While Aardman favourites Wallace and Gromit have been a staple of Christmas telly for years, their creators have just released a brand-new set of characters for this festive season.
The Bristol-based animation studio has partnered with ITV Creative for an adorable new advert for the next series of Dancing on Ice.
During the one-minute film, a lonely music box dancer joins up with a curious spaceman action figure. The pair start dancing on top of a child's table, pulling off twirling jumps and other impressive moves against a flurry of glitter and light.
Directed by Will Studd at Aardman, the film uses live action and CGI to create this Christmas treat.
“We wanted our dancers to feel real, as though they had just come to life, " said Mr Studd. "Using CGI allowed us to create a really dynamic picture where we can be very close to these tiny characters and in the same context be innovative with light, as it plays an important role in the film.
"The puppets have bold actions and chunky movements but smooth carving sequences on the ‘ice’ to make the characters feel more tangible.”
Watch the advert at the top of this page.
*Dancing on Ice returns to ITV this January.
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