A veteran Father Christmas performer has been dismissed from his role due to being deemed too large to fit into his Santa Suit. Mike Mendoza, 77, who has portrayed Santa for over 40 years, faced the shock of losing his contract just before rehearsals for a prestigious Christmas event at Windsor Great Park.
The decision, communicated via email, cited that his physical measurements did not meet the necessary standards for the assigned costume. This unforeseen termination left Mike, from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, feeling humiliated and financially burdened by losing out on approximately £9,000 in earnings.
Expressing his dismay at being “fat shamed,” Mike highlighted the irony of being let go for his size, considering the traditional image of Father Christmas typically depicts a plump figure. Having relied on his Santa impersonation as his primary income for the past five years, Mike emphasized the impact of this sudden job loss on his financial stability, especially supporting his wife, Jennifer.
Despite his excitement at landing the role at Lapland UK, known for its immersive Christmas experiences, Mike faced challenges during the costume fitting process. The garments provided were too small, emphasizing his struggle to fit into the attire, which ultimately led to his contract termination.
While Lapland UK clarified that fittings and rehearsals are essential parts of their contracts, Mike’s situation shed light on the complexities of portraying the beloved holiday figure. The dispute over his dismissal, coupled with the limitations of costume sizes, raised questions about inclusivity and diversity in portraying characters like Father Christmas.
As the holiday season approached, Mike’s unexpected exit from his dream role as Santa Claus served as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that performers face, even in the world of festive cheer.