Media centre

Friday 18 Dec 2020

Big names say a big ‘thank you’ in festive film to railway workers

Region & Route:

North West & Central

High-profile figures from showbiz, sport and politics today expressed their thanks to frontline railway workers for keeping Britain moving during Covid.

“Thank you to the unsung heroes who work in the railway industry,” says Eamonn Holmes, co-host of ITV’s This Morning, at the start of a festive film shared on Twitter by Network Rail.

Steve Rotherham, mayor of Liverpool City Region, says: “You quite simply have kept the country moving.”

“Getting us to where we need to be safely this Christmas,” says actor and TV presenter Shobna Gulati before Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, adds: “You don’t know how much it means.”

To passengers travelling on the railway this Christmas, their message was unanimous:

“Be safe. Be patient. Be kind.”

The two-minute film features the following people:

• Eamonn Holmes – TV talk show host
• Bhasker Patel – Emmerdale actor
• Lewis Moody – England and British & Irish Lions rugby player
• Simon Calder – travel writer and broadcaster
• Pete Waterman – president of the Railway Benefit Fund
• Shobna Gulati – actor and TV presenter
• Rob Bell – TV presenter and adventurer
• Alison McGovern – MP for Wirral South
• Tim Dunn – railway historian
• Emma Jesson – ITV weather presenter
• Alex Payne – host of the Good, the Bad and the Rugby podcast
• Rosie Cooper – MP for West Lancs
• Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester
• Steve Rotheram – Mayor of Liverpool City Region
• Andy Street – Mayor of the West Midlands
• Richie Anderson – The One Show & BBC Radio 2 travel presenter
• David Flatman – England rugby player turned commentator
• Shakin’ Stevens – singer and songwriter

Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West & Central region, said: “I’m thrilled our frontline colleagues, including controllers, signallers, track workers and station staff, have been recognised in this lovely way. Merry Christmas from the railway family!”

The video has been release ahead of the government's recommended Christmas travel window between 23 and 27 December.

People should reserve seats on long distance trains, travel at quieter times and follow all safety advice to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Click the following links for more information on how Network Rail upgrade work could impact your journey in the North West and Central region.

• West Midlands and Chiltern passengers asked to plan ahead when travelling over Christmas
• North West passengers asked to plan ahead when travelling over Christmas
• West Coast main line passengers asked to plan ahead when travelling over Christmas

Passengers are asked to follow Government guidance around the use of public transport this Christmas.

Travellers must wear a face covering on train services and any replacement bus services. Those who fail to do so risk being fined £200.

However, some people are exempt, including young children and people with hidden disabilities or breathing difficulties.