Pure Beauty

John Lewis and Boots bring extra dose of joy for their 2021 Christmas campaigns

By Becky Bargh | Published: 4-Nov-2021

British actress Jenna Coleman and an unexpected extraterrestrial friend Skye, are among the stars of the new Christmas adverts

Less than a week after Halloween’s spooky season came and went, beauty and department store chains Boots and John Lewis have kicked off their 2021 Christmas campaigns.

A signifier of the impending Yuletide season, John Lewis’ feel-good ad is celebrating friendship with its two minute film ‘Unexpected Guest’.

The story depicts a young boy, Nathan, who meets a space traveller, Skye, and forms an unlikely friendship.

Nathan introduces his new extraterrestrial friend to his festive traditions, including decorating a Christmas tree and eating mince pies.

Through Skye’s eyes, the viewer gets to see Christmas as seen by someone that has never experienced Christmas before, and gives a nod to a more positive future, following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There is nothing more magical than discovering the joy of Christmas for the first time and enjoying your favourite festive moments with loved ones,” said Claire Pointon, John Lewis’ Customer Director.

“After the last 18 months, we wanted our advert to really celebrate this as we look forward to a brighter future.

“We know our customers are excited for this festive season more than ever, as they reconnect with family and friends.

“Through the story of Skye and Nathan we celebrate friendship and are reminded of the joy of experiencing Christmas for the first time.”

For the soundtrack, Lola Young, a 20-year-old singer from South London, delivered her version of Together in Electric Dreams, originally sung by Philip Oakey and Giorgia Moroder in 1984.

Meanwhile, Boots' festive #BagsofJoy movie, also hitting screens today, stars actress Jenna Coleman as Joy.

The film tells the story of the Doctor Who actress’ endless bag of gifts, which Boots boss’ wanted to celebrate, following a last-minute locked Christmas in 2020.

Coleman is seen socialising with friends, hugging and dancing, and spending time with multiple family members, something that was totally off the menu for UK consumers during last year’s festive season.

Speaking about the advert, Boots’ Chief Marketing Officer, Pete Markey, said: “After the challenges of the past 18 months, we felt it was more important than ever for Boots to bring joy to the nation by telling an uplifting, positive story at Christmas.

“The story of Joy and her Nan embodies the spirit of a family Christmas and represents what many families will be doing this year, making heart-warming memories worth cherishing after a year apart in 2020.”

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