Marks and Spencer has unveiled its 2026 Christmas advert, featuring James Norton as an undercover Santa, Lucy Punch as Mrs Claus, and Katherine Jenkins singing a reimagined version of Belinda Carlisle's classic "Heaven Is a Place on Earth." The festive advert made its television debut on ITV's This Morning on Friday, November 6, and has been met with widespread praise from audiences.
Fans React to the Festive Campaign
Taking to Instagram, viewers have been sharing their admiration for the new M&S Christmas advert. One person commented: "Simply the best add EVER", followed by a string of love hearts. Another added: "Just makes me smile. Exactly what Christmas is all about. Just nails it", while a third chimed in: "Love love love. This is how to do a Christmas Ad xxxxxxx."
"This is SOOOO GOOD!! What a duo to choose", shared one fan, while another echoed the sentiment: "THANK YOU @marksandspencer this is what we needed."
James Norton on Playing Undercover Santa
In the advertisement, James Norton, known for his roles in Happy Valley and Grantchester, transforms into an undercover Santa, appearing opposite Amandaland's Lucy Punch, who portrays Mrs Claus. James adopts a disguise to experience Christmas for himself without being identified, exchanging his traditional red Santa outfit for a festive jumper and removing his beard.
Leaving the North Pole behind, he ventures into the wider world to discover many of the moments that define Christmas, from dressing up for celebrations to gathering around tables laden with delicious food and selecting presents that loved ones will treasure. Throughout his journey, James comes to understand that Christmas magic doesn't solely originate from the North Pole, but emanates from households throughout the nation.
Speaking about the role, James Norton said: "It's not every day you get asked to play Santa, let alone a Santa who immediately shaves off his beard! M&S has been such a familiar part of Christmas for as long as I can remember, so getting to be part of its Christmas campaign feels really special."
He added: "I loved that this story takes such an iconic character and lets us see him differently. He gets to experience Christmas like the rest of us, discovering that the real magic is in the food, traditions and moments we share with the people we love. It's warm, funny and full of Christmas spirit, and I'm very happy to have been briefly trusted with the red suit."
Lucy Punch and Katherine Jenkins on the Campaign
Lucy Punch assumes the part of Mrs Claus, persuading Santa to shed the beard, abandon the North Pole and discover Christmas throughout the nation for himself. She remarked: "M&S and Christmas just go hand in hand, so it was an absolute joy to become part of that tradition this year. I loved that Mrs Claus is the one who gets this story moving. She gives him the nudge so he can get out there incognito and experience the magic of Christmas for himself. There's something very sweet and fun about their dynamic, and something quite lovely about the idea behind it: this idea that the magic you're looking for is actually happening all around you."
The advertisement is accompanied by a reimagined version of Belinda Carlisle's classic "Heaven Is a Place on Earth," performed by Katherine Jenkins. Following the advert launch on Friday, Katherine's rendition is now available to the public.
Katherine Jenkins commented: "For me, Christmas has always been about coming home. It's about family, traditions and creating memories with the people you love most, and music is such a big part of that. Certain songs instantly become part of the soundtrack to our celebrations, so I was thrilled to record a new version of Heaven Is a Place on Earth for this campaign. I love how beautifully it complements the story, reminding us that the real magic of Christmas isn't found in grand gestures, but in the moments we share together at home."
M&S Unites Categories Under One Campaign
The advertisement also marks the first occasion M&S has united its food, fashion, home and beauty ranges under a single campaign since 2017. Commenting on the launch, Sharry Cramond, Marketing Director at M&S, said: "Customers don't think about Christmas as one meal, one gift or one outfit. They think about all the moments that make the season special. As the only retailer with a truly cross-category offer spanning Food, Fashion, Beauty, Gifting and Home, M&S plays a unique role in helping customers create Christmas from start to finish. Bringing those categories together allows us to tell one connected Christmas story and celebrate all the ways our customers make the season their own. That's why we're proud that customers call M&S The Home of Christmas."
M&S's 2026 Christmas advert launched on social media from 7am on Friday (November 6) before its television premiere on ITV's This Morning later that day.
