Heathrow Airport is turning up the festive spirit this December with a brand-new holiday tradition — and it comes with a rugby twist. England rugby sensation and Team GB athlete Ellie Kildunne has officially been unveiled as Heathrow’s first-ever Voice of Britain, taking over the airport’s iconic Tannoy announcements throughout the Christmas season.
The partnership arrives after an extraordinary year for Kildunne, who helped secure a World Cup victory with the Red Roses, represented Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and was crowned World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. Now, she’s bringing her voice — quite literally — to millions of festive travellers.
A Festive First for Heathrow
From today, passengers moving through all four Heathrow terminals will hear Kildunne delivering seasonal messages, warm welcomes, and merry shout-outs. With over 200,000 daily passengers, Heathrow’s Tannoy system is one of the most broadcast-heard voices on the planet, reaching more than 84 million people annually.
Her recordings aim to sprinkle some extra Christmas magic across the airport’s busiest month of the year. Heathrow expects over 7 million travellers this December — the most in its history — with 160,000 passengers passing through on Christmas Day alone.
Ellie’s festive message includes:
“Hi everyone, Ellie Kildunne here — proud Red Rose and traveller at heart! The world feels a little brighter at Christmas, and wherever rugby or life takes me, I always look forward to coming home. Christmas, for me, is about family — reconnecting, recharging, and remembering what really matters… I want to wish you a merry, magical Christmas and smooth travels at Heathrow.”
Celebrating British Culture Through a New Tradition
Heathrow’s Voice of Britain initiative is set to become an annual tradition, spotlighting public figures who have made a notable impact on UK culture — whether through sport, arts, public service, or social influence.
Daniel Edwards, Director of Services at Heathrow, said:
“By partnering with Ellie as our first-ever Voice of Britain, we’re adding a unique seasonal touch to the airport experience that we hope will spark joy and get travellers into the Christmas spirit from the moment they arrive.”
Kildunne echoed the excitement:
“Christmas is a time for celebration and I’m honoured to be involved in the festivities at Heathrow this year. Whether passengers are reconnecting with loved ones or stepping onto their holiday flight, I’ll be on the Tannoys bringing the Christmas cheer for all.”
Where Travellers Are Heading This Christmas
Heathrow’s most popular winter getaways this year include New York, New Delhi, Doha, Dublin, and Dubai. For those craving a snowy escape, festive favourites such as Copenhagen, Salzburg, and Munich are just a direct flight away.
Accessibility Across All Terminals
To ensure everyone can enjoy the Voice of Britain experience, Heathrow continues to support travellers with hearing aids via hearing loop systems, available across all terminals.
