“There was a dedication, obviously a little bit provocative, for the children of Europe and the children all over the world,” he recalled.
“Somebody said, at that moment, ‘Well, what about the British children?’
“And the whole point, obviously, is that the British children are children of Europe as well. That was my message for it.”
Millions of parents and children are expected to tune in this Christmas, so Julia and Axel are clearly hoping viewers will take an important lesson with them into the new year.
The Smeds and The Smoos airs December 25, Christmas Day, at 2:30pm on BBC One.
