Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and a 60-year-old Fisher-Price toy dog are the stars of this year's John Lewis Christmas advert, marking 20 years of the retailer's festive campaigns. Titled Gloria and Pickles, the advert follows grandmother Gloria as she searches for the perfect Christmas presents for her grandchildren, with help from her four-legged friend.
Voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse, Pickles encourages Gloria to think beyond handing out cash as the pair head out on a festive adventure in a pink tuk-tuk. The advert centres on the dilemma of the pressure of finding the perfect gift overshadowing the simple joy of giving. All comes good on Christmas Day as Gloria unveils a spectacular 'Gran Cave' - made from recycled items in her home and a few presents under £100 - that brings the family together.
A Familiar Struggle
On Christmas Eve, Gloria is putting the finishing touches on her home, ready to welcome her family. The doorbell rings, ushering in her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie. The kids are restless from the long journey, so Gloria retrieves her old toy collection from the attic to keep them entertained. She introduces them to 'Pickles the dog', but they are quickly distracted by shouts for lunch, leaving Gloria feeling she doesn't know what they really want anymore.
While alone, Gloria writes their Christmas cards and places cash inside each envelope. She wants to feel close to her grandchildren but doesn't feel confident in her ability to choose a gift they'll genuinely love. Suddenly, the toy dog springs to life and berates her lack of effort: "You can do better than cash".
A Magical TukTuk Ride
Pickles drags Gloria out of the house on a last-minute gifting mission. As they start to give up hope, a tuk-tuk arrives, taking the duo flying through the streets of London. The bright and vibrant tuk-tuk sparks a gifting epiphany, so she calls it to a halt outside John Lewis.
On Christmas morning, Gloria hands Freddie and Maggie their Christmas cards. Expecting cash, the children are surprised to find the envelopes empty - instead, their grandmother holds up a single key. Unlocking her home office door, they discover the 'Gran Cave' - a magical wonderland filled with sparkling lights, disco balls and music inspired by her tuk-tuk adventure. Delighted, Freddie and Maggie throw their arms around their grandmother, as the thoughtful surprise bridges the generational gap through a moment of pure joy.
Sam Fender's Soundtrack
Chart-topping singer-songwriter Sam Fender has provided the soundtrack with a brand new cover of the Rolling Stones classic, You Can't Always Get What You Want. Sam 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."
All John Lewis profits from each record sold will be donated to UK leading charity Action for Children, for its Building Happier Futures programme, which supports those who have grown up in care to build brighter futures.
