John Lewis Christmas advert stars Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Paul Whitehouse
The retailer’s 20th festive campaign follows a grandmother’s last-minute search for a thoughtful present, accompanied by a Sam Fender cover of a Rolling Stones classic.
John Lewis has marked the 20th edition of its Christmas advert with a story about a grandmother abandoning plans to give cash and instead creating a space where she can make memories with her grandchildren.
Dame Kristin Scott Thomas stars as Gloria, while Paul Whitehouse provides the voice of Pickles, a vintage pull-along wooden dog who pushes her to make more effort with her gift.
The advert begins on Christmas Eve as Gloria welcomes her family into her well-appointed London home. She becomes disheartened when her two young grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie, make a mess in her immaculate study while looking for something to relieve their boredom.
Hoping to entertain them, Gloria retrieves Pickles — a vintage pull-along Little Snoopy — from the attic, but the toy fails to hold their attention.
Pickles then springs to life and challenges Gloria, who has lost confidence in her ability to choose presents her grandchildren will appreciate. He tells her: “You can do better than cash.”
The pair set off on a last-minute shopping trip, travelling through the streets of London by tuk-tuk to John Lewis.
On Christmas morning, Freddie and Maggie discover that their cards do not contain the cash they had expected. Gloria instead gives them a key to her study, which has been converted into a “Gran Cave” featuring sparkling lights, disco balls and a turntable where they can play music and dance together.
The story is accompanied by Sam Fender’s cover of The Rolling Stones song You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
Dame Kristin, who most recently starred in Slow Horses, 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 the recording involved pupils from his former school and the Easington Colliery Band.
He 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 the single, which is backed with Fender’s 2020 cover of Winter Song, will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust, selected by the artist, and Action for Children, John Lewis’s charity partner for its Building Happier Futures programme.
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 advert premieres on John Lewis social channels, including YouTube and Instagram, from 7.30am on November 3. It will then run on ITV and Channel 4 between 8pm and 9.15pm.
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