Richard E Grant is gifted a thong by Dame Imelda Staunton in playful advert

Richard E Grant was gifted a thong by Dame Imelda Staunton in a playful new charity film for ShelterBox.

The advert sees Grant admiring a gift bag and saying: “How wonderful. A gift for me. Love, Imelda,” with Dame Judi Dench’s name crossed out on the card.

He then opens the bag and takes out a red thong before 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?”

ShelterBox is a disaster relief charity that provides shelter for people after disaster or conflict.

The charity has released a Christmas film for the past two years to champion a more meaningful approach to gift-giving.

The first in 2024 featured Dame Judi, while the second in 2025 starred Dame Imelda.

Grant said: “The thong may be getting all the attention, but there’s a serious message behind the laughs.

“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.

“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 to continue the activities that many of us take for granted, like cooking and eating together as a family or keeping warm as temperatures drop.

Grant said: ‘Giving a gift that will make a real difference to families who’ve lost so much’ (Jonathan Brady/PA)

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“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.”

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.

“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.”