John Lewis' Christmas Advert Actress Appeared In HUGE TV Show With Jenna Coleman

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The simple story of a special sibling bond is at the heart of this year's John Lewis Christmas advert , The Gifting Hour.

With such a simple message - and no dragons or Venus flytraps in sight - all of the focus is on the sisters' chemistry and their performances. John Lewis' Customer Director Charlotte Lock agrees: ⁘It's such a simple story that the performers need to carry it. We saw thousands on the casting table and we went again and again. We really, really looked hard to make sure we got the right heads and the chemistry between them as well.⁘

Actress Margaret Clunie, 37, took on the role as Sally, with Alice Handoll playing 'adult Lauren' and a young actress called Bonnie playing 'young Lauren'.

Fans might recognise Margaret as she's appeared in TV show Victoria alongside Jenna Coleman as Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland and the Queen's Mistress of the Robes. She starred in the programme for 23 episodes from 2016 until 2018, during which her character fell in love with Albert's brother Ernst.

Saatchi ⁘ Saatchi's Managing Director Charlotte Hawkins, who helped create the ad for John Lewis, opened up about the cast: ⁘Our protagonist, she's done a couple of films [so] she's probably the most established. For the rest of the actors, it's probably their biggest role. Bonnie there, our lovely six year old, it's probably the first time that she's done anything of this scale.⁘

The advert is complete with music from Ivor Novello Award-Winning Richard Ashcroft, which is great timing for next year's Oasis reunion tour - with The Verve's Sonnet, it provides a perfect nostalgic 90s vibe. Unlike other years, the original track plays in the ad - however, there will be a very unique cover starring on Christmas Day.

The retailer is offering aspiring musicians the chance to send in their own covers of the song as part of a nationwide talent search from November 15 on TikTok. The winner - chosen by Richard Ashcroft and a panel of judges - will record their own version of Sonnet, which will be featured in the ad on December 25. Their cover single will also be released by BMG, with proceeds donated to the Building Happier Futures charity , and will be awarded a £3,000 John Lewis shopping spree and tickets to a Richard Ashcroft headline show in 2025.