John Lewis unveils Christmas advert starring Kristin Scott Thomas and toy dog Pickles

Entertainment · First reported 3 Nov, 00:01 · Updated 00:19

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland. · Public domain

The advert follows grandmother Gloria and Pickles on a search for a thoughtful Christmas gift, ending with a transformed room for her grandchildren. The coverage also describes the advert’s music and launch.

Kristin Scott Thomas plays Gloria, a grandmother who seeks gift inspiration with help from Pickles, a pull-along toy dog voiced by Paul Whitehouse.
The story has Gloria leave home with Pickles to find a gift beyond cash; she ultimately turns her study into a “Gran Cave” for her grandchildren.
The advert’s song is Sam Fender’s version of the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”; the Guardian reports contributions from a school choir and brass band.
John Lewis said the advert was its 20th Christmas edition and that it wanted to encourage more thoughtful gift-giving.
The Guardian says the advert would launch on social media on Tuesday morning and later air on television; the Standard gives a November 3 social-channel premiere and an evening television slot.

Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles

Key facts

Lead actor: Kristin Scott Thomas plays Gloria.
Toy dog: Pickles is voiced by Paul Whitehouse.
Advert music: Sam Fender covers the Rolling Stones song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
Campaign edition: John Lewis describes this as its 20th Christmas advert.
Reported research: The Guardian says 52% of grandparents give cash because they are unsure what to buy.