Key Highlights
- Marks and Spencer releases 2025 Christmas advert featuring Dawn French.
- The ad stars French as a fed-up commuter trying to make it home before Christmas Day.
- An array of festive treats from M&S awaits tired drivers inside an impromptu food truck party.
Marks and Spencer’s 2025 Christmas Ad: Dawn French Leads the Way
Independent TV showed that on Monday, November 3, 2025, Marks and Spencer (M&S) released its highly anticipated Christmas advert for the year. The commercial stars renowned British actress Dawn French in a role that showcases her talents as a comedic performer while also drawing attention to the struggles of holiday travel.
The 90-second spot introduces viewers to French as she attempts to navigate the challenges of a particularly frustrating commute home before Christmas Day. Stuck in gridlocked traffic, French and her fairy caricature find themselves singing along with Chris Rea’s “Driving Home for Christmas.” The situation grows increasingly dire when the fairy decides to transform an M&S food truck into a festive party space, much to the delight of other tired drivers.
Within the confines of this impromptu celebration, an array of holiday treats from M&S awaits those seeking respite.
This clever integration of product placement within the narrative highlights the company’s commitment to providing customers with delightful experiences even in challenging circumstances.
In a humorous subplot, celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is seen as unimpressed by the situation. When asked for his opinion, he chuckles and says, “The world’s gone mad.” This line adds an element of relatability and humor that resonates with viewers who may have experienced similar frustrations during their own holiday travels.
The ad not only serves as a marketing tool but also aligns with M&S’s strategy to leverage high-profile celebrity endorsements. By featuring Dawn French, the company taps into her established fanbase and comedic appeal, potentially increasing engagement among consumers.
This approach is common in retail advertising, where brands often collaborate with celebrities to create memorable campaigns that resonate emotionally with audiences.
The production values of the ad are noteworthy, as they showcase M&S’s investment in creating engaging content for the holiday season. The use of a fairy character adds a whimsical touch that complements the festive theme, while the inclusion of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge provides a familiar face to viewers who may be regular customers or fans.
As the year 2025 progresses, Marks and Spencer continues to innovate in its advertising strategies. The Christmas campaign is just one part of their broader marketing efforts aimed at enhancing customer experience and loyalty during the holiday season. By incorporating elements of humor and relatability into their ads, M&S hopes to capture the hearts and minds of consumers who are looking for joyful and memorable experiences as they prepare for the festive period.
