An Incredibublé Christmas for UWE Bristol graduate
See all newsJosiah Eloi, a UWE Bristol drama graduate, has been hiding a big sparkly secret for months.
He’s landed a starring role alongside the charismatic Michael Bublé in Asda’s recently launched Christmas advert.
Bringing a touch of magic to our screens, Josiah plays Michael’s Chief Quality Control Officer in the ad, now being broadcast into millions of homes in the run up to the big day.
Josiah graduated with a BA (Hons) Drama and Acting at UWE Bristol in 2020, signing with an agent in his second year – he’s been auditioning for parts ever since.
Filmed during a heat wave this summer, Josiah says he’s been staring at pigs in blankets and Christmas trees since July.
“I went through a long casting process for this role,” said Josiah. “Initially, I had no idea who the director or star involved were. A few days after I had been cast, I had a phone call and found out everything.”
To Josiah’s amazement he learnt that Michael Bublé was starring, and actor and filmmaker Taika Waititi was directing the advert and had personally picked Josiah for the role: “This was incredible for me. Taika directed the last two Thor films and wrote, starred, and directed my favourite film, JoJo Rabbit. This was a full circle moment. He's also Rita Ora's husband which is really fab.”
Josiah had the pleasure of working alongside Michael for three days; he made time to get to know the cast members which Josiah says really made the experience very special: “I can honestly say Michael is lovely. After the shoot he came out in trainers and jeans and had a drink with us all. We just hung out. I was sitting next to him on my phone when he was facetiming his wife.
“He made the effort to find out who I was and check out my socials before meeting me. My Christmas dinner brag is Michael Bublé has seen my Instagram!
“By the end we were chatting about films, what he was having for dinner and my go-to takeaway. He also gave me a load of advice and taught me how parts of the industry worked.”
Christmas adverts from the UK’s biggest brands are always hotly anticipated, and Josiah says this opportunity is like gold dust for an actor: “To know I have been a part of a Christmas advert, in a great role alongside a legend, really is incredible.
“I didn’t go to Drama School when I was young, my car falls apart all the time and I still forget what day the bins go out. So, to be thrown into this world is one of the most exciting things that’s ever happened.
“It was also incredible getting to see how all the behind-the-scenes stuff works – how sound producers mix things, how video editors cut it all together. I mean, I had no idea TV cameras were the size of small horses.”
Josiah is currently starring in pantomime in Portsmouth and will finish six consecutive months of Christmas work on 31 December.
But, despite being in such demand, Josiah continues to return to where he learnt his craft.
He regularly returns to UWE Bristol to offer advice and to take workshops with current students: “I truly had a brilliant time at UWE Bristol,” he said. “The world is really big, and I battled a lot with finding my feet after university. I always come back to talk to students and give as much advice as possible.
“I think it's so important for students to understand that UWE Bristol is not only a tool to learn your subject but also a tool to teach you about yourself. This was what UWE Bristol Drama was for me.”
Josiah moved to London for acting work last year but plans to buy a narrow boat in Bristol so he can live between the two cities.
September 2023 marked the 21st anniversary of the first students enrolling on the single honours BA Drama course at UWE Bristol.
Related news
28 October 2024
Artist Sir Richard Long on the line up of UWE Bristol events announced for Being Human Festival
UWE Bristol will host a conversation with Bristol artist and sculptor Sir Richard Long as part of the Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of humanities.
17 October 2024
Immersive Arts opens applications with grants up to £50,000 available
Immersive Arts, a UK programme to support artists to make and share extraordinary immersive work, has opened applications for its first round of funding.
17 October 2024
Creatives from across Bristol’s Global Majority cultural scene celebrated at upcoming event
The creative work of some of Bristol’s most inspiring Global Majority filmmakers, musicians, artists and writers will be celebrated at the next BDAS event.
14 October 2024
UWE Bristol photography student exhibits in Paris after prestigious award win
MA Photography student Alice Poyzer has won a prestigious award that will see her photographs exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris next month.
10 October 2024
UWE Bristol graduates release song for Bristol-based Talk Club on World Mental Health Day
Through a university-led scheme, UWE Bristol graduates have created a music single aimed at raising awareness of national mental health charity Talk Club.
07 October 2024
Opinion: why UWE Bristol is championing immersive arts as a 21st Century artform
A new £3.6m programme will engage artists across the UK to help understand the role that technology can play in driving forward immersive arts.
03 September 2024
World-first rubies grown in situ from waste materials
A UWE Bristol researcher looks set to transform the jewellery industry after successfully growing the world’s first ruby in situ, in a platinum ring.
28 August 2024
Funding opportunities and information events announced for 'Immersive Arts'
Immersive Arts, a UK-wide programme to support artists to make and share extraordinary immersive work, has unveiled its first round of funding opportunities.
20 August 2024
UWE Bristol art and design students explore diverse global issues at MA Degree Show
UWE Bristol’s Showcase: MA Degree Show returns to Spike Island on 5 September, featuring the extraordinary artwork of around 50 graduating students.
17 July 2024
Chief executive of charity that runs Bristol Beacon receives honorary degree
The chief executive of the charity set up to manage Bristol Beacon, the renowned music venue in the city, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
16 July 2024
Watershed chief executive recognised with honorary doctorate from UWE Bristol
The chief executive of one of Bristol’s leading cultural organisations has been awarded an honorary doctorate.
15 July 2024
Graduate filmmaker wins BAFTA Student Award for documentary
Nyal Mueenuddin, a UWE Bristol graduate, has won a prestigious 2024 Yugo BAFTA Student Award – a global competition which celebrates the next generation of talented and innovative storytellers.
You may also be interested in
Media enquiries
Enquiries related to news releases and press and contacts for the media team.
Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.