JOHN Lewis’ Christmas advert has landed to kick off the festive countdown, and this year’s soundtrack features one of Britain’s biggest rock stars.
A certain Geordie singer-songwriter has stepped up as the voice behind the 2026 campaign, putting his own spin on a rock anthem.
Here’s everything you need to know about the singer, the track, and what to expect from the retailer’s 2026 festive advert.
Who is performing the soundtrack?
Chart-topping singer-songwriter provides the soundtrack for the 2026 advert.
The musician covered the classic You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
It is his first new music since the global success of his track Rein Me In.
Fender recorded the children’s choir for the song with pupils from his former school, John Spence Community High School.
He also arranged a brass section with the Easington Colliery Band.
Rolling Stones frontman gave the cover his backing, saying: “I’m a fan of Sam’s work, so I was pleased to hear he was covering one of my songs. I think he’s done a great job with it.”
Can you buy the music?
Physical copies of the single will be available to purchase on seven-inch vinyl and CD from the John Lewis website.
The physical release will also feature Fender’s 2020 cover of Winter Song on the B-side, marking the first time that track has been available physically.
John Lewis will donate all profits from the record sales to the charity Action for Children.
The charity partners with the retailer’s Building Happier Futures programme.
This initiative supports young people who have grown up in care to help them build brighter futures.
What is the story behind the advert?
The 20th edition of the retailer’s festive campaign is titled Gloria and Pickles.
Created by advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, the three-minute advert focuses on the fear of not finding the perfect gift.
The story begins on Christmas Eve as a grandmother prepares her home for her family.
When her grandchildren arrive, she tries to entertain them with her old childhood toy, a vintage Little Snoopy pull-along toy named Pickles.
But the children quickly become distracted by lunch, leaving her feeling disconnected.
She decides to write Christmas cards containing cash because she lacks confidence in choosing gifts they will love.
Suddenly, the toy dog comes to life and tells her: “You can do better than cash.”
The duo embarks on a last-minute shopping trip through London in a flying tuk-tuk, which inspires her to stop at John Lewis.
On Christmas morning, she gives her grandchildren empty envelopes containing a single key to her home office, which she has transformed into a magical “Gran Cave” filled with lights and music.
Who is starring in the campaign?
Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas plays the lead role of Gloria.
She said: “I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to lead a – it’s such a cherished part of the festive season.”
She added that her character represents parents and grandparents who want to create lasting memories with younger generations.
Comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse voices the toy dog, Pickles.
Lucy Forbes directed the campaign; she is known for her work on television shows including This Is Going to Hurt and Eric.
Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi, described the project as a collaboration between “a Dame, a record-breaking artist, and an enduring wooden toy.”
When did the advert premiere?
The advert launched on John Lewis’ social media channels, including and , at 7.30am today (November 3).
It will make its TV debut later this evening during on and on .
Rosie Hanley, Marketing and Loyalty Director at John Lewis, said the campaign aims to restore gift-giving confidence.
She said: “Our message this year is simple: ‘Don’t give up on giving.'”
