What says ‘Christmas is here’ like an iconic Christmas advert? M&S have joined rivals John Lewis and released their take on Christmas on the same day. Yesterday Marks & Spencer launched two new Christmas campaigns, one of which sees Tom Holland swap his Spiderman suit to bring to life the retailer’s iconic Percy Pig.
In the M&S food advert called ‘Percy’s First Christmas’, a fairy (voiced by Dawn French) accidentally brings Percy to life after she drops her wand into the gift he was wrapped up in. Percy pops out of the box and squeals, 'Christmas! I’ve never had a Christmas before.' We see an excited Percy freely running around the supermarket’s Stratford store taking in the sights (which is reminiscent of film Night at The Museum). As Percy makes his way around the store, he stumbles across rows of M&S Christmas food including smoked salmon, and a Christmas pudding – of which he says he has ‘never seen anything so beautiful in [his] 23 seconds of life’.
When questioned why he decided to take on the role, Holland admitted that it took him ‘less than a second’ to say yes to being the nations favourite pig (well maybe after Peppa). He said, ‘I’ve loved Percy Pigs for as long as I can remember.’ But the real acting challenge came from bringing to life the intricate details,’ Getting the snort right was a challenge, but I hope I nailed it and you all like what you hear! I did consider asking for a lifetime supply of Percy Pigs but I figured I’ve got to save room for all of that amazing M&S Christmas food.’ he said.
Sharry Cramond, director of marketing for M&S Food, told The Independent,'The M&S Christmas Food range this year is better than ever and who better to tell customers about our delicious Christmas food range than the national treasure and much-loved M&S icon himself, Percy Pig. She continued, 'Of course, he couldn’t have just any voice and having Tom Holland give Percy Pig his first words is about as exciting as it gets. Added to that the voice of the one and only Dawn French as the Christmas fairy – it’s the stuff of Christmas dreams!”
The retailer has doubled up on advertising this year and also released a festive clothing campaign. The M&S Clothing musical advert shows off a range of clothing, encouraging customers to have an 'anything but ordinary' Christmas. We see another actor, this time it is Madisyn Ritland, dancing and celebrating Christmas with her loved ones.
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