For two decades, Dexter Fletcher was the voice heard on McDonald's adverts across the UK. Now, actor Stephen Graham has taken over the role — and fans have only just noticed.
Fletcher, 60, from London, spent 20 years as the familiar voice of the fast food giant's campaigns. Graham, 52, from Kirkby, Merseyside, stepped into the role back in April.
Why the switch?
Reports from QSR Media and Campaign Live suggest the key motivation was to forge a stronger, more relatable connection with younger British consumers — despite Graham being only 8 years younger than Fletcher.
Hannah Pain, marketing and menu director at McDonald's UK and Ireland, said the company is shifting towards a more contemporary, culture-led approach. Graham was selected for his distinctive blend of "cultural credibility" and "everyday warmth" that resonates with genuine, insight-driven customer experiences.
Mixed fan reaction
The actor's voice made its debut across a series of nationwide campaigns, featuring adverts for the McCrispy, the Big Arch and "Breakfast Done Properly." One Reddit user asked: "Is Stephen Graham doing the Maccy D's adverts now?"
Not everybody was impressed. One person commented: "Bring back Dexter Fletcher! McDonald's blurb says 'to connect with younger audience' but Graham is only 8 years younger than Fletcher." Another added: "Yeah it was a bit weird, he's definitely 'the voice' of Maccys."
A third fan wrote: "I have always heard his voice on the UK ads. I've got so used to it, the warm friendly voice. He captures the essence of McDonald's. He's Mr McDonald's! It made me uneasy when it was notably absent."
A celebrated career
Despite the mixed reception, Graham is a critically acclaimed household name in British and international television and film. He has amassed over 100 acting credits, ranging from Hollywood productions such as Snatch, Gangs of New York, The Irishman and Pirates of the Caribbean to iconic TV roles in Boardwalk Empire, Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders and Boiling Point.
He has also collected a string of top-tier honours for his performance in the Netflix miniseries Adolescence.
