Heathrow’s Tannoy announcements will sound a little different this festive season, as England rugby star and Team GB athlete Ellie Kildunne steps up as the airport’s first-ever ‘Voice of Britain’.
Fresh from a standout year winning the World Cup with the Red Roses, Ellie will lend her voice to Heathrow’s announcements. Each day Ellie will share festive messages with more than 200,000 passengers, helping to bring a little extra magic to their journeys.
Ellie is the first to take on Heathrow’s new role of the ‘Voice of Britain’, a soon-to-be annual tradition to celebrate public figures who have made a standout contribution to UK culture – whether through sport, the arts, public service or social impact.
Every passenger travelling through Heathrow’s four terminals in December will hear Ellie’s voice on the Tannoy system. From special merry shout-outs to heartfelt holiday messages, Heathrow’s Voice of Britain will be on hand to spread festive cheer and inspire the nation. Her self-scribed messages to the nation include:
“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. This Christmas I’ll be spending mine with my Mum, Dad and brother. Whether you’re flying home or setting off somewhere new, I want to wish you a merry, magical Christmas and smooth travels at Heathrow.”
Heard by over 200,000 passengers every day, Heathrow’s Tannoy announcements are among the most widely broadcast messages in the world, reaching more than 84 million people a year. They play a vital role in keeping Heathrow’s vast and complex operation running smoothly, guiding passengers safely on their journeys.
Since joining the England rugby team at age 18, Ellie has fast become a household name and an increasingly big personality in British sport. From representing Team GB in rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics and being named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2024, to most recently helping to seal glory with a try at the World Cup, Kildunne has played an integral role in the success of women’s rugby across the nation.
Over 7 million passengers are anticipated to travel through Heathrow this December – forecast to be the airport’s busiest Christmas yet. On Christmas Day alone, Heathrow is expecting over 160,000 festive-goers will walk through its doors – an uplift from 2025.
The top getaways this December include New York, New Delhi, Doha, Dublin and Dubai. While for those looking for festive, winter wonderlands can fly to the likes of Copenhagen, Salzburg or Munich, direct from Heathrow.
Ellie Kildunne, rugby player and Heathrow’s Voice of Britain, comments: “Christmas is a time for celebration and for me, I’m looking forward to marking what a big year it’s been! I’m honoured to be involved in the festivities at Heathrow this year – whether that be passengers reconnecting with loved ones or stepping onto their holiday flight, I’ll be on the Tannoys bringing the Christmas cheer for all.”
Daniel Edwards, Director of Services at Heathrow, comments: “Christmas is a truly special time at Heathrow, as thousands of passengers reunite with loved ones and begin their festive journeys. 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 some joy and get travellers into the Christmas spirit from the moment they arrive at Heathrow.”
Heathrow’s Voice of Britain, Ellie Kildunne, will be played across all Heathrow speakers throughout December. For passengers using hearing aids, Heathrow has hearing loops across all terminals – an assistive listening system to make airport announcements accessible.
