Joining Annie Lennox, Thom Yorke of Radiohead, and Thandie Newton who sent off a wish list to Santa Claus, 'Sherlock Holmes' Benedict Cumberbatch took the time to write down his own letter to the bearded one:
"This is what I'd like to ask you to help with. A little more time for children to be children. Stretch the moment of magic and playfulness. Distract them from the realities of a world gone mad so that they can laugh with their breath rather than sob with their tears.
"Especially those caring for family members, or suffering illness, hunger or poverty. Especially those hiding in buildings as bombs rain down, or being handed shaking with fear or cold into a boat to escape environmental disaster or war. Please help to light up their worlds with a moment of joy and hope.
"Spare a thought too for those millions who want to write to you but through illiteracy can't. Hear their words and help to give them the time and chance to learn how to read and write so they can better their lives and escape their impoverished beginnings."
Cumberbatch also asked Santa for a light sabre and made a commitment to prepare extra port and mince pies for his visit.
The star, who recently received the Royal Honours of CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, is currently promoting what is possibly the best season of 'Letters Live'. Cumberbatch will be performing with Louise Brealey along with other readers, including Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Ian McKellen, Jonathan Ross, Dominic West in the March 2016 event, bringing to life some of the most powerfully moving letters ever written across time.
And speaking of bearded ones - Russell Brand sent Santa a quick one himself, thanking Santa for "Jeremy Corbyn, Charlotte Church and the new series of 'Peep Show' ".
