Dame Kristin Scott Thomas stars alongside a talking wooden toy dog in this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert.
The actress plays Gloria, a grandmother whose family visits her London home on Christmas Eve only for her grandchildren Freddie and Maggie to disrupt her study.
Gloria retrieves an old toy dog called Pickles, a vintage pull-along Little Snoopy, from the attic to keep them entertained.
Pickles comes to life, voiced by Paul Whitehouse, and criticises Gloria for her lack of effort, telling her: “You can do better than cash.”
(Image: John Lewis/Press Association)
The toy takes Gloria across London in a tuk-tuk on a mission to John Lewis.
On Christmas morning, Freddie and Maggie find their cards empty of cash and are handed a key to the study, which has become a “Gran Cave” with lights, disco balls and a turntable.
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.”
The advert is set to a Sam Fender cover of You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones.
Fender recorded the track with children from John Spence Community High School and a brass section with the Easington Colliery Band.
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.”
(Image: John Lewis/Press Association)
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 the single, backed with Fender’s 2020 cover of Winter Song, will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust and Action for Children.
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 online on YouTube and Instagram from 7.30am on November 3.
Broadcast slots follow on ITV and Channel 4 between 8pm and 9.15pm.
