Country singer Cyrus star of 'Christmas'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. country music singer Billy Ray Cyrus will star in a new Hallmark Channel movie titled "Christmas in Canaan."

The Hollywood Reporter said Thursday that Cyrus will play the father of a white boy who becomes close friends with a black boy as the pair care for a wounded puppy.

Actor Zak Ludwig will play the son of Cyrus's character in the TV production, while Jaishon Fisher will take on the role of the son's new friend.

The TV film is being directed by Neill Fearnley and was scripted by Donald Davenport. The Hallmark production is based on a story written by country singer Kenny Rogers.

The Reporter said the movie, which is placed in Texas in the 1960s, is being filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is scheduled to air in December.