Written by Kianna Best on Nov 9, 2023. Posted in Production News

M&S welcome in the Christmas season

With a hefty roll out of Christmas commercials, Marks and Spencer are covering all bases. From food to clothing and everything in between, the supermarket chain are bringing humour to the slate of festive advert making their way to the screen. From Hannah Waddingham to Dawn French as a fairy ornament, the celebrity cameos are endless in the seasonal shorts.

As the spooky season comes to an end, advertising air waves make way for gifts and goodies as the slate of Christmas commercials make their arrival. Much anticipated and often tear jerking, Christmas advertising marks the start of the season, tugging on heart strings and purse strings as they begin to display all of their products on offer. But with the ongoing cost of living crisis seeing reports of less buying of festive food deals and earlier shopping sprees to relieve the strain of spending, how are brands keeping the energy up?

M&S are taking to the challenge, welcoming back Dawn French as the Christmas Fairy in a six part advertising roll out for the supermarket. Alongside the familiar character, 2 new voices have joined the project. Wrexham football club co-chairmen and actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will take on the roles of the Mittens aptly named Left and Right.

Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham AFC co-chairman, states: "Our partnership with M&S Food is important to Rob and I, due to its established history with Wrexham and its commitment to supporting the local community. The connection we have to the club and its supporters is something we’re deeply proud of. It’s essential we partner with a brand who understands the broader goals for the community as a whole and is committed to making positive changes.”

On the other side of the franchise, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, stars in Marks and Spencer’s festive short. Led by production company Partizan London for agency Mother,  With, M&S are urging customers to highlight the joys over the stresses of the holidays with #LoveThismasNotThatmas. Cast members including Waddingham, Zawe Ashton, Tan France and Sophie Ellis-Bextor do away with party hats, tedious card writing and other cliches and sink into the enjoyment of the holidays.

Images courtesy of Marks and Spencer