Over the last two decades, John Lewis’ annual Christmas ad has become as big a part of the festive experience as turkey dinners, charades or fighting over the last chocolate in the Celebrations tub.
This year, the retailer is celebrating its 20th festive campaign, and to mark the occasion, it’s going big with its new advert.
Not only does the ad itself feature an award-winning national treasure, with Kristin Scott Thomas taking the lead, it’s also recruited one of the biggest stars in British music to provide the soundtrack.
In the ad, Kristin plays Gloria, a woman struggling to move with the times and win over her two grandchildren as they pay her a visit for Christmas, when she introduces them to her old toy “Pickles the dog”, who fails to impress them.
She and “Pickles” – voiced by TV legend Paul Whitehouse – then head out on a spending spree for the perfect gift to impress the siblings before winding up at (you guessed it!) John Lewis.
There, Gloria comes to the realisation that the best gift she can give her grandchildren is an experience they’ll remember, opting not for something material but a fun morning spent in a specially-crafted den (using supplies she’s bought at John Lewis, obv).
Meanwhile, the ad itself is accompanied by a reimagined classic, with chart-topper Sam Fender covering the Rolling Stones staple You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
Check out the full three-minute advert for yourself below:
“I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas advert – it’s such a cherished part of the festive season,” Kristen said
She added: “Gloria’s journey captured my heart straight away. She represents so many parents and grandparents who want nothing more than to create lasting memories with the younger generation.
“Working alongside Pickles to create the ‘Gran Cave’ was an absolute joy, and I hope the ad brings a big smile to families across the UK this Christmas.”
The Rein Me In singer also revealed that he added a personal touch to his version of You Can’t Always Get What You Want by working with local musicians from the North East of England, where he was born and raised.
“It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band,” Sam enthused. “In the spirit of Christmas, we re-recorded the children’s choir with the kids from my old school, John Spence Community High School, and we arranged a brass section with the Easington Colliery Band.”
Sir Mick Jagger has already given the cover his seal of approval, saying: “I’m a fan of Sam’s work, so I was pleased to hear he was covering one of my songs. I think he’s done a great job with it.”
The ad will make its TV debut during Tuesday night’s editions of Coronation Street on ITV1 and the Great British Bake Off on Channel 4.
