John Lewis Christmas advert 2026 stars Kristin Scott Thomas and talking dog Pickles

John Lewis has unveiled its Christmas advert for 2026, with Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Fender and a talking wooden dog taking centre stage in a festive warning against simply slipping cash into a card.

The retailer’s latest big-budget Christmas campaign follows grandmother Gloria, played by Slow Horses star Dame Kristin, as she struggles to find a present her grandchildren will actually want.

When Freddie and Maggie arrive at her immaculate London home on Christmas Eve, they quickly start causing chaos in her study as they battle boredom.

Gloria digs out an old pull-along wooden dog called Pickles from the attic in the hope of keeping them entertained. But the vintage toy, voiced by Paul Whitehouse, suddenly springs to life and gives her some uncomfortable advice about her usual approach to Christmas presents.

“You can do better than cash,” Pickles tells her.

The pair then head off on a frantic last-minute shopping mission through London by tuk-tuk, eventually arriving at John Lewis as Gloria tries to come up with something more memorable.

On Christmas morning, the children open their cards expecting to find money inside, only to discover they are empty.

Instead, Gloria hands them a key to her study, which has been transformed into a colourful “Gran Cave” complete with sparkling lights, disco balls and a turntable where the three can spend time together listening to music and dancing.

The advert is soundtracked by Sam Fender’s new version of The Rolling Stones classic You Can’t Always Get What You Want.

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

He 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 frontman Mick Jagger has given the cover his approval.

He said: “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.”

Proceeds from the single, which is backed with Fender’s 2020 cover of Winter Song, will go to Teenage Cancer Trust and Action for Children.

Dame Kristin said she “couldn’t resist” the chance to front one of Britain’s best-known Christmas advertising campaigns.

She said Gloria reflected parents and grandparents who wanted to create memories with younger members of their family rather than simply hand over money.

“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,” she said.

John Lewis says the message behind its 20th Christmas advert is “Don’t give up on giving”, encouraging people who have lost confidence in choosing presents to make the effort to find something more personal.

Rosie Hanley, marketing and loyalty director at John Lewis, admitted she had also fallen back on cash presents in the past.

She said: “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.’”

The advert premieres on John Lewis’s social media channels, including YouTube and Instagram, from 7.30am on Tuesday, November 3.

It will then make its television debut on ITV and Channel 4 between 8pm and 9.15pm that evening.