Tesco has launched its 2026 Christmas advert, a three-minute film starring Anna Maxwell Martin and Roisin Conaty as old schoolfriends who reunite on Christmas Eve.
The commercial, which aired on November 1 on ITV1, uses The Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" as its soundtrack. It follows Polly, played by Conaty, a Tesco delivery driver making food deliveries in the snow.
An Unexpected Reunion
Among Polly's orders is one from Lizzie, played by Maxwell Martin. As Polly heads to the address, Lizzie realises she has sent the food to her old house. Polly offers to meet her halfway at a motorway service station, where they discover they are former schoolfriends.
When Lizzie's car has an issue, Polly takes her home in the Tesco van. During the journey, they reminisce and laugh after years apart. Polly apologises for "what happened," but Lizzie tells her it "was a long time ago." The pair share a moving embrace as their unexpected road trip ends.
Stars on the Festive Film
Maxwell Martin, known for Ludwig, Motherland, and Line of Duty, said the advert captures a classic moment of Christmas chaos. "Suddenly you realise you've somehow only ordered one singular sprout, totally forgotten wrapping paper, or sent a delivery to the wrong address," she said.
"I'm really pleased to be part of a production that acknowledges that whilst we can all strive for our 'perfect' Christmas, it is in fact human connection that truly helps to make Christmas magic."
Conaty added: "It starts in a way many people can relate to, all stress and mayhem, but shows how one small act of kindness can bring people back together after years apart. It's lovely to show Polly and Lizzie reuniting and celebrating kindness and grace. Also, the silliness we can only feel with old friends alongside the magic of Christmas."
Campaign Context
The advert's story aligns with Tesco's "Need Anything From Tesco?" campaign launched earlier this year. Suzanne Quinn, UK Customer Director at Tesco, said: "This Christmas, Tesco is showing up with plenty of extra little helps to deliver customers their very best Christmas. Whether that's cracking deals on the products they love, delicious, exclusive food and drink, or festive experiences that bring families together, we're focused on helping customers make Christmas happen."
