Third film planned in box office hit Nativity series

Buy photos » Director Debbie Issit. 48.09.041.cov.jm1

THERE will be a third instalment of the Christmas film set in Coventry.

City-based producer Debbie Issit has confirmed to The Observer she has been given the go ahead for Nativity 3 just weeks after Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger was released at cinemas across the UK.

The first film centred around a school nativity play, while the sequel sees the school, which is based in Coventry, enter a national Song for Christmas competition.

And although Debbie would not reveal any details of the third film, she did confirm the local links in the area would continue.

"I had a meeting with the film's distributors last week and they confirmed that they wanted to create a third film in the series which I'm very pleased about," she told the Observer.

"The distributors wanted to create this British brand in the same style as the Twilight series.

"At the moment I have no idea what the next film will be about or when it will be released, we have the funding which is fantastic news."

"St Bernaddette's School is based in Coventry so that will always be the same.

"We have received fantastic support from all the local children and teachers from schools who have been involved with both films so long may that continue.”

The success of Nativity series has come as a shock to Mrs Isitt with the traditional British Christmas comedy making almost £5million at the UK box office.

And that success reaches new heights with the first film set to be shown on TV for the first time on Christmas Eve.

"The success of Nativity did come as a bit of a surprise but that is a testament to the actors and children that made the film what it is," Debbie added.

"It has only been out three years and we have sold so many copies already.

"People get attached to the films. Some may not like them both but most people do.”

Among the actors who have appeared in the films are former Doctor Who David Tennant, Jessica Hynes and comedian Alan Carr.

But one man whose stock has risen the most is Martin Freeman, who starred in the first Nativity film.

The former star of The Office makes his big breakthrough this year as Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jacksons eaglerly anticipated blockbuster The Hobbit.

Debbie added: "David was due to star in the Nativity 2 but unfortunately he couldn't and now he's about to star in one of the biggest films ever.

"I'm so pleased for him. He's a wonderful actor and I'm delighted to see how far he has gone."

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