The star-studded voice cast will be led by narrator Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), while Claire Foy (The Crown) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) will star as Mrs and Mr Thomas, and Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter) and Maggie Steed (Paddington 2) as the Aunts.

Charlie Higson (The Fast Show) will play the Jolly Uncle, Zawe Ashton (Mr Malcolms List) one of Mog's neighbours, and comedian Gareth Berliner (Dr Who) the Chestnut Seller.

Newcomers Amelie Law (age 11) and Teddy Skelton (age 9) will play the children Debbie and Nicky, while Kerr's own daughter Tacy Kneale will make Mog's purrs and miaows.

Kneale said: "Our own Mog was a huge part of my childhood. I hope I've done her justice!"

Kerr based the Mog series on the antics of her first family cat. The first, titled Mog the Forgetful Cat, was published in 1970 by HarperCollins Children's Books and has never gone out of print.

Kerr went on to write a further 17 picture books that told of Mog's kindly and funny escapades, selling over four million copies worldwide.

In Mog's Christmas, the Thomases are busy preparing for Christmas, but with their two Aunts and jolly Uncle staying with them, Mog is feeling ignored.

When the Thomases bring home a ginormous Christmas tree, Mog is startled and scrambles onto the roof for safety. They try to rescue her, but she can't get down.

Despite everyone's fears, she has a magical night in the snow with a cat-themed dream, and when Christmas day arrives—and breakfast is mentioned—she falls down the chimney to the relief of all the family. Finally Mog has everyone's attention, and a Merry Christmas is had by all.

Lupus Films are producing the special, having previously produced the Emmy award-winning seasonal hit The Tiger Who Came to Tea (2019), also originally a work of Kerr's.

Gwawr Lloyd, Drama Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said: “We are utterly delighted to be bringing Mog to screen with our partners. It is the perfect Christmas tale full of fun and adventure with a star-studded cast including Claire Foy as Mrs Thomas and Benedict Cumberbatch as Mr Thomas.

"Channel 4 has a long-standing relationship with Lupus Films and together with their creative flair we have brought so many classic stories to the screen that have been enjoyed by generations of viewers. Judith Kerr’s much-loved Mog will be a great addition to this collection and a really special festive treat for the audience.”

Mog's Christmas will air on Channel 4 at Christmas in 2023, in honour of the 100th anniversary year of Kerr's birth.