Mathew Horne, known for playing Gavin Shipman in Gavin & Stacey, has taken on a new festive role. He features alongside Emily Atack in a short film for Debenhams' upcoming Christmas advert, which has been released today.
New Christmas film features familiar faces
The film, titled 'Christmas. For Everyone', runs just over four minutes and is described as "a warm, romantic and nostalgia-filled short film". It follows Tina (Emily Atack) and Chris (Mathew Horne) as they attend their local Christmas party.
Debenhams teased the storyline: "Quiet, shy and once barely on her radar, the pair share a glance and a smile which suggests that tonight, she sees him differently, and over the course of the four-minute film we watch the two grow closer."
Plot details and cast
"But, in true British fashion the night doesn’t go as planned, as inside the party landlady Katie, played by iconic soap star Kym Marsh, reveals that our headline act has been caught in a snowstorm."
Encouraged by compere Mark and the crowd, Chris reluctantly steps up to take the stage with his guitar. A flashback reveals the teenage sweethearts on a park bench in their school uniforms, playing the very same song he now strums. With the party plunged into a power cut, everyone pitches in to get the festivities back on track, with music icon Gabrielle (as herself) on hand to take to the stage as Tina and Chris reunite with a kiss.
Reactions and release
Ahead of its release, Mathew Horne said: “I’m often associated with Christmas due to a certain TV programme! I know many fans have associated memories around that show and the festive period.”
Also starring in the short film is Coronation Street's Kym Marsh as Katie the landlady, as well as style ambassador Mark Heyes as the compere. Viewers may also recognise stylish influencers Saffron Barker, Sammi Maria and Jay Beech, dancing to Gabrielle’s rendition of her hit song Dreams.
The short film has already been shared on YouTube, with support pouring in. One person replied: "This is just perfect, the absolute legend that is Gabrielle!" Another commented: "So heartwarming", as a third simply stated that they "love it." A fourth joked: "hat's Gavin... What the h*** will Stacey say...and as for Nessa...your dead mate.."
