Lidl has released its 2026 Christmas advert, featuring Shaun Williamson, known for his role as Barry Evans in EastEnders, and former footballer Chris Kamara. The ad is a festive reimagining of Slade's classic song 'Merry Xmas Everybody,' with newly written lyrics.
Williamson takes on the lead vocals, accompanied by Kamara, Capital FM's Kemi Rodgers, and comedian Abi Clarke. The advert depicts Williamson moving from doorstep to doorstep, spreading Christmas cheer with Lidl's seasonal products. The campaign aims to emphasize friendship, generosity, and ensuring no one misses out on the holiday festivities.
Joanna Gomer, Marketing Director at Lidl GB, stated that the ad marks the beginning of the supermarket's Christmas celebrations, with more surprises to come. Williamson expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting that Christmas is about bringing people together and having fun.
Several other retailers have also launched their holiday campaigns. Sainsbury's has brought back the BFG for its third consecutive year, featuring a story about a colleague ensuring the giant doesn't miss out on Christmas despite a cold. Tesco's advert, titled 'The Wrong Address,' stars comedian Roisin Conaty and actress Anna Maxwell Martin as old school friends who reconnect during a delivery.
The Perfume Shop has opted for a more emotional approach with a black and white film exploring how perfume can preserve memories of loved ones. The ad follows a family's first Christmas without their father, highlighting how recreating shared traditions and gifting the same fragrance can keep his memory alive.