John Lewis 2026 Christmas advert rolls out multi‑generational gifting story
The retailer’s new TV spot features Kristin Scott Thomas as Grandma Gloria and a pull‑along toy dog named Pickles.
Storyline and characters
The John Lewis Christmas TV advert for 2026 introduces a multi‑generational gifting theme. Grandma Gloria, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, searches for the ideal present for her grandchildren. Assisting her is Pickles, a pull‑along toy dog voiced by Paul Whitehouse, which she herself unwrapped as a child.
In the advert, Gloria trades her usual cash gift for a fully decorated “Grancave” – a room fitted with tinsel, disco balls and neon stars – intended for imaginative play.
Tone and product focus
The spot adopts a less commercial tone amid the cost‑of‑living crisis, featuring fewer explicit product shots than previous years. Nevertheless, it still highlights items such as the Pickles pull‑along toy and a red velvet bow designed for doors or Christmas trees.
Music contribution
Sam Fender provides a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” He says, “It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band.” The recording includes a children’s choir from John Spence Community High School and a brass section from the Easington Colliery Band, and will be released on vinyl with proceeds to Action For Children.
Featured products
Pickles pull‑along toy – a Snoopy‑style toy that wobbles and swings its ears when the cord is pulled.
Red velvet bow – a festive decorative bow suitable for doors or trees, described as having a rich texture and timeless design.
The advert continues John Lewis’s tradition of memorable characters, adding Gloria and Pickles to a roster that includes Edgar the dragon, Buster the bouncing dog and the Man on the Moon.
