Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and a Talking Wooden Dog Star in 20th Anniversary John Lewis Christmas Advert

The festive season officially kicks off with one of the UK’s most anticipated cultural traditions as the John Lewis Christmas advert returns, starring acclaimed actor Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and a vintage wooden pull-along dog voiced by comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse. Marking the milestone 20th edition of the high street retailer’s festive campaign, this year’s narrative centers on the relatable modern dilemma of gift-giving anxiety and the genuine effort required to choose a thoughtful present for loved ones.

In the newly unveiled commercial, Dame Kristin—who recently captivated audiences in the hit television series Slow Horses—plays the role of grandmother Gloria. The story opens on Christmas Eve at Gloria’s immaculate London home, where she is busy hosting her family. However, the serene holiday atmosphere in her pristine study is quickly thrown into chaotic disarray by her bored young grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie, who are struggling to find entertainment amidst the traditional adult gatherings.

Set to a sweeping, emotional new soundtrack—a cover of The Rolling Stones classic "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" performed by British singer-songwriter Sam Fender—Gloria turns to the attic for a solution. In an attempt to keep the children occupied, she retrieves Pickles, a vintage Little Snoopy pull-along wooden toy dog from her own past, though the initial effort fails to capture their fleeting attention.

The narrative takes a magical turn when the vintage toy dog suddenly springs to life. Pickles directly challenges Gloria, who confesses to having lost her confidence in finding presents that her tech-savvy grandchildren might actually appreciate. Scolding her for taking the easy way out and abandoning her holiday efforts, the wooden companion tells her firmly, "You can do better than cash."

Emboldened by the toy’s unexpected pep talk, Pickles pulls Gloria out of her London home on a swift and determined gift-finding mission. The quirky pair navigate the bustling capital’s streets by tuk-tuk, heading straight for John Lewis in a race against time to secure meaningful presents.

The emotional payoff arrives on Christmas morning. When Freddie and Maggie open their traditional holiday cards, they discover no banknotes inside, but instead find a mysterious key handed to them by their grandmother. The key unlocks Gloria’s study, which has undergone a dramatic transformation into an extraordinary holiday retreat dubbed the "Gran Cave." The space has been magically refitted with sparkling fairy lights, festive disco balls, and a turntable, setting the stage for the family to dance and create lasting memories together.

Reflecting on her starring role in the milestone commercial, Dame Kristin shared her immediate connection to the project. She explained that she simply could not resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas campaign, describing it as a cherished fixture of the British festive season.

"Plus, Gloria’s journey captured my heart straight away," Dame Kristin said. "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."

The musical backdrop of the commercial carries its own unique community story. Sam Fender, who handled the ambitious task of reimagining the Rolling Stones anthem, explained the collaborative effort behind the recording.

"It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band," Fender said. "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."

The legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, also offered his approval of the contemporary cover. Expressing his thoughts on the collaboration, Jagger noted that he is a fan of Fender’s work and was pleased to hear he was covering the track, adding that he believes the singer has done a great job with the rendition.

The collaboration extends beyond entertainment into meaningful charitable giving. Proceeds generated from sales of Fender’s single—which is backed by his 2000 recording of "Winter Song"—will directly benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity chosen by the musician. Funds will also support Action for Children, which serves as John Lewis’s official corporate partner for its ongoing Building Happier Futures initiative aimed at supporting young people with care experience.

For the retail giant, the 20th anniversary campaign represents a deliberate effort to connect with the genuine emotional experiences of its customers. Rosie Hanley, marketing and loyalty director at John Lewis, noted that while the Christmas advert is already a beloved national tradition, the landmark anniversary called for something exceptionally special.

"Bringing in the sparkle of Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Sam Fender has helped bring this story to life beautifully," Hanley said. "It’s a storyline that so many of our customers will relate to; I’ve definitely resorted to putting cash in an envelope for fear of getting it wrong. But our message this year is simple: ‘Don’t give up on giving.’ We hope this restores the nation’s gift-giving confidence and encourages customers to rediscover the joy of choosing something truly thoughtful for the people they love."

The highly anticipated campaign is scheduled to premiere across John Lewis’s digital and social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, giving early risers an immediate look at the story. The commercial will then make its television debut later that evening, broadcasting during peak viewing hours on major commercial networks including ITV and Channel 4.