Dodger Returns for Christmas Special

BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions is working on a 55-minute Christmas special for Dodger, titled Coronation.

The special sees Fagin and the gang’s biggest heist yet—stealing Queen Victoria’s crown from her coronation ceremony. It is being produced in association with Universal International Studios.

Christopher Eccleston reprises his role as Fagin and is joined by returning cast members Billy Jenkins, Ellie-May Sheridan, Connor Curren, Mila Lieu, Lenny Rush, Javone Prince, Tony Way and Ed Kear, as well as Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery.

Guest stars in the special include Simon Callow as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Nicola Coughlan as Queen Victoria, Toby Stephens as U.S. President Martin van Buren, Paul Whitehouse as Chief of Yeoman Guard, Dan Renton Skinner as Maurice the Beefeater and Alex Macqueen as the Crown Jeweler.

NBCUniversal Global Distribution is handling international sales for the special.

Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, writers of the special, said: “Dodger just keeps getting bigger and better—look at that glittering guest cast! We are overjoyed to be back in the top hat and what a thrill to pack another coronation into an already regal year.”

Sarah Muller, senior head of BBC Children’s commissioning for 7-plus, added: “Dodger and the gang have delighted audiences with their hilarious antics, and we’re so pleased they’re back with a fabulous cast and even more fun and spectacle.”