will bring all the heart and magic of the best timeless Christmas movies but with a fresh and thoroughly modern sparkle that will move and surprise audiences.
“Handmade with love, this is a film to enchant the whole family, young and old. It will make you laugh, cry and hold your breath all at the same time. Merry Christmas!”
Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint is currently filming. The Celebrity Traitors airs at 9pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays on BBC One.
The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Ariana & Witches in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he’s covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I’m a Fish.