Sky One Orders Aliens Love Underpants And Christmas Special Matt Lucas Ashley Jensen To Star

Sky One has commissioned a television adaptation of the popular children’s book Aliens Love Underpants, alongside a festive Christmas special starring Matt Lucas and Ashley Jensen.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of Sky One’s family entertainment offering, as the channel looks to broaden its appeal beyond adult drama and comedy. Aliens Love Underpants has been a bestseller in the UK children’s market for over a decade, making it a strong candidate for screen adaptation.

The series will bring the book’s colourful, anarchic world to life, following a group of mischievous aliens obsessed with collecting underpants from Earth. The adaptation aims to remain faithful to the book’s humour while expanding the narrative for television.

Matt Lucas and Ashley Jensen will lead the Christmas special, lending star power and comedic credibility to the project. Lucas is known for his versatility across comedy and family programming, while Jensen brings warmth and accessibility, making the pairing well-suited to festive viewing.

Sky One has positioned the project as a family event designed to attract shared viewing during the Christmas period. The special will act as a launchpad for the broader series, introducing characters and tone.

The commission reflects Sky One’s growing interest in developing recognisable IP into original programming. By adapting a well-loved children’s property, the broadcaster is seeking to build appointment viewing around familiar brands.

Production will combine animation and live-action elements, allowing the series to retain the exaggerated visual style that made the books so popular.

Sky executives have highlighted the importance of family-friendly content as part of their long-term strategy, particularly as streaming platforms increase competition for younger audiences.

A broadcast date has yet to be confirmed, but the Christmas special is expected to air during the festive schedule.