Hugh Grant surprises elderly residents by serving Christmas lunch in Hammersmith

The Hollywood star surprised 500 elderly residents on Christmas Day
Hugh Grant serving Christmas lunches
Hammersmith and Fulham Council
Josh Salisbury27 December 2023

Hollywood A-lister Hugh Grant surprised elderly residents in west London by serving lunch on Christmas Day.

The star made a surprise appearance at the Big H&F Christmas Day Lunch, which provides Christmas dinner to older residents in Hammersmith and Fulham who would otherwise be celebrating alone.

The Love Actually actor helped serve food at the event at the Novotel hotel in Hammersmith, and chatted to attendees.

A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said: "Thanks to everyone who joined us at the annual Big H&F Christmas Day Lunch - including a very special guest, Hugh Grant. 

"Hugh helped us serve lunch to 500 local older people who otherwise would have celebrated alone. This was the real Love Actually."

Hugh Grant greets an attendee of the Christmas Day lunch
H&F Council

The free two-course meal was open to vulnerable and elderly residents and included entertainment from a live band. Attendees also received mince pies and a goodie bag, while free transport was put on for those who needed it.

Around £40,000 was raised by donations to make the festive tradition happen.

Speaking before the event, Councillor Ben Coleman, deputy leader of the council, said: “Our Christmas lunch offers good food, company, gifts and lots of laughs to many older residents who would otherwise be spending December 25 on their own."

Hugh Grant greets an attendee of the Christmas Day lunch
H&F Council

Burnley-based plumber James Anderson set up Depher, which stands for Disabled and Elderly, Plumbing and Heating Emergency Response, in 2017 and has been helping vulnerable customers free of charge ever since.

However his kindness has not gone unnoticed as the 55-year-old revealed earlier this month that Grant, 63, and his wife, 40, donated a staggering £20,000 as a “wonderful Christmas gift”.

Grant’s best-known roles include the Prime Minister in Christmas rom-com classic, Love Actually, while he also recently played the role of an Oompa Loompa in the film Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet.

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