Exclusive: Celia Imrie says her new movie is a "marvellous" twist on a British classic

Celia Imrie is very excited about the release of her upcoming movie.

The 2006 Olivier Award winner will grace the big screen in a new festive film titled Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint.

It is a comedy film focused on a stage production of A Christmas Carol at a retirement home, which is directed by a man doing community service.

Related: Don't miss Celia Imrie's debut in perfect-scoring "emotionally rewarding" British sitcom

Imrie will play a character called Gloria Lynn in the film, directed by Jack Spring and written by Chris Boyle-McQuarry.

The movie is set to hit cinemas this Friday (6 November). Ahead of its release, Imrie told Digital Spy that her latest project is an impressive twist on Charles Dickens’ famous novel A Christmas Carol, and she loved being part of it.

“The British classic is A Christmas Carol,” Imrie said. “It's not a direct adaptation, but the play that's being put on in the movie is A Christmas Carol.

“The lead character of the movie (Aubrey Flint) is a kind of Scrooge who hates people and Christmas, but discovers a love for it over the movie."

She added: “The thing is, Charles Dickens knew what he was talking about. It's an everlasting story, and it's marvellous that it's been given a modern twist. But I did find it very moving, actually. I'm very thrilled to be part of it.”

Sophia Di Martino, who plays Ellen in Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint, commented: "It's such a heart-warming film and it's got a really sweet message and an important message, actually. So I hope people will laugh, cry and enjoy a happy ending because I think we all need one right now.

"That's a great thing about this film as well. It's a PG, everyone can watch it together, and there aren't many films like that where you can sit down with the whole family and all enjoy it."

Imire also joins former Game of Thrones star John Bradley, who plays the titular Aubrey Flint. The cast features several prominent names, including Richard E Grant, who portrays Mr Hopkins.

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Like Imrie, Grant has featured on The Celebrity Traitors. The Bridget Jones star competed in the first edition of the series in 2025, while Grant took part in the second season, which concluded last Friday (30 October).

Last month, Imrie disclosed a conversation she had with Grant ahead of his appearance on the show.

"[He] rang me up and asked what it was like. I said I didn't quite know what I was letting myself in for," she told The Times. "But it was good fun, although it's very strict and there is an element of cruelty about the game".

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