Santa Sacked for Being Too Plump to Fit the Part

In a surprising turn of events, a veteran Santa Claus performer has been let go from his "dream job" at a prestigious Christmas event just days before the holiday season. Mike Mendoza, a 77-year-old with over four decades of experience as Father Christmas, was informed that he would not be able to take on the role due to his size.

Mendoza, who has a 46-inch waistband and a hearty "Ho Ho Ho," has never had trouble finding work over the festive season. However, this year, he received an email "sacking" him from his contract at the award-winning "immersive and theatrical Christmas experience" at Windsor Great Park, citing that the costume assigned to him did not fit the "performance standards" required.

The loss of the £9,000 contract has left Mendoza feeling "fat shamed" and has ruined his Christmas plans for the year. He had turned down 15 other jobs to focus on this opportunity, and now finds himself out of pocket. The costume company, Lapland UK, has defended its decision, stating that the bespoke design of the costumes means the largest size they offer is XXXL, and they are unable to adjust the outfits further.

Mendoza, who weighs 20 stone, has expressed his disbelief at the situation, noting that he has always been a large man and that he has never seen a "skinny Santa" on a Christmas card. The news has been a devastating blow, as the Santa Claus gig has been Mendoza's main source of income for the past five years, helping him and his wife, Jennifer, 73, get through the year.