M&S Food has launched its 2023 Christmas TV advert with Dawn French reprising her role as the voice of the festive fairy.
However, this year Hollywood actors and Wrexham football club co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will join French, voicing ‘the Mittens’ in a six-part blockbuster ad series.
The ads see the mittens, with fairy, exploring M&S Christmas food range including its slow cooked turkey joint, prawn toast, and passionfruit and white chocolate yule log, after being seperated from their child owner, Lilly.
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The ad launched across the retailer’s social media at 8am today (2 November) and will premiere on TV at 10:30am on ITV’s This Morning.
M&S Food director of marketing and hospitality, Sharry Cramond, said: “This year’s Christmas advertising campaign is possibly my favourite to date. Not only does it build on the unrivalled success of last year, it also introduces a sprinkle of Hollywood glamour with the addition of both Rob and Ryan.
“The warming tale is sure to tug on the heartstrings of the nation, whilst putting M&S Food at the heart – something we know our customers love. I mean, who doesn’t get the Christmas feels when they see M&S Food in all its glory on the big screen.”
Alongside this, M&S Food will also be kicking off the first local football club partnership in its history with Wrexham AFC.
The multi-year deal will see national and community led activiations that support children and families in the local area and will coincide with the opening of the new M&S Wrexham food store on 1 December 2023.
Speaking of the partnership, Reynolds said: “Our partnership with M&S Food is important to Rob and I, due to its established history with Wrexham and its commitment to supporting the local community.
“The connection we have to the club and its supporters is something we’re deeply proud of. It’s essential we partner with a brand who understands the broader goals for the community as a whole and is committed to making positive changes.”
