Redruth-born Dame Kristin Scott Thomas has taken a starring role in one of the biggest fixtures of the festive calendar, appearing in this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert.
The acclaimed Cornish-born actress stars alongside a talking wooden toy dog called Pickles in the retailer’s 20th Christmas campaign.
Dame Kristin, who was born in Redruth, plays Gloria, a grandmother whose family descend on her London home on Christmas Eve.
When grandchildren Freddie and Maggie disrupt her study, Gloria heads to the attic and retrieves Pickles, a vintage pull-along Little Snoopy toy, to keep them entertained.
But Pickles suddenly comes to life, voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse, and challenges Gloria over her plans to simply give the children money for Christmas, telling her: “You can do better than cash.”
The unlikely pair then travel across London in a tuk-tuk on a mission to John Lewis.
On Christmas morning, Freddie and Maggie discover their cards contain no money.
Instead, they are given a key to Gloria’s study, which has been transformed into a “Gran Cave” complete with lights, disco balls and a turntable.
Dame Kristin said: “I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas advert – it’s such a cherished part of the festive season.
“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.
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“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 advert is soundtracked by Sam Fender’s cover of The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want, recorded with children from John Spence Community High School and a brass section featuring the Easington Colliery Band.
Fender described recording the song as “a privilege”, while Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said he thought the musician had “done a great job with it”.
Proceeds from the single, backed with Fender’s 2020 cover of Winter Song, will go to Teenage Cancer Trust and Action for Children.
Rosie Hanley, marketing and loyalty director at John Lewis, said the company wanted the 20th edition of its Christmas advert to feel “extra special”.
She added: “Bringing in the sparkle of Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Sam Fender has helped bring this story to life beautifully.”
The campaign premiered online on YouTube and Instagram at 7.30am today (Tuesday, November 3), with television broadcasts due to follow on ITV and Channel 4 between 8pm and 9.15pm.
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