Gary Oldman, renowned for his portrayal of the sharp-tongued, unconventional spy chief Jackson Lamb in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, has teamed up with MI5 for a special Christmas message. Lending his iconic voice to a playful adaptation of Clement Clarke Moore’s The Night Before Christmas poem, Oldman offers a unique glimpse into the relentless work of British intelligence during the festive season. The video, titled A Christmas Story from MI5, offers a glimpse inside Thames House, MI5’s London headquarters (a departure from the show’s Regent’s Park setting). Oldman channels his character’s signature gruffness as he narrates: “’Twas the night before Christmas when all through Thames House, not a creature was stirring, just the click of a mouse.” The reimagined poem captures the non-stop hustle of MI5’s agents, contrasting their tireless work with the holiday celebrations happening across the country. “The hustle, the bustle, a hive of activity. Not the typical scene of your Christmas nativity,” Oldman reads, giving a nod to the agency’s crucial work during the festive season. In an Instagram post, MI5 shared their gratitude for the Oscar-winning actor, writing, “We’ve decided to forgo the traditional turkey in favor of some Lamb—Jackson Lamb.” They explained that Oldman recorded the narration during a quick break from filming Slow Horses and happily took on the role. While this new version deviates from Clement Clarke Moore’s original 1823 poem, Oldman stays true to its spirit, wrapping up with the timeless line: “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.” Watch the video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by MI5 (@mi5official) The video quickly went viral, amassing over 500,000 views and sparking a flurry of reactions in the comments section. Many viewers praised the creativity behind the video, while others applauded the organisation’s meaningful work and dedication. One user wrote, “More of this needs to be done to show the general public how important the work is.” Another individual commented, “A Merry Christmas to the silent warriors who keep us safe. And to Jackson Lamb for narrating.” A third person said, “This has to be the best Christmas message. A very merry Christmas to you all, and the Slow Horses. Stay safe.” A fourth user commented, “I was waiting patiently for the expletives, but Mr Lamb is on best behaviour for this one.” About Slow Horses Slow Horses has become a standout success for Apple TV+, earning both BAFTA and Emmy nominations, with showrunner Will Smith recently taking home an Emmy. Based on Mick Herron’s acclaimed novels, the series follows the unkempt and sharp-witted Jackson Lamb as he leads a team of disgraced spies—dubbed the Slow Horses—exiled from MI5. The cast features stellar performances from Kristin Scott Thomas, Jack Lowden, and Christopher Chung.
