Inspired by the true story of when Roald Dahl met his hero Beatrix Potter at six-years-old, Roald & Beatrix promises to be a magical Christmas film combining live action filming with puppetry and stop-frame animation.

Dawn French (French and Saunders) will play the children’s author Beatrix Potter, who created beloved characters such as Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck.

Joining French will be Jessica Hynes (Years and Years), Rob Brydon (The Trip), Alison Steadman (Gavin and Stacey), Nina Sosanya (Brave New World), Bill Bailey (Black Books) and Nick Mohammed (Intelligence).

Roald and Beatrix, the tail of the curious mouse finds Beatrix Potter at the end of her career, struggling to find motivation as her publisher (Sosanya) pressures her for a new draft.

As Christmas approaches, Beatrix hunts for inspiration on her Cumbrian farm as she loses touch with her readers. Her husband William (Brydon) and farm animals, especially Sally the pig, offer her comfort from her crippling writer’s block.

Meanwhile, many miles away in Wales, a young boy called Roald (Harry Tayler) finds comfort in the magical world of Potter’s books following the death of his father and older sister. As the funerals approach and the threat of boarding school looms, the anxious young lad is encouraged by his mother Sophie (Hynes) to visit his idol Beatrix Potter.

Together, Roald and his mother embark on an extraordinary adventure and meet some hilarious characters (Steadman and Bailey) along the way.

Sky Studios’ director of comedy Jon Mountague commented: “Roald Dahl taught us ‘a little magic can take you a long way. This Christmas, Sky presents the magical tale of how a boyhood Dahl met his idol Beatrix Potter.

“With Dawn French leading an all-star cast this surprising story, inspired by a real life encounter, is a tale as much for our times as yesteryear. Produced by Hartswood, it’s a giant peach of a Christmas gift.”

Roald and Beatrix, the tail of the curious mouse will be shown on Sky One and Now TV this Christmas.