John Lewis 2026 Christmas advert revealed with Slow Horses legend and emotional song choice

Slow Horses and a Geordie legend unite for a tear-jerker.

Kristin Scott Thomas holds up a gold key with a smile on her face

Published: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 8:05 am

John Lewis has unveiled its tear-jerker of a Christmas advert for 2026 - and it's a star-studded affair.

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The advert, titled Gloria and Pickles, features Dame Kristin Scott Thomas of Slow Horses fame as a grandma, called Gloria.

Like many will this Christmas, she's welcomed her family round for the celebrations before the big day, and while her home is simply beautiful, the grandkids, Freddie and Maggie, are bored.

Gloria remembers one of her favourite childhood toys is in the loft that can keep them entertained, so she introduces them to Pickles, a vintage Little Snoopy Pull-Along Toy.

However, the kids are easily distracted and head off for lunch instead.

Gloria starts to write their cards and slip them some cash, feeling entirely deflated, when Pickles all of a sudden jumps alive and starts speaking to her (voiced by Paul Whitehouse).

"You can do better than cash," the little toy claims, before the pair go off to the shops on a last-minute gifting session.

When they start to give up hope, a TukTuk arrives which whisks them around the streets of London before stopping outside John Lewis.

Oh Christmas morning, Gloria gives Freddie and Maggie empty Christmas cards, and the kids are a little surprised at no gift. However, Gloria has a trick up her sleeve and takes them to her home office which she's redecorated into the "Gran Cave", packed to the brim with disco balls, sparkling lights and songs they can dance to, offering them the best gift of all: pure joy.

Kristin Scott Thomas 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. 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.”

You can watch the advert here:

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The campaign was directed by Lucy Forbes, BAFTA-winning director who's known for This Is Going to Hurt and Eric.

Rosie Hanley, Marketing & Loyalty Director at John Lewis, said: “The John Lewis Christmas advert is a beloved tradition, but for its 20th edition, we wanted it to feel extra special. Bringing in the sparkle of Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Sam Fender has helped bring this story to life beautifully. 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.”

Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi, said: “This year has been a joyful collaboration with a series of icons; a Dame, a record-breaking artist, and an enduring wooden toy. I would also add our director Lucy Forbes to that list, who was for us, the only person to bring this powerful intergenerational story to life. Finding the perfect balance between relatable family dynamics and proper magic gave us the opportunity to create this glorious celebration of giving. This one really does have something for everyone.”

What song is in the John Lewis 2026 Christmas advert?

Sam Fender sits on a bed with a neutral look on his face

The John Lewis 2026 Christmas Advert song is a cover of the Rolling Stones' classic, You Can't Always Get What You Want, performed by Sam Fender.

Speaking of being a part of the advert, Fender said: “It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band. 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.”

Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger added: “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.”

Fans will be able to buy copies of Fender's cover on 7" and CD from the John Lewis website. The single will be backed by his cover of Winter Song, available physically for the first time.

All profits from the record will be donated to Action for Children.

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Authors

RadioTimes.com deputy editor Helen Daly. She has brown hair, is smiling and stands in front of a wall full of ITV programme logos

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is the deputy digital editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

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