Interview with Lenny Rush (Chris)

Have you been naughty or nice this year?

I like to think I have been nice this year, I can’t think of any standout naughty things I’ve done. But don’t ask my mum that question, because she’ll probably have a different answer!

Why did Finding Father Christmas appeal to you?

I remember reading the script, and thinking that it’s so rare to find a script that is so funny, yet has so much heart.

What was it like working with working with an all-star cast?

It was just a dream come true working with this all-star cast! Obviously, I had the legend James Buckley as my dad. The Inbetweeners is a staple in being a British teenager, every teenager has seen it, so it was surreal working with him. He was so lovely as well, and hilarious! We had Asim Chaudhry, Greg Davis, and the amazing experts! And I spent a lot of my time filming with Ele McKenzie, who is amazing and so hilarious, and I feel so lucky to have the majority of my scenes with her. The whole set in general had such a lovely atmosphere, and I like to think that we all had a lot of fun!

How weird is it, recreating Xmas out of season?

It was strange recreating Christmas out of season, but it’s not the strangest I’ve had it! We filmed this in October, but I’ve had it before where I’ve had to film a Christmas show in July/August, which is so weird! We were all wrapped up in scarves and winter clothing, with the sun beaming down on us!

What is your relationship with Xmas? Do you have festive traditions?

I personally LOVE Christmas! I’ve always loved it, and think it’s just such a special time of year. Our family tradition, is having a big get together and celebrating together! Also, on Christmas Eve, we HAVE to watch a Christmas film, usually Home Alone or Elf. 

Do you believe in Father Xmas?

I don’t, but for the sake of this interview and in case my little cousin ever sees this interview, yes, I do believe in Father Christmas.

Biggest challenge / personal highlight in making FFC?

The biggest challenge, was filming the full film in 13 days! It was such a quick turnaround, and I also had a holiday lined up, so we had to film it so quickly! But I believe that even though we had to film it in such a tight time frame, we’ve created something truly magical. A highlight for me was filming with Sir Stephen Fry, at his “house”. It was just such a fun day, with some of the funniest scenes!

What do you hope people will take away from watching FFC?

I hope people who watch our film have a good laugh from it, and sense the heart in Christmas.

What’s next for you? 

I’m currently filming for a BBC One series, called ‘The Reluctant Vampire’, which was a book by the legendary Eric Morecambe. It has been adapted for screen by the Gibbons brothers, who do a lot of the Alan Partridge shows, so it is very funny! 

Any New Year’s resolutions?

My new year resolution, is to have fun filming some more projects!