'My home is melting' Downton Abbey's Jim Carter plays Santa for chilling Greenpeace ad
FANS of Downton Abbey may never look at Jim Carter the same way again after they see him in this chilling Christmas-themed ad.
An urgent message from Santa
The actor, best known for playing head butler Charles Carson in the period drama, plays Santa Claus for a new Greenpeace campaign– but it's not the Santa that we are used to.
The 65-year-old dons a white vest, untidy red fur-trimmed robes and a straggly, dishevelled beard to play a Santa Claus who is being displaced from his home in the North Pole due to melting ice caps.
In the short film entitled An Urgent Message From Santa, Jim stands alone in a darkened cellar, while reading aloud a letter written to the children of the world.
His heartbroken Santa says: "Regrettably I bring bad tidings. For some time now, melting ice of the North Pole has made our operations and our day-to-day life intolerable and impossible, and there may be no alternative but to cancel Christmas.
"I have written personally to President Obama, President Putin, all world leaders… Sadly, my letters have been met with indifference. Needless to say, these individuals are at the top of my naughty list.
"My home in the Arctic is fast disappearing and unless we all act urgently, then I have to warn you of the possibility of an empty stocking forever more. Please help me."
The stark warning is part of Greenpeace's Save The Arctic campaign, which is supported by Jude Law, Sir Paul McCartney and Madonna.
Jim, who is married to actress Imelda Staunton, said: ""My wife and I have been Greenpeace members and supporters for the past 25 years and I couldn't say no when they asked me.
"This is a chance to do something positive for the Arctic, which is a precious resource. I hope that people will be prompted by this graphic little film, get behind it, sign the petition and get more involved.
"I hope this can stimulate people thinking about that and putting political pressure on our leaders. Nobody wants to see the Arctic melt."
The executive director of Greenpeace UK, John Sauven, added: "Everyone loves Santa and nobody wants him to lose his home. If enough people support our campaign to protect the Arctic, then the younger generation will be able to sleep well on Christmas Eve, safe in the knowledge that Santa's home will be saved."