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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One announces that shooting has begun on Lapland - a big, heart-warming comedy for Christmas starring Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Waking The Dead).

Lapland is a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ In-House production that will be filmed in the UK and Lapland itself. The 90-minute episode is penned by Michael Wynne (Olivier Award winner, Best New Comedy 2010 for The Priory) and produced by Rosemary McGowan (Jonathan Creek).

The ensemble cast includes Stephen Graham (This Is England), Elizabeth Berrington (Secrets And Lies), William Ash (Waterloo Road), Julie Graham (Survivors), Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat) and Keith Barron (Benidorm).

Sue Johnston plays Eileen Lewis the mother of the chaotic Lewis clan. A large close-knit family from Birkenhead, they save all year round to make Christmas as special as possible. This year is different, they've decided to go to Lapland on a package tour to see Father Christmas Finnish style, complete with huskies, reindeers and maybe the magical northern lights. But they discover Lapland brings more than they bargained for.

Mark Freeland, Head of In-House Comedy, says: "I am delighted that we are bringing a little bit of Lapland magic to ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One this Christmas with Michael Wynne's comedy special. You can take the family out of Birkenhead, but you can't take Birkenhead out of the family."

Rosemary McGowan, Producer, says: "Michael Wynne has skilfully brought to life one ordinary family's chaotic experience of Christmas in a way that will have people all over the country chuckling in recognition. Funny, warm but also moving."

Sue Johnston adds: "Lapland won't know what's hit it when the Lewis family arrive, it's a hopeful, bittersweet comedy and I'm delighted to be a part of it."

Lapland has been commissioned by Danny Cohen, Controller ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One and Cheryl Taylor, Controller of Comedy Commissioning. The director is Catherine Morsehead (Silk, Doctor Who, Ashes To Ashes) and executive producer is Anne Gilchrist.

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