Marks and Spencer look set to shine a light on Mrs. Claus this Christmas with their new TV ad.
Following in the footsteps of retailer John Lewis this week, M&S tell the heart-warming story of how Mrs Claus makes Christmas complete for seven-year-old Jake while Santa's on work duty.
A panicked Jake is seen writing to Mrs Claus on Christmas Eve for help to make peace with his sister, Anna, by replacing some dog-eaten trainers.
Mrs Claus sends Santa off on his sleigh before heading to her secret lair to take off on a ski-jet and helicopter, named R-DOLF, to deliver Anna's surprise Christmas present - a pair of new, glittering red trainers.
The ad was directed by Tom Hooper, who received an Oscar for Elizabeth I, The King’s Speech and Les Miserables.
“Our Christmas with Love campaign is a brand new approach for M&S this year, one that has been created with our customers and for our customers, with their feedback at the heart of our strategy", said Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, executive director of customer, marketing and M&S.com.
"Our ambition is for M&S’s customers across the nation to experience something special this festive season."
“Mrs Claus is the result of thousands of conversations that we had with our customers to understand what they want from M&S – which is warmth, empathy and a touch of humour presented in a modern and contemporary way", said Mr Bousquet-Chavanne.
Reaction has been positive so far, with some social media users suggesting the ad is better than John Lewis' #BusterTheBoxer effort this year.
Sorry John Lewis, M&S have clinched it this year #Advert #Christmas #LoveMrsClaus
— Bethany Monk-Lane (@BethanyMonklane) November 11, 2016
#LoveMrsClaus I have to admit I much prefer this year's M&S advert to the John Lewis one. It felt so much more christmassy. In love with it♡
— Em ♡ (@beautybyemmaxxo) November 12, 2016
the m&s christmas advert is 1000x better than John Lewis
— gRay (@geor___) November 12, 2016
Mrs Claus has also joined Twitter following the ad.
Starting my day with the wonderful sound of Rachel Portman's 'With Love'. Recognise it from somewhere? #LoveMrsClaus https://t.co/EIIYJ9mRX8 pic.twitter.com/oOyoe8si23
— Mrs Claus (@marksandspencer) November 12, 2016
