Interview with Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Herself)

Have you been naughty or nice this year?
If I were to analyse the year scientifically I like to think I’ve been overall nice – but with the odd naughty experiment thrown in. I don’t think I’m on the “coal in the stocking” list, but I suspect Father Christmas has me down as “talks too much about space at parties” list.

Why did Dear Father Christmas appeal to you?
The moment I heard about the project I was fascinated and when I read Mark Chappell’s brilliant script, I loved the idea. Not many people can combine the magic Christmas with cutting edge science. 

You’re great at communicating scientific principles in the film – was it fun applying it to the magic of Christmas?
Thank-you, it was enormous fun! I spend my life talking about the wonders of the universe, so a film that lets explore the idea that Father Christmas might be able to “scientifically” do what he does felt absolutely irresistible. It getting the science out there in unexpected places, with more sparkle and tinsel.

What was it like working with Lenny?
Lenny is a total star and a joy to work with. He’s funny, sharp, and has this wonderful ability to switch from joking around to being completely professional. I was chatting to his Mum and could not believe that he was so young. I kept thinking, “If I’d had even half of his confidence at that age, I’d have built my own spaceship by now.”

How weird is it, recreating Christmas out of season?
The scenes that I was involved in didn’t have much Christmas cheer as we were in a dusty underground carpark. But the crew were fabulous and made it feel like Christmas down there. 

What is your relationship with Christmas? Do you have festive traditions?
I’ve always loved Christmas, but especially since the birth of my daughter – it’s one of the few times of year when we agree to slow down and look after each other. Our Christmas involves far too much food (great for leftovers later), a lot of laughter (we watch TV together then get the board games out). If the weather is up to it, we go for a walk during the day, and I drag everyone outside to look at the Moon stars or two between the clouds at night. That’s our little tradition: a quick dose of stargazing between the roast potatoes and the pudding.

Do you believe in Father Christmas?
I believe in what Father Christmas represents. As a scientist, I know the physics is… challenging! But as a mum and as someone who still gets excited about the magic of the stars, I absolutely believe in kindness, generosity and the idea that, at least once a year, we can suspend the disbelief and just lean into a little bit of enchantment.

Biggest challenge / personal highlight in making Dear Father Christmas?
I was a little out of my depth, I am used to filming documentaries but dramas are on a different level. Although I was playing myself some acting was involved. I have always loved acting but doing it professionally was a bit nerve wracking. Also as a dyslexic remembering exact lines in a script is hard for me. But everyone was brilliant making me feel relaxed and supported. Letting me put things into my own words. So 10/10 would love to do again.

What do you hope people will take away from watching Dear Father Christmas?
I hope people come away with that warm, fizzy feeling you get from a really good Christmas film – but also with a little spark of curiosity. If a few kids (or adults) start asking, “Could this really work?” and then tumble into physics and astronomy from there, I’ll be over the Moon, my work is done.

What’s next for you?
I’ll be back doing what I love best: talking about space to anyone who’ll listen! I am doing the Royal Institution Christmas lectures this year and it is the 200th Anniversary so I feel very privileged to be doing them. There are more TV projects bubbling away, new books for young stargazers. My memoir, Starchild: My Life Under the Night Sky, is coming out in early 2026. In it I look back at the slightly chaotic journey from watching The Clangers as a three-year-old, ricocheting between schools, to working on space telescopes and sharing the universe with thousands of people every year. On top of that, there’ll be lots of school visits and public talks. My mission is to keep sharing the joy of the cosmos, from the local Moon in our sky to the most distant galaxies we can find.