Watch John Lewis’s Christmas advert featuring Kristin Scott Thomas - The Independent
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Actor Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and a vintage wooden pull-along dog voiced by Paul Whitehouse lead this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, which focuses on the effort required to choose a thoughtful gift.
Dame Kristin, who recently appeared in Slow Horses, plays grandmother Gloria. She hosts her family at her pristine London home on Christmas Eve, only to see her study thrown into chaos by her bored young grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie.
Set to Sam Fender’s cover of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones, Gloria retrieves Pickles—a vintage Little Snoopy pull-along toy—from the attic in an attempt to keep them occupied, though without success.
The toy dog springs to life and challenges Gloria, who has lost confidence in finding presents her grandchildren will appreciate, scolding her for her lack of effort and telling her: "You can do better than cash."
Pickles pulls Gloria out of the house on a swift gift-finding mission, with the pair travelling through London’s streets by tuk-tuk towards John Lewis.
On Christmas morning, Freddie and Maggie discover their cards contain no cash, but Gloria hands them a key instead. It opens her study, which has been transformed into a "Gran Cave" featuring sparkling lights, disco balls and a turntable for dancing together.
Dame Kristin said: "I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas advert – it’s such a cherished part of the festive season.
"Plus, 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."
Fender said: "It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band. 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."
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said: "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."
Proceeds from sales of the track, backed with Fender’s 2020 recording of “Winter Song”, will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust, selected by the musician, alongside Action for Children, John Lewis’s partner for its Building Happier Futures initiative.
Rosie Hanley, marketing and loyalty director at John Lewis, said: "The John Lewis Christmas advert is a beloved tradition, but for its 20th edition we wanted it to feel extra special. Bringing in the sparkle of Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Sam Fender has helped bring this story to life beautifully.
"It’s a storyline that so many of our customers will relate to; I’ve definitely resorted to putting cash in an envelope for fear of getting it wrong. But our message this year is simple: ‘Don’t give up on giving.’
"We hope this restores the nation’s gift-giving confidence and encourages customers to rediscover the joy of choosing something truly thoughtful for the people they love."
The campaign premieres on John Lewis social media channels, including YouTube and Instagram, from 7.30 am on November 3, prior to running on ITV and Channel 4 between 8pm and 9.15 pm.
