The annual John Lewis Christmas advert has arrived, signaling the start of the festive season for many. This year's campaign, titled "Gloria and Pickles," features Oscar-nominated actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandmother seeking the perfect Christmas gift for her grandchildren.
The three-minute ad begins with Gloria (Scott Thomas) welcoming her family into her stylish home. To entertain her grandchildren, Maggie and Freddie, she retrieves a collection of old toys from the attic, among them a vintage pull-along dog named Pickles.
Voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse, Pickles the dog encourages Gloria to "do better than cash" when she considers giving her grandchildren money. This leads to a last-minute shopping trip to John Lewis.
Ultimately, Gloria creates a "Gran Cave," a magical space filled with lights, a disco ball, and a record player, as the ultimate gift, emphasizing experiences over material possessions. The ad's tagline is "don't give up on gifting."
Kristin Scott Thomas, known for her role in "Slow Horses," expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the campaign, stating, "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."
The soundtrack for the advert features Sam Fender covering The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Sir Mick Jagger has reportedly given his approval for the cover.
The campaign, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, is the 20th Christmas advert from the department store. It follows previous John Lewis Christmas ads, including 2015's "Man On The Moon," which is considered by some to be the most tear-jerking.
The advert's release sets the stage for upcoming holiday campaigns from other retailers, including Marks & Spencer.