Waitrose has unveiled its 2026 Christmas advert, and within hours of its debut, viewers have hailed it as the best festive commercial of the year. The campaign, which features Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson, has been praised for outperforming major rivals like M&S and John Lewis in the eyes of audiences.
Star-Studded Love Story
The mini-film follows an unexpected love story between the globally-renowned actress, playing herself, and a besotted ordinary bloke named 'Phil Phil', portrayed by Joe Wilkinson. It continues a year on from when the duo initially fell for each other last Christmas, as depicted in the 2025 Perfect Gift advert.
This time around, Keira is preparing to wed a dashing fiancé called Hugo Bunty-Griffin, played by Alex Hassell. But when Phil discovers he's on the verge of losing the woman of his dreams, he embarks on a bold romantic gesture she won't be able to ignore. It comes in the form of a handmade beef Wellington and a jar of sauce marked "Marry Me Instead?".
Fans React on Social Media
Phil gate-crashes the wedding to deliver his declaration but is dragged out of the ceremony before she can reply. However, their romance doesn't finish there, as Keira later turns up at Phil's house with the same jar of sauce, asking for his hand in marriage.
With its star-studded cast and heartfelt story, the commercial is already generating buzz on social media since it launched on Tuesday morning (November 10). One admirer posted: "CHRISTMAS IS SAVED," while another commented: "Oh my gosh I am obsessed this is amazing!!!"
A third viewer remarked: "Oh I couldn't love it more! ! This one wins the Christmas advert 2026! ! !" With a fourth declaring: "Why this isn't a feature-length film I'll never know, but bravo Waitrose, you've done it again! Merry Christmas."
Director's Insight
Others have agreed that this is their top Christmas advert of the year, with one saying: "Now THIS wins the battle of the Christmas ads this year... Well done Waitrose, you pulled it out of the bag this time!!!! Felt like I was watching a feature length film! Congrats to all involved in the production of this advert!!! Loved it!!!"
"Brilliant, Waitrose have won the Christmas Ads crown this year by a mile," remarked another impressed viewer. And a final fan concluded: "Who would believe a Waitrose advert could bring tears to your eyes but you achieved the impossible! ! Fantastic - the best Crimbo advert of them all."
The advert's director, Molly Manners, also revealed insights into the festive spirit driving the project. Manners commented: "It's been an absolute joy to extend the Waitrose cinematic universe and whole heartedly embrace the Rom and the Com this year.
I love this team and this cast and am so excited to see the curveball of Alex Hassell as Phil's love rival unleashed."
The Perfect Gift Part 2 can be watched on YouTube.
