Ex-Emmerdale star Daniel Coll leads The Santa Express

Former Emmerdale actor Daniel Coll is taking the lead both on screen and behind the camera in a new festive feature, The Santa Express.

Coll, known to soap viewers for playing DI Blackmore, directs, produces and stars in the Christmas comedy, which is currently filming in Yorkshire and is planned for release at Christmas 2026.

He plays Bob Browning, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he enters the world of the Santa Express. The film combines comedy, romance and family drama with a story about second chances and finding something to believe in again.

Coll said: “Christmas films work when you believe in the people at the heart of the story. We have an extraordinary cast of great characters, and I wanted to make something audiences could enjoy together while still giving them a story with real emotion.”

The cast includes Toyah Willcox and former Doctor Who and Blue Peter star Peter Purves, who will play Father Christmas.

There is also plenty of soap talent aboard. Coronation Street favourites Victoria Ekanoye and Lisa George are among the cast, alongside Dinnerladies actor Andy Dunn, Olwen May, Richard Ashton and Ballykissangel star Joe Savino.

Written by David C. Thorp and produced through Picture Point Films, The Santa Express will use heritage railway settings as a major part of its Christmas story.

For more details, cast updates and information about the film, visit the official The Santa Express website at santaexpressthemovie.com.