HOLLYWOOD actor Colin Firth is starring in Arsenal’s Christmas advert alongside Alessia Russo, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori.
The commercial is part of the Xmas campaign for 2026, which is centred around community work in North London.
Work includes visits to local hospitals, a lunch for care leavers on Christmas Day and an ongoing match-day mental health drop-in support as part of the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide campaign.
have also launched their own Christmas card and the money raised from that will go towards the club’s foundation.
The advert starring Firth is called ‘Twas the Season and is set in the streets of North London.
It draws on the joy felt when the Gunners won the Premier League title in May for the first time in 22 years.
That elation is carried through to Christmas, emphasising the power of celebrating the moments that matter together.
Firth’s journey through Islington retells the story of Arsenal’s title triumph last season and ends with him outside the club shop at the Emirates Stadium.
Supporters of all ages, plus staff and community workers, are also present – plus there are cameos from , and .
Firth even has an exchange of words with Gabriel in Portuguese.
The Hollywood star famously showed his ability to speak a bit of the language with his role in the Christmas film Love Actually.
Fans loved the touching ad, with one claiming: “Better than by a mile.”
Another wrote: “Wow, are you watching John Lewis? Now that’s a Christmas Ad. Following stars.”
A third gushed: “Made me tear up! Bloody brilliant ad Arsenal.”
And a fourth said: “ narrating the season — Christmas has officially arrived early in north London.”
This is not the first time Firth has played the role of an Arsenal fan on camera.
He famously did so for the film adaptation of Nick Hornby’s book Fever Pitch, which tells the story of Arsenal’s 1988/89 title-winning season.
Gabriel said: “At Arsenal, we support each other and keep moving forward together.
“The support I feel from the club and our supporters means so much to me and my family.
“Christmas is about being together, showing thanks and remembering what matters.
“This film celebrates that connection, and we want to carry that with us as we look forward to everything we have ahead.”
The advert was directed by Si&Ad, who are famed for their work in adverts.
They have previously done commercials for the likes of Robinsons, TalkTalk, The Trainline, Durex, Thinkbox and Morrisons.
