John Lewis Christmas Advert 2026 Revealed With Kristin Scott Thomas and Talking Dog Pickles

John Lewis has revealed its Christmas advert for 2026, bringing together Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, comedian Paul Whitehouse and singer Sam Fender for a festive story about family, nostalgia and finding the perfect gift.

Titled Gloria and Pickles, the three-minute film marks the retailer’s 20th Christmas advertising campaign and premieres online at 7.30am on Tuesday 3 November, ahead of its television debut later this evening.

This year’s story moves away from extravagant presents to explore something many grandparents will recognise: the difficulty of knowing what younger family members actually want for Christmas.

Kristin Scott Thomas Takes Centre Stage as Gloria

Dame Kristin, whose credits include The English Patient, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Slow Horses, plays Gloria, a glamorous grandmother welcoming her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie, into her beautifully decorated London home.

When the children become bored, Gloria retrieves Pickles, a vintage wooden pull-along dog from her childhood, hoping the toy will entertain them. Unfortunately, the youngsters are far from impressed, leaving her questioning whether she has lost touch with their interests.

Gloria prepares to put money into Christmas cards instead, but Pickles unexpectedly springs to life and offers some advice.

Voiced by Paul Whitehouse, the mischievous toy tells her, “You can do better than cash.”

What follows is an unusual Christmas Eve shopping trip, with Gloria and Pickles travelling through London in a tuk-tuk before arriving at John Lewis in search of a more personal present.

A Christmas Morning Surprise

On Christmas morning, Freddie and Maggie eagerly open their cards, expecting to discover money inside. Instead, they find empty envelopes as Gloria produces a key to her study.

Behind the door, the previously immaculate room has been transformed into a colourful space called the Gran Cave, complete with fairy lights, disco balls, cushions and a record player.

Rather than giving the children something they might quickly forget, Gloria has created somewhere they can spend time together, listen to music and make memories.

The advert finishes with the message “Don’t give up on giving”, encouraging shoppers to put thought into choosing presents rather than relying on cash.

The theme reflects research highlighted by John Lewis showing that 52% of grandparents give money because they are unsure what children would like to receive.

Sam Fender Records a Rolling Stones Classic

The soundtrack features Sam Fender performing a new version of The Rolling Stones’ 1969 song You Can’t Always Get What You Want.

Fender brought together pupils from his former school, John Spence Community High School in North Shields, to record the children’s choir, while Easington Colliery Band contributed the brass arrangement.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has welcomed the new recording, praising Fender’s interpretation of the classic track.

The single will be released on seven-inch vinyl and CD, alongside Fender’s earlier recording of Winter Song. Proceeds from sales will support Teenage Cancer Trust and Action for Children.

Why This Year’s Advert Takes a Different Approach

John Lewis has become known for emotional Christmas campaigns, from Monty the Penguin in 2014 to Man on the Moon in 2015, which explored loneliness among older people.

Last year’s Where Love Lives focused on the relationship between a father and son, while the 2026 campaign turns its attention to grandparents and grandchildren.

There is also a deliberate contrast between Gloria’s carefully maintained home and the colourful room she eventually creates for the children. Her initial concern about keeping the house immaculate gives way to allowing the youngsters to enjoy themselves.

The result is a story about how the most valuable presents are not necessarily the most expensive, particularly when different generations are involved.

The advert was created by Saatchi & Saatchi and directed by Lucy Forbes, with Dame Kristin and Paul Whitehouse bringing the two central characters to life.

When and Where to Watch the John Lewis Christmas Advert 2026

The full three-minute Gloria and Pickles advert premieres on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 7.30am, through John Lewis’s official YouTube and Instagram channels.

Its television premiere takes place tonight, with broadcasts scheduled across ITV and Channel 4 between 8pm and 9.15pm, including advertising breaks during Coronation Street and The Great British Bake Off.

For viewers who prefer to watch online, the full advert will be available through the retailer’s official social media channels following its morning premiere.

Image credit: John Lewis.