Richard E Grant receives a red thong as a surprise gift in a new Christmas charity film for ShelterBox, the disaster relief charity that provides shelter after conflict or disaster.
The actor, known for Celebrity Traitors, unwraps the gift from Dame Imelda Staunton in the advert, which promotes a more meaningful approach to gift-giving.
The Christmas Film
ShelterBox has released a Christmas film for the past two years. The first, in 2024, featured Dame Judi Dench, while the second in 2025 starred Dame Imelda.
In the new film, Grant admires a gift bag with Dame Judi Dench's name crossed out on the card, saying: "How wonderful. A gift for me. Love, Imelda." He then opens the bag and takes out a red thong, laughing and trying to wave the camera away.
Speaking on the phone, he adds: "Imelda darling. You're so thoughtful, it's just it's incredibly tight. Imelda? Are you still there?"
Serious Message Behind the Laughs
Grant said: "The thong may be getting all the attention, but there's a serious message behind the laughs."
He added: "So many things in this world can feel out of our control, but giving a gift that will make a real difference to families who've lost so much, is something we can all feel positive about."
Grant noted that millions of families around the world have been forced from their homes due to conflict or disaster in places like Nepal, Gaza and Sudan. The aid ShelterBox provides is designed to help people continue activities like cooking and eating together as a family or keeping warm as temperatures drop.
"Things like tents, solar lights, blankets and kitchen sets, all life-changing items that will make an immeasurable difference to families who've lost almost everything," he said.
Virtual Gifts Available
Emily Mullen, head of supporter engagement at ShelterBox, said: "At this time of year, many of us come together at home with friends and family."
"A ShelterBox virtual gift such as a family tent could give people around the world displaced by disaster a sense of home too. Plus, it helps to spread the spirit of meaningful, thoughtful giving," she added.
Mullen concluded: "We're incredibly lucky that Richard E. Grant has chosen to support ShelterBox and was such a good sport in helping us to combine humour with a heartfelt message." To make a virtual gift, visit shelterbox.org.
