Familiar faces from Coronation Street and Emmerdale are heading from soapland to the big screen for a new British Christmas film set against Yorkshire’s heritage railways.
Santa Express The Movie has completed filming, bringing together former soap actors Daniel Coll, Victoria Ekanoye and Lisa George with singer Toyah Willcox and former Doctor Who and Blue Peter star Peter Purves. The production uses York and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as major locations for its festive story.
Soap favourites board the Santa Express
Daniel Coll leads the film as Bob Browning, a man whose ambition to become Father Christmas aboard his local railway drives the story. Coll is known to Emmerdale viewers for playing DI Frank Blackmore and has also appeared in Coronation Street, EastEnders and The Crown.
Two former Coronation Street actors are also part of the ensemble. Victoria Ekanoye, who played Angie Appleton, joins Lisa George, best known to Corrie fans as Beth Tinker. Their involvement gives the film an immediate connection to viewers of Britain’s long-running soaps.
Toyah Willcox adds another well-known name to the cast, while Peter Purves takes on the role of Father Christmas. The wider ensemble includes Fiona Sinnott, Olwen May, Andy Dunn, Joe Savino and Richard Ashton.
Yorkshire railways provide the festive backdrop
Rather than placing its Christmas story in a generic winter setting, the production has made Yorkshire’s railway heritage a central part of its identity. Filming took place around York and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, using real steam trains and historic surroundings.
The story follows Bob’s determination to fulfil his dream of becoming Santa on his local railway. Family, second chances and Christmas traditions are among the themes running through the film, giving the project a distinctly British alternative to the many festive romances released each year.
Coll is also working behind the camera as director and producer. The film was written by David C. Thorp and produced through Picture Point Films.
When will Santa Express The Movie be released?
Filming was confirmed as complete on 31 October, meaning the project is now moving into post-production. A firm release date has not yet been announced, and there is currently no confirmed cinema, television or streaming platform for the film.
That means viewers should be cautious about reports that attach a specific premiere date or broadcaster to the project. More distribution details are expected as post-production progresses.
For soap fans, the appeal is already clear: the movie brings performers associated with Coronation Street and Emmerdale together in a new setting while keeping a strong connection to northern England.
With its heritage railway locations and recognisable British television cast, Santa Express The Movie could become one of the more distinctive home-grown festive releases when its distribution plans are confirmed.