The 20th John Lewis Christmas advert is now available to watch in full. This year's festive film stars Slow Horses actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as grandmother Gloria, who is searching for the perfect gift for her grandchildren.
Gloria, helped by Pickles the dog and a vintage Little Snoopy Pull Along Toy voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse, decides against giving envelopes of cash. Instead, she and Pickles head to a John Lewis branch. On Christmas Day, Gloria presents her grandchildren with a key to a room transformed into a 'Gran Cave', complete with sparkling lights, disco balls and a record player.
The children, Freddie (played by EastEnders actor Jahsaiah Williams) and sister Maggie, give their grandmother a hug before the advert ends with them dancing together in the makeshift den.
Campaign Message and Cost-of-Living Focus
The tagline for this year's advert is 'Don't give up on giving'. John Lewis says the campaign has been made with the cost-of-living crisis in mind, as all items in Gloria's room have either been recycled from elsewhere in her house or cost less than £100.
As in previous years, the advert features a well-known song covered by a popular singer. This year, 2025 Mercury Prize winner Sam Fender takes on a Rolling Stones hit. Fender 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."
Charity Support and Creative Team Comments
Proceeds from the sale of the single, backed with Fender's 2020 cover of Winter Song, will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity selected by the artist, and Action for Children, John Lewis's charity partner for its Building Happier Futures programme.
Kristin 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."
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 can be watched in full in the video player at the top of the original article.
