THE festive season has kicked off with a bang. There are now so many Christmas adverts on TV in early November that you need both hands to count them.
Whether you love them or aren’t a fan, the commercials are the true sign that the big day is not far around the corner.
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John Lewis’ Christmas advert has finally arrived, but many other retailers have already aired their seasonal offerings.
Elizabeth Hurley shows us how to have a stress-free Debenhams Christmas, while Dawn French returns for M&S Food.
Here, we review 14 of these festive mini-blockbusters, giving each a rating out of five for entertainment value.
John Lewis – 3/5
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THE John Lewis Christmas ad is widely considered the biggest advertising event of the year – and signals that the run-up to the festive season has begun.
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This year’s ad is about a woman’s desperate search to find the perfect gift for her sister.
The soundtrack is by Veurve frontman Richard Ashcroft – and it’s the first time that John Lewis has featured one of its shops.
This advert might be a grower for many people because it didn’t grab me after the first viewing.
But I do love the message it is trying to convey.
Debenhams – 4/5
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THE 2024 “Duh, Debenhams” advert is a playful take on the festive madness we know all too well.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Hurley, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett, this ad suggests how easy festive online shopping can be.
With cheeky nods to the usual Christmas chaos, the celebs hilariously answer the question: “Why does Christmas shopping have to be so hard?” with a sassy, “Duh, Debenhams”.
This ad is sure to bring a smile to your face and remind you that Christmas shopping does not have to be so stressful.
Aldi – 3/5
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KEVIN the Carrot is back for the ninth year running, and this time he is on a mission to save Christmas.
In a new adventure, Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of Christmas and show the humbugs that “Christmas is better when goodwill is returned”.
It’s still a fun watch for the kids, but alas I fear Kevin is fast approaching his expiry date.
Freemans – 3/5
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THE Freemans Christmas offering features an earworm of a tune – that will have you singing way after the ads have finished..
Sophie Ellis Bextor’s catchy song, Freedom Of The Night, is the highlight – with the singer herself making an appearance as part of the Style Squad.
Sophie rocks up on doorsteps delivering Christmas presents for the exclusively online brand.
It’s a simple ad which will appeal to grown-ups.
Boots – 2/5
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THIS festive film features Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh as Mrs. Claus in a Boots Christmas “workshop”, preparing beauty gifts for everyone at every price point.
Christmassy? Yes, the setting is.
But the music is far from it.
It’s also received very mixed reviews, and it certainly wasn’t my favourite.
Morrisons – 2/5
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MORRISONS has brought back its singing oven gloves. Only this time, there’s more of them.
Set to the catchy tune of Bugsy Malone track You Give A Little Love, the music is performed by a choir of 26 Morrisons staff.
The gloves, now fully animated, sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishes.
It’s on the mark, but I worry this jingle will become grating.
Greggs – 5/5
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GREGGS has set the bar high with its first Christmas advert, which features celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.
Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella in her festive London townhouse.
She calls Christmas her “favourite time of year” and enjoys a Greggs Festive Bake, describing it as a “rapturous riot of flavour” with a “succulent filling”, playfully mimicking her saucy TV style.
Lidl – 3/5
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THE Lidl Christmas advert tells a heartwarming tale of a little girl who, after helping an elderly woman, makes a wish to share her Lidl woolly hat with a boy she noticed earlier, who looked cold.
This touching gesture embodies Lidl’s message of sharing the magic this Christmas.
It also highlights the return of Lidl Toy Banks, with the aim of collecting and distributing more than 100,000 toys donated by customers to needy children.
Tesco – 5/5
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TESCO’S heart-wrenching film features a man called Gary who is trying to navigate Christmas while mourning the loss of his grandmother.
The festive reel brings to life how Christmas can be an emotional time for many people.
It’s set to the tune of Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz – and I’d go as far as saying it’s my favourite ad this year.
Argos – 3/5
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THE Argos Christmas advert features brand mascots Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur.
Seen in a dazzling dreamscape, Trevor lives out his rock star fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakers.
The scene is electric as Trevor headlines for a crowd of adoring fans, all of whom are his best friend Connie.
This whimsical promo will charm audiences of all ages.
Sainsbury’s – 4/5
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THE star here is the Big Friendly Giant from Roald Dahl’s beloved book, voiced by Stephen Fry.
The BFG asks: “Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?”
Enter Sophie, a Sainsbury’s staffer, who helps him gather food from the supermarket’s trusted suppliers.
The heart-warming promo ends with Fry inviting viewers to, “ask Sainsbury’s” for a truly spectacular festive feast.
M&S Food – 4/5
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AUDIENCES are in for a treat as Dawn French and her fairy alter-ego from past ads share the screen for the first time.
As Fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn’s home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer.
Six variations will air, with a special cameo by Katherine Jenkins on December 17.
But a second year without Jennifer Saunders does take away some of the magic.
Asda – 3/5
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THE ad opens with Asda staff Maggie and Bill gazing out at a massive snowstorm.
Maggie frets: “Every road is closed between here and Sheffield – how are we going to get the store ready for Christmas?”
Enter a team of ceramic gnomes who transform the store into a Christmas wonderland, all set to The A-Team theme tune.
While delightful, it doesn’t top Asda’s previous ads featuring Will Ferrell and Michael Buble.
Shelter – 5/5
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GET your tissues ready because Shelter has done it again with its heart-wrenching Christmas ad.
The film opens in an imaginary world where little Mia and her dad are walking across an alien landscape.
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They wave to Father Christmas and high-five an alien octopus.
But reality intrudes, revealing their actual life in temporary accommodation and the dad’s efforts to shield Mia from the harsh conditions through make-believe.
