Entertainment · Celebrity · 4 hrs ago
Kristin Scott Thomas leads John Lewis's 2026 Christmas advert
John Lewis has launched its 20th Christmas advert, starring actor Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandmother named Gloria.
In the story, Gloria is unsure what gifts to choose for her grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie.
A toy dog called Pickles urges her to do better than cash, reflecting research cited by the retailer that 52% of grandparents give cash because they are unsure what children want.
Pickles takes Gloria on a gift-finding trip through London, and she turns her study into a room for dancing and spending time together.
The advert’s message is not to give up on thoughtful gifts, as John Lewis seeks to make its campaign more joyful while many families face financial pressures.
The three-minute advert is premiering on social media, with a shorter version due to air on television on Tuesday evening.
John Lewis’s 2026 Christmas advert stars Kristin Scott Thomas as Gloria, a grandmother searching for thoughtful gifts for her grandchildren.
A pull-along toy dog called Pickles, voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse, urges Gloria to do better than giving cash.
The story follows Gloria and Pickles on a gift-finding trip to John Lewis, where she buys items to turn her study into a “Gran Cave”.
The advert is set to Sam Fender’s cover of the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.
John Lewis said the advert was inspired by research finding that 52% of grandparents give cash because they are unsure what to buy.
- Who
- John Lewis, with Kristin Scott Thomas as Gloria and Paul Whitehouse voicing Pickles.
- What
- John Lewis launched its 2026 Christmas advert about a grandmother choosing thoughtful gifts.
- When
- Published on 3 November 2026. The advert was due to launch on social media Tuesday morning, with a TV version airing Tuesday evening.
- Where
- The advert’s story is set in London and the campaign is by John Lewis.
- Why
- The advert encourages thoughtful gift-giving. John Lewis said its research found that 52% of grandparents give cash because they are unsure what to buy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Gloria hosts her grandchildren Freddie and Maggie at her London home.
Pickles pulls Gloria out of the house on a gift-finding trip to John Lewis.
Freddie and Maggie find a key in place of cash and discover Gloria’s transformed study.
The three-minute advert was due to launch on social media.
A 60-second version was due to air on television.
- Advert edition
- 20th John Lewis Christmas advert
- Lead actor
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Gloria
- Pickles’s voice
- Paul Whitehouse
- Soundtrack
- Sam Fender’s cover of the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want
- Grandparents giving cash
- 52% in research cited by John Lewis
3 sources
What people are saying
You can do better than cash.
I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas advert – it’s such a cherished part of the festive season.
It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band.
The John Lewis Christmas advert is a beloved tradition, but for its 20th edition we wanted it to feel extra special.