John Lewis 2026 Christmas advert: Kristin Scott Thomas spreads magic with British TV legend

Kristin Scott Thomas said that Gloria’s story ‘captured her heart straight away’ (Picture: John Lewis)

It’s the time of year we’ve all been waiting for – the John Lewis 2026 Christmas advert is finally here.

Over the years, the retailer has made me cry more buckets of tears than I’d care to admit. My favourite of their legendary adverts is the 2011 short film The Long Wait, while The Bear and the Hare will always have a special place in my heart.

For the new advert – their 20th Christmas campaign – John Lewis has called upon the talents of sensational Slow Horses star Kristin Scott Thomas for a story with the tagline ‘Don’t give up on giving’. She plays a grandma called Gloria, who’s desperate to connect with her grandchildren by giving them the perfect gift.

Kristin, 66, isn’t the only British acting legend in the campaign, as she’s joined by comedy icon Paul Whitehouse, 68, who provides the voice of Pickles, a vintage Little Snoopy Pull-Along Toy that’s been around for 60 years.

Set to the tune of You Can’t Always Get What You Want – a Rolling Stones cover performed by Glastonbury 2027 headliner favourite Sam Fender – the short film begins with Gloria opening the doors to her home to her daughter, son-in-law and their two young children.

Gloria opens her arms wide for a hug, but the kids race past her to unleash mischievous chaos in the house, making it clear that they’re in need of stimulation as they jump on the sofa.

Maggie and Freddie arrive at Grandma’s house, but they’re not impressed by her old dog toy (Picture: Richie Hopson/John Lewis) The vintage Little Snoopy Pull-Along Toy first launched six decades ago (Picture: Richie Hopson/John Lewis)

Gloria suddenly has a lightbulb idea that she’s sure will save the day, climbing up into her attic and pulling out Pickles, her beloved wooden dog toy. Sadly for her, her grandchildren Freddie and Maggie are still completely uninterested.

After putting money in envelopes for them, the animated Pickles convinces Gloria to head out into town to try and find Christmas presents that her grandkids will fall in love with. 

The mission seems like a failure until she pops into a TukTuk to race through the streets of London… and she is suddenly enveloped by the magic of Christmas, beaming as she gazes at the green aurora in the sky and is dazzled by the tinsel hanging from the vehicle handles, before winding up at John Lewis.

On Christmas Day, Freddie and Maggie open up envelopes from their grandma, and seem confused when there’s no money inside.

Gloria goes on a magical ride in the TukTuk through London (Picture: Richie Hopson/John Lewis) She has a special surprise in store for Freddie and Maggie on Christmas Day (Picture: John Lewis)

Gloria leads them to a door in the house with a huge bow on it that she has to open with a special key, and they’re amazed to discover a beautiful den inside, named the ‘Gran Cave’, which she’s adorned with all sorts of decorations including disco balls and sparkling lights.

The kids and their grandma play music on the record player and dance with utter abandon and joy, showing that Christmas isn’t just about the gifts that you give, but the memories that you create.

Kristin, who was a ‘muse’ for John Lewis when they first began coming up with the concept of the advert, said that she ‘couldn’t resist the opportunity’ to be a part of the campaign.

‘It’s such a cherished part of the festive season,’ the Four Weddings and a Funeral star said.

‘Plus, Gloria’s journey captured my heart straight away. She represents so many parents and grandparents who want nothing more than to create lasting memories with the younger generation. Working alongside Pickles to create the “Gran Cave” was an absolute joy, and I hope the ad brings a big smile to families across the UK this Christmas.’

Sam Fender, a favourite to headline Glastonbury 2027, sings a Rolling Stones cover in the advert (Picture: Melissa Gardner) Gloria creates an extraordinary ‘Gran Cave’ for her grandkids (Picture: Richie Hopson/John Lewis) Paul Whitehouse provides the voice of Pickles, who inspires Gloria to go on her adventure (Picture: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)

Musician Sam, whose cover of the 1969 Rolling Stones song for the advert will be available to buy from John Lewis on seven-inch vinyl and CD, spoke about how special it was to include the children’s choir from his school.

‘It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band. In the spirit of Christmas, we re-recorded the children’s choir with the kids from my old school, John Spence Community High School, and we arranged a brass section with the Easington Colliery Band,’ he shared.

The single is also backed with his 2020 cover of Winter Song, which will be available to buy physically for the first time. All of the profits from each record sold by John Lewis will be donated to the charity Action for Children, which supports children and young people.

While this year’s advert might not be a tear-jerker like some of the campaigns the retailer has released in the past, it is a beautifully-told story that plenty of families will be able to relate to as family members across different generations shower each other with love.

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