Where are the Nativity cast now?
It's been 15 years since the popular kids film debuted.
This Christmas marks 15 years since Nativity! arrived in UK cinemas – and began a franchise which would go on to include a further three films.
Of course, each of the films has had a different star playing the main teacher – with Martin Freeman, David Tennant and Martin Clunes taking it in turns to appear in the first three movies – and there have been plenty of other recognisable faces to appear instead.
Jason Watkins appeared in all of the first three films, while the first entry in the series also included the likes of Shetland star Ashley Jensen, legendary The Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson and popular stand-up comedian Alan Carr.
But of course, the real stars of the films were Marc Wootton as lovable but chaotic classroom assistant Desmond Poppy, and the children themselves.
With that in mind, you might be wondering what has become of those young stars who appeared in the first film a decade and a half ago... did they continue to act?
Read on for everything you need to know.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Mark Wootton played Mr Poppy
Before we move on to the kids themselves, lets start with Mr Poppy – a hugely popular presence in the film played by Mark Wootton. Although this series of films is arguably still what he's best known for, he's had a steady acting career, with credits including the first ever episode of Inside No. 9, the Take That inspired film Greatest Days and the Channel 4 sitcom High and Dry, which he also wrote and directed.
Most recently, he had a key role in the Noel Fielding Apple TV+ series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, while also this year he played the role of Marek in a National Theatre production of Till the Stars Come Down.
Jake Pratt played Alfie
Alfie was one of the big stars of the nativity play in the film – playing Joseph – and was played by Alfie Pratt, who was one of the few kids in the film who was already somewhat well known, having appeared in the first season of Britain's Got Talent in 2007 and reaching the semi-finals.
He also starred on the West End in Billy Elliot the Musical, and has gone on to appear on a number of CBBC programmes, with his most recent screen credit seeing him voice various animals in the mockumentary The Zoo.
Sydney Isitt-Ager played Sadie
Another star who continued acting, Isitt-Ager played Sadie in the films – a child who was too nervous to take part in the nativity in the first movie.
Just two years ago, she had a small role in the Netflix Christmas film Christmas on Mistletoe farm, while she's recently been touring the UK with I Should Be So Lucky – The Musical.
Ben Wilby played Bob
Bob was a real fan favourite character and was played by Ben Wilby – who has picked up a couple of TV credits since on episodes of Father Brown in 2014 and Cuckoo in 2019.
On his Instagram page – which is set to private – he still describes himself as an actor and he has trained at the Emil Dane Academy, but it's not clear what roles he might have had recently.
Krista Hyatt played Becky
Hyatt played Becky – who attended rival school Oakmoor – and was another cast member who had previously appeared on Britain's Got Talent, as part of the dance duo Cheeky Monkeys in season 2.
Although she has no further acting credits to her name, she has amassed a decent following on TikTok, where she has over 17,000 followers.
Maeve Dolan played Sam
The character of Sam – whose finest moment was her rendition of Wheatus hit Teenage Dirtbag – was played by Maeve Dolan, who appeared in the sequel but has since stopped acting – although she did have a role in a 2023 short film titled Nothing Happened.
She also regularly posts on TikTok, where she has just over 4,000 followers.
Bernard Mensah played TJ
The role of TJ – Angel Gabriel himself – was played by Bernard Mensah, who went on to play the role of Young Simba in the West End production of The Lion King. It's not clear what he's up to now.
Tom McGarrity played Zack
Zack was responsible for a memorable performance during the nativity auditions in the film and was played by Tom McGarrity, who now works as a performer on cruise ships.
Just recently, he announced on Instagram that he had a new role as a Cruise Director and that he was "still sailing and entertaining".
Cadi Mullane played Crystal
Crystal played a star in the nativity and was portrayed in the film by Cadi Mullane – who has continued her career in the performing arts. She is a recentgraduate of Royal Welsh Musical Theatre and is now looking to pursue acting work.
Bessie Cursons played Christy
Another cast member who had previous on Britain's Got Talent, Cursons also reached the final of the first series of the ITV talent show in 2007.
She went on to pick up a few other stage and screen credits – most recently a 2016 episode of Casualty – while she is also qualified as a dancing coach and offers classes through The Bessie Cursons Theatre & Dance Academy.
Nativity! is currently streaming on Netflix – Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Patrick Cremona is the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, and looks after all the latest film releases both in cinemas and on streaming. He has been with the website since October 2019, and in that time has interviewed a host of big name stars and reviewed a diverse range of movies.