Film crews set up in unexpected Birmingham suburbs to capture a 'magical' Christmas movie
Sparkhill and Castle Bromwich have been transformed into festive wonderlands as a celebrity producer kicks off filming for her latest project.
11:35, 04 Feb 2026
Film crews were spotted in two unexpected Birmingham neighborhoods this week to capture a brand new Christmas movie - and the star has been 'blown away'.
A small independent perfume shop on Stratford Road in Sparkhill and the Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel have been given a festive makeover by actor, model, and producer Caprice Bourret for her latest endeavor.
An English Christmas Wish is set to be released this winter, likely screening on a major TV channel, with Birmingham locations playing a significant role in the tale.
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Caprice has transformed rooms within the 1500s Jacobean mansion house in Castle Bromwich into a festive country retreat, telling the story of photographer Elise St. Lawrence, who finds herself returning to 'the Cotswolds' to sort out her late father's affairs.
The film is expected to be filled with 'magic and romance', as one of several productions by Caprice's company, JJLove Productions.
In addition to Caprice, An English Christmas Wish features Scottish 'Braveheart' actor Matthew Martin, Coronation Street actor Victoria Ekanoye, and Wicked stage cast member Abbie Quinnen.
Caprice spent time capturing scenes at The Perfume Closet on Stratford Road, where expert Sajida Parveen sells luxury fragrances in the community.
The actor has expressed her awe of the city, and we'll share more about our visit to the live set, a full photo gallery behind the scenes, and our chat with Caprice in upcoming stories.
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Caprice described the city as 'wonderful' and spoke of how she's been warmly welcomed in both neighborhoods. She shared her plans to film more movies in Birmingham, calling it a 'best-kept secret' and traveling through the city to scout potential locations that might inspire future stories.
The film crew took over all of the function rooms at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel, and its lavish historic spaces were decorated in Christmas lights, trees, and wreaths to set the festive scene.
Emma Green, sales manager at the hotel, shared her excitement with BirminghamLive, saying, 'It's unlike anything we've ever done here before, but we're having the best time and everyone's been so nice! I'm very excited to see the film when it comes out.'
Caprice's past festive romance films have been screened on Channel 5, heartwarming tales that viewers have been able to enjoy for free.
More information is to follow about the film's launch date and where it can be seen this winter. Subscribing to our Citylife newsletter will ensure you don't miss it when we find out more.
