Christmas in the UK is not marked by just the smell of a delectable roast and cinnamon-themed desserts in the kitchen – but the sound of festive adverts on over the telly.
And today, supermarket Marks & Spencer threw its hat in the ring as it joined Asda, Morrisons, Shelter and Aldi in putting out its festive campaign.
The six-part ad features the return of Dawn French’s fairy from last year – with a cameo from the comedian herself.
Elsewhere this week, Amazon’s heartfelt advert, exclusively revealed today by Femail, tells the story of a theatre janitor whose hidden vocal talent is discovered by his colleagues during his shift.
Encouraged to sing on stage, the talented janitor gives a touching performance of the beloved 1965 Bacharach-David classic What the World Needs Now Is Love.
Meanwhile Shelter created a world of make believe for a little girl stuck in temporary accommodation over Christmas, and Aldi tasked Kevin the Carrot and his wife Katie to save the Spirit of Christmas before it’s too late.
MARKS & SPENCER
Marks & Spencer’s Christmas advert, which is out today, sees the return of Dawn French‘s fairy character from last year’s campaign – this time starring alongside her voice actor.
Viewers will be treated to a six-part series ad- the first of which was released this morning – which will spotlight food from the supermarket at the heart of its stories. It includes delectable delights such as their ‘Our Best Ever Slow-cooked Turkey’ and Collection Cornish Cruncher Cauliflower Cheese as well as the Frozen Collection Raspberry & Pistachio Roulade.
Marks & Spencer’s Christmas advert, which is out today, sees the return of Dawn French ‘s fairy character from last year’s campaign – this time starring alongside her voice actor
Other treats include the retailer’s Santa’s Workshop Musical Light-Up Tin and crafted Collection Nocciolato Panettone.
Elsewhere, the advert airing on December 17 will feature a performance from classical singer Katherine Jenkins.
‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be fluttering back as Fairy this Christmas, and oh my wings, do we have a plot twist for you!
‘Let’s just say, Fairy meeting Dawn herself was quite THE moment! Who knew we’d ever share the same screen? Magic really does happen!’ Dawn French said.
The comedian added: ‘I spent some time tasting this year’s unbelievably delicious Christmas food range from M&S… and can honestly tell you those hours might be my FAVOURITE moments from my whole year…!
‘As for making the ads… wait ’til you see them. We had such a laugh, and they’re so lush! Not gonna lie… Fairy was a diva. Who knew fairies could bite?!’
Elsewhere, Sharry Cramond, M&S Food Marketing Director added: ‘Last year, our Fairy added something truly magical to Christmas, and this year, we’re thrilled to take it to the next level, with Dawn French herself joining the fun alongside her Fairy character!
Dawn French will feature as herself, alongside the fairy she has voiced since last year’s festive campaign
The comedian joked that her fairy co-star was a ‘diva’ as she starred the supermarket’s campaign
Elsewhere, Sharry Cramond, M&S Food Marketing Director added: ‘Last year, our Fairy added something truly magical to Christmas, and this year, we’re thrilled to take it to the next level’
Viewers will be treated to a six-part series ad- the first of which was released this morning – which will spotlight food from the supermarket at the heart of its stories
‘We’re always looking to push creative boundaries, and we believe this year’s campaign will leave our customers smiling and feeling super inspired.
‘To top it off, we’re honoured to feature the incredible Katherine Jenkins, adding even more festive magic to our screens!’
AMAZON
Amazon’s Christmas advert opens with a janitor going about his daily tasks in the theatre, while quietly singing to himself.
Then viewers get a glimpse of his lifelong passion for singing, as he opens his locker to reveal a picture of him as a younger man performing on stage.
After his colleagues overhear his remarkable voice, which gently echoes through the empty halls of the building, they are moved to orchestrate a special surprise.
Coming together as a community, they transform the ornate Sonnet theatre into a proper performance stage, complete with lighting, staging and, to his wonder, an instrumental backing track.
With a little help from Amazon, the final touch is a swift delivery of an elegant black tuxedo jacket, enabling the humble star to step into the spotlight and, urged by his admiring colleagues, simply to ‘Sing’.
Today Amazon shared their emotional festive production which was directed by award-winning director, Wayne McClammy
Encouraged to sing on stage by the theatre staff, the talented janitor gives a touching performance of the beloved 1965 Bacharach-David classic What the World Needs Now Is Love
Amazon hope to showcase how small thoughtful acts can help to bring people together as the ad tells the story of a theatre janitor whose hidden vocal talent is discovered by his colleagues during his shift
With a little help from Amazon, the final touch is a swift delivery of an elegant black tuxedo jacket, enabling the humble star to step into the spotlight and, urged by his admiring colleagues, simply to ‘Sing’
As his colleagues take their seats, the janitor performs a touching performance of the beloved 1965 Bacharach-David classic ‘What the World Needs Now Is Love,’ showcasing his spectacular and surprising vocal prowess.
The ad reflects how a seemingly small gesture can create meaningful moments and celebrate the courage it takes to share your talents.
‘Midnight Opus’ is a story that celebrates the joy from doing something special for the people in your life.
‘I think we all know how wonderful it feels to be the recipient of even the smallest act of kindness – whether that be a thoughtful gift or an encouraging word – and we wanted to bring that ineffable emotion to life,’ said Jo Shoesmith, Global Chief Creative Officer at Amazon.
Retailers are busily showcasing their annual Christmas adverts – and Asda has certainly made an impression with its whimsical, animated adventure
Retailers are busily showcasing their annual Christmas adverts – and Asda has certainly made an impression with its whimsical, animated adventure.
In the pun-filled clip, two supermarket workers enlist the help of dozens of charming gnomes to get the store ready for the festive season after complaining that ‘every road between here and Sheffield’ is closed.
The advert, which will air for the first time on Wednesday, then captures a group of gnomes arriving at the store and helping stock the shelves with all sorts of Christmas goodies.
Another group of gnomes are tasked with decorating the store’s Christmas tree, while one clumsy animated ornament manages to break his leg – twice.
The advert is set to the tune of The A Team, a fitting backdrop for a busy night of decorating for the gnomes – Max, Gnibbles, Gnorma, Gnicky and Gnarla.
It opens with two Asda colleagues – Maggie and Bill – staring out of a store into a snowstorm, with Maggie saying ‘every road is closed between here and Sheffield, how are we going to get the store ready for Christmas?’
But Bill isn’t worried, simply picking up a nearby gnome and pressing its nose.
The ornament lights up green, sending a signal to hundreds of gnomes across gardens, pub shelves and homes nationwide to burst into action.
The advert, which will air for the first time on Wednesday, then captures a group of gnomes arriving at the store and helping stock the shelves with all sorts of Christmas goodies
Another group of gnomes are tasked with decorating the store’s Christmas tree, while one clumsy animated ornament manages to break his leg – twice
The advert is set to the tune of The A Team, a fitting backdrop for a busy night of decorating for the gnomes – Max, Gnibbles, Gnorma, Gnicky and Gnarla
After a night of busy work in the store, chief gnome Max notices the sun coming up and declares: ‘It’s time to go gnome.’
The pint-sized heroes head home in Asda delivery vans, leaving the store perfectly prepared for the festive weeks ahead.
Morrisons new Christmas ad celebrates the stars of Christmas – the chef’s who cook the nation’s festive feasts
Viewers are taken on a journey through a series of festive kitchens, where the gloves provide moral support to hosts preparing for the big day
A lone oven glove catches a spotlight and springs to life, beginning to sing the opening line of Give a Little Love
The festive advert opens on a snowy evening, with a Morrisons delivery van arriving at a home
Morrisons’ new Christmas ad celebrates the stars of Christmas – the family chefs who cook the nation’s festive feasts.
The festive advert opens on a snowy evening, with a Morrisons delivery van arriving at a home.
Inside, a lone oven glove catches a spotlight and springs to life, beginning to sing the opening line of Give a Little Love.
The ad, by creative agency Leo Burnett, is set to the soundtrack of Give a Little Love from Bugsy Malone, recorded by a choir of 26 Morrisons colleagues at Abbey Road Studios.
Directed by Michael Gracey who made 2017’s worldwide success The Greatest Showman – the ad combines the playful charm of the oven gloves with a theatrical flair.
The gloves, now fully animated with distinct voices, sing their support for the nation’s family chefs – encouraging them as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishes.
SHELTER
The film opens in an imaginary world and shows a little girl Mia and her dad spacewalking across an alien landscape
The film ends with the tagline: ‘Love alone can’t protect a child from homelessness, but your donations could’
Homelessness charity Shelter’s film opens in an imaginary world and shows a little girl named Mia and her dad spacewalking across an alien landscape.
On their adventures the pair search the planet for the Space Palace, Father Christmas waves to them as he flies towards Earth and they high-five an alien octopus voiced by comedian, podcaster and writer Adam Buxton.
Suddenly the harsh reality of living in temporary accommodation intrudes and brings them back to earth – because this is a world of make believe, created by Dad as an escape from the shocking experience of children living in temporary accommodation.
At the end of the film Mia and Dad return to the fantasy world, before a flicker of emotion on his face shows the constant stress he’s bravely hiding from his daughter, while trying to make her feel safe.
The film ends with the tagline: ‘Love alone can’t protect a child from homelessness, but your donations could.’
To inform the campaign, Shelter and creative agency partner Don’t Panic worked closely with people who have lived experience of temporary accommodation, including living with mould and damp, harsh and crowded living conditions, and the devastating emotional impact felt by families going through homelessness.
A number of filming resources were donated to Shelter in the making of the campaign.
They high-five an alien octopus voiced by comedian, podcaster and writer Adam Buxton
At the end of the film Mia and Dad return to the fantasy world, before a flicker of emotion on his face shows the constant stress he’s bravely hiding from his daughter, while trying to make her feel safe
The planet scenes were shot at the Mars Volume studio in Ruislip. The state-of-the-art stage included a virtual production screen, which meant the alien world could be created completely in camera.
The special effects, including the alien octopus, Father Christmas and the rocket were added in by post-production house Rascal.
The film is scored with the magical vocals of German folk singer Sibylle Baier’s ‘Forget About.’ The beautiful track was recorded in the 1970’s, and in a twist of parent-child fate, it was only released in 2006 when Baier’s son discovered the recording.
‘World of Our Own’ follows the launch of last year’s successful ‘Good As Gold’ campaign, which featured a young child, Maddy, facing Christmas without a permanent home.
The film was directed by Nicholas Goffey and Dominic Hawley, who have previously worked with brands including Nike, Barnardos, Rightmove and M&S Food.
ALDI
The advert opens in a festive snowy village on Christmas Eve, but it soon transpired something is going on as a black and white van screeches into view
Using cunning disguises and a case with a ‘false bottom’, Kevin and his wife Katie carefully avoid a series of dangerous situations and ‘booby traps’ to try and save the day
Aldi’s advert opens in a festive snowy village on Christmas Eve, but it soon transpires something is going on as a black and white van screeches into view.
A series of humbug characters appear to capture the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ before zooming off leaving the once glowing village in darkness.
Luckily, Santa has Kevin the Carrot on speed dial and wakes him to give him an incredible assignment — break into the Humbug Headquarters and outsmart Dr Humbug and her humbug minions to get the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ back.
Using cunning disguises and a case with a ‘false bottom’, Kevin and his wife Katie carefully avoid a series of dangerous situations and ‘booby traps’ to try and save the day.
It all culminates with the humbugs having learned ‘Christmas is better when goodwill is returned’.
A sweet festive poem which is narrated throughout the advert reads: ‘In the darkest and coldest of Christmas Eve the festive Spirit had been stolen by thieves, the very last thing that Kevin expected, an impossible mission would he choose to accept it?
‘At humbug headquarters in cunning disguise it was a race to the vault for our vegetable spies.
‘The Peril and danger they face while inside can never be told it’s classified. Our agents look doomed would they fail or succeed, then all of a sudden the spirit was freed.
‘Even the humbugs seem to have learned that Christmas is better when Goodwill is returned.’