John Lewis Christmas Ad Casts Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Fender Soundtrack

By Tom Whitfield

John Lewis has cast BAFTA-winning actress Kristin Scott Thomas as the star of its new Christmas advert, released as the retailer's annual flagship campaign returns with a grandmother's hunt for a gift her grandchildren will genuinely love.

The ad tells the story of a grandmother tempted to simply hand out cash, until her own childhood companion — Pickles, a talking wooden toy dog — persuades her to think more creatively. The pair embark on a magical adventure in search of a thoughtful present. Rather than splashing out on a luxury item, she builds her grandchildren a fabulous, glitzy den, much to their delight.

The casting pairs two of Britain's most recognisable screen performers, and a Mercury Prize-winning musician on soundtrack duty.

Who appears in the John Lewis Christmas advert?

Kristin Scott Thomas plays Gloria, the glamorous granny at the centre of the story. The acclaimed British actress is known as the sharp-tongued spymaster in Slow Horses, and for performances in Fleabag and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Paul Whitehouse voices Pickles, the talking toy dog. The much-loved comedian and actor built his reputation on sketch comedy shows and stars alongside Bob Mortimer in Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

Sam Fender sings this year's soundtrack. The Geordie singer's contribution marks his first new release since the chart-topping global success of his song 'Rein Me In'. In a personal touch, Fender enlisted the children's choir from his old school to provide the backing vocals.

What song does the ad use?

The soundtrack is a cover of the Rolling Stones' 'You Can't Always Get What You Want', first released in 1969. The Stones, fronted by Mick Jagger, remain one of Britain's most influential rock bands.

Jagger endorsed the cover directly: '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.'

The 1969 original is now more than five decades old, yet its message — you can't always get what you want — sits neatly at the heart of a story about choosing thoughtfulness over cash.

The package amounts to a deliberately British assembly of talent: a BAFTA-winning actress, a beloved sketch comedian, a Mercury Prize-winning singer and a Stones seal of approval. For a campaign whose launch has signalled the unofficial start of the UK festive advertising season, John Lewis has again stacked recognisable names into every frame — and every note.