Sky’s two-minute Christmas short story debuted today online at Sky.com and on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and will air in ad breaks on Sky channels from 21:00 (GMT) on 28th November.

Background:

Christmas is always a time for people to reconnect. This year, Sky is continuing a timeless story of friendship by reuniting the beloved character of E.T. with Elliott’s 2019 family. The iconic characters from Universal Pictures’ E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial tell the story of their unbreakable connection using technology from Sky.

E.T. is back on Earth for a surprise visit with Elliott, who now has his own family. Although technology has changed our world since they last saw each other 37 years ago, their friendship remains strong and is a touching reminder of how important reconnecting is at Christmas. This story was made in connection with Universal Pictures, part of the Comcast and Sky family of companies.

We are honored to be able to bring back these characters for our customers. We hope that seeing the story of E.T. and Elliott’s family inspires families to spend more time together this Christmas, and gives them the opportunity to share the magic of E.T. again, 37 years after the original.

• Stephen van Rooyen, CEO UK & Ireland, Sky said: "It’s an honour to bring E.T. back to Earth in this new festive short story, helping us to celebrate the magic of family time at Christmas and Sky’s part in bringing our customers together at this special time of year. “

• Lance Acord, Director: “More than anything, the whole story is about family.”

In further celebration of family time this Christmas, Sky is treating customers to some special gifts to say thanks for being with us. Gifts include:

• A Christmas screening of Sky Cinema’s How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

• Access to all Sky Sports channels on 25 & 26 December, plus a Premier League game on 28 December

• Love Actually free to keep from Sky Store

• Free Sky landline phone calls to 50 world-wide destinations, or any mobile on the planet

• Unlimited Sky Mobile data

Customers will get these gifts on their TV without having to lift a finger, full details, dates and T&C are on Sky.com.