Kristin Scott Thomas Stars in John Lewis Christmas Ad With Sam Fender Soundtrack and Talking Dog
“You can do better than cash,” a vintage wooden pull-along dog voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse scolds a hesitant grandmother in the new John Lewis Christmas commercial. That message anchors the department store’s 20th festive campaign, which debuts on social media on November 3, 2026, featuring actor Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as a glamorous grandmother on a mission to find thoughtful gifts, as reported by The Guardian.
Kristin Scott Thomas Leads the Milestone Campaign
The advert stars Dame Kristin—known for her upper-crust roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral and Apple TV’s Slow Horses—as a grandmother named Gloria. According to The Guardian, the concept was inspired by research showing that 52% of grandparents resort to giving cash because they lack confidence in choosing presents. In the advert, Pickles the dog—modeled after Fisher-Price’s 60-year-old Little Snoopy toy—drags Gloria out of the house on a gift-finding mission. She takes a tuk-tuk to John Lewis to pick up disco balls and fairy lights, transforming her study into a “Gran Cave” for her grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie.
“I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas advert – it’s such a cherished part of the festive season,” Dame Kristin said, according to The Independent. Rosie Hanley, marketing and loyalty director at John Lewis, noted that for its 20th edition they wanted it to feel extra special. Hanley acknowledged that things are tough for many families facing higher energy bills and housing costs, but stated that spending on Christmas-related gear at the retailer is already up compared to last year.
Sam Fender Reinterprets a Rolling Stone Classic
The commercial is soundtracked by Sam Fender covering the Rolling Stones classic You Can’t Always Get What You Want. Fender’s rendition features the choir from the John Spence Community High School—which the musician previously attended—alongside the Easington Colliery Band. Rolling Stone frontman Sir Mick Jagger shared his approval of the cover, stating he is a fan of Fender’s work and thinks he has done a great job with it, as reported by The Independent. Proceeds from sales of the track will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust and Action for Children.
The campaign marks a return to the retailer’s formula of featuring a cute character, following previous spots like Monty the penguin in 2014 and Buster the boxer in 2016, created by the Saatchi & Saatchi agency. Alongside the digital rollout across YouTube and Instagram on Tuesday morning, the advert will run on ITV and Channel 4 between 8pm and 9.15 pm.
The campaign enters a wider festive advertising market where total UK seasonal ad spending is projected to reach £14bn.
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