Debenhams launches first Christmas 2026 advert starring Gavin & Stacey star, Emily Atack and 90s music icon

Debenhams has kicked off the festive advertising season with a star-studded Christmas 2026 advert featuring Gavin & Stacey favourite Matthew Horne, Emily Atack, Kym Marsh and 90s music icon Gabrielle.

The brand, which became online-only in 2021 after it went through two administrations and closed all its physical stores in 2020, is hoping to get shoppers into the Christmas spirit early with its four-minute festive film, titled Christmas. For Everyone.

Directed by award-winning commercial director Tom Day, the advert combines British nostalgia, village life, unexpected romance and a healthy dose of seasonal chaos. It follows a familiar festive formula and brings together a cast of recognisable faces for a Christmas celebration that doesn't quite go to plan, but has a happy ending.

At the heart of the story is Tina, played by The Inbetweeners and Rivals star Emily Atack, who returns to her childhood home for Christmas after 10 years away and unexpectedly reconnects with former school friend Chris, played by Matthew Horne, best known for his role as Gavin and Stacey in hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, Atack has also become a familiar face on British television.

The festive ensemble also features Kym Marsh, best known for playing Michelle Connor in ITV soap Coronation Street and being one fifth of noughties band Hear’Say, who have just announced a 25 year anniversary tour alongside Liberty X .

Adding a musical touch of nostalgia is Gabrielle, the singer behind the much-loved 90s hit Dreams, who makes an appearance performing the song as Tina and Chris finally find their way back to one another.

Naturally, no Christmas advert would be complete without a little festive drama. The film features karaoke, a snowstorm, a slightly troublesome neighbour and the threat of cancelled celebrations - before the local community comes together to save the day.

Digital creators Saffron Barker, Sammi Maria and Jay Beech and TV fashion presenter Mark Heyes also join the cast, bringing together faces that will be known to different generations.

You can watch the advert below:

I really wanted to love the advert, but after watching it I was left full of disappointment rather than festive cheer. Firstly, the film could have been about half the length, if not less. Some scenes felt dragged out and unnecessary, and very little actually happened.

Sorry, Debenhams, but dare I say I was bored. The film brought together several well-used storylines mainly ‘a will they, won’t they romance’ and ‘plans in turmoil, but then of course it all turns out okay’. They are all well-used for a reason, because they’re also well-loved, but there just wasn’t any part of it that was even slightly unexpected or unique, and so I struggled to feel that heartwarming glow by the end.

The best Christmas adverts from years gone by are the ones that offer something a bit different and really make us stop and think, and I’m afraid this one just didn’t.

But, it’s an advert not purely a form of entertainment, so I have to remember that it's also designed to remind shoppers that Debenhams is a shopping destination for everything from Christmas party outfits and beauty gifts to homeware and seasonal essentials.

And it does a good job at showcasing Debenhams wide range of products. They are woven across the dvert, with the aim of showcasing its fashion, beauty and interiors ranges as shoppers begin planning their celebrations.

Alongside the advert, Debenhams has launched a dedicated Christmas hub featuring shopping edits linked to the campaign, giving customers a starting point for finding festive fashion, beauty buys and homeware, and shopping what they see in the advert.

With Debenhams giving the first major retailer Christmas advert of 2026, the festive season has officially begun to feel a little closer.