South east London actor Rafe Spall may be playing the protagonist that the audience roots for in Get Santa but the film arguably belongs to Santa himself, played to devastating affect by Jim Broadbent.

Oscar winner Jim’s Santa practically a cheery radiator of warmth and is the embodiment of what you would expect from the bearded spirit of Christmas.

Rafe said: “It just made me feel warm and fuzzy. It’s lovely."

The Prometheus actor's dad, Forest Hill's Timothy Spall, has worked with Jim on a number of occasions including the Mike Leigh films Topsy Turvy and Life is Sweet.

“Everybody loves Jim Broadbent. He’s a national treasure and to have him dressed up as Father Christmas every day, it never failed to make me feel warm and happy.”

Though he has a long CV of impressive serious roles, Jim is also memorable for his lovely parts in family films, including current blockbuster smash Paddington, in which he plays the eccentric Mr Gruber.

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As Mr Gruber in Paddington (Out November 28)

Speaking to Vibe at the Paddington World Premiere, Jim said: “I don’t know why but people seem to want to me to play these characters. I like them.

“I love being in kids’ films. Some of the ones I have done in the past that have stayed in people’s memories and imaginations are very often the kids’ films.

“I enjoy them a lot. They are great scripts.”

Get Santa (U) is out December 5.

WATCH THE GET SANTA TRAILER BELOW: