Last year’s John Lewis Christmas advert was a real heartwarmer – but what’s in store for us this year? (Picture: PA)
We know you might not want to think about it just yet, but Christmas isn’t that far off – and that fact will be brought closer to home in the coming weeks with the arrival of Christmas adverts on our TVs.
In fact, many will officially declare the festive season off and running when the John Lewis Christmas advert is released.
In recent years the ad has become appointment viewing – with fans of the retail giant’s festive campaign clamorouring to see what they have in store for us this year – and who might be singing the advert’s song.
So when could we get to see this year’s – and who might perform on it?
Here’s everything we know…
When could the John Lewis Christmas advert be out?
The release date for the John Lewis Christmas advert has yet to be confirmed.
However, in recent years it has dropped in the first two weeks of November – suggesting it’s only a matter of time before we get to see it for ourselves.
In 2022 the advert premiered on November 10 – so we might well expect it at around the same time.
The advert is often released on a Thursday – so November 2 and 9 could be potential dates to watch as the release draws closer.
While we have no idea when we might get to see the advert, John Lewis members will this year get a sneak peek of it before anyone else does.
According to Heart FM, an email has been sent to customers telling them the advert is ‘almost here’ and those who become John Lewis members will get the chance to watch it first.
The email reads: ‘The anticipation is growing… Our new Christmas ad is almost here. Become a My John Lewis member and download our app by 31 October to watch it first on launch day.’
What could the advert be about?
That, of course, is a closely guarded secret.
However, the John Lewis Christmas ad is notorious for tugging at the heartstrings – so whatever’s coming our way we’re expecting it to be emotional.
Last year’s advert, The Beginner, focused on a middle-aged man learning to skateboard – and suffering a fair few mishaps along the way – in order to bond with the teenage girl his family was fostering.
Will we be getting another Buster? (Picture: John Lewis)
The heartwarming clip was accompanied by a cover of Blink 182’s All The Small Things, performed by singer Mike Geier.
It aimed to shine a light on care experienced children and followed the launch of the John Lewis Partnership’ Building Better Futures programme, aimed at helping young people who have experience of the care system.
Who could sing on the John Lewis Christmas advert?
While AI has predicted we could get Lewis Capaldi singing a John Lennon cover, the bookies have other ideas about who could be in the frame.
Most recent odds have suggested Elton John – fresh from performing his final ever live UK show at Glastonbury – could be about to provide the soundtrack to the ad for the second time.
Sir Elton previously sang on the 2018 advert The Boy And The Piano, performing Your Song over an ad which told the story of his life – but according to recent odds from Betway he’s 3/1 to perform on this year’s ad too.
However, recent Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective have emerged as the favourites in recent weeks – they’re 5/2 to provide the ad’s soundtrack.
Here’s how the betting is looking.
Ezra Collective – 5/2
Elton John – 3/1
Kylie Minogue – 6/1
Sam Ryder – 7/1
Stormzy – 7/1
Cian Ducrot – 10/1
Tom Grennan – 10/1
Dermot Kennedy – 12/1
Jamie Cullum – 16/1
Rina Sawayama – 16/1
Arlo Parks – 18/1
Cat Burns – 20/1
Olivia Dean – 20/1
Rick Astley – 25/1
Bradley Walsh – 40/1
Noddy Holder – 50/1
Roy Wood – 50/1
Ozzy Osbourne – 66/1
‘It’s that time of year again already, and with less than 100 days to go before Christmas, the nation once again turns its attention to who will perform the annual John Lewis Christmas advert!’ said Betway spokesperson Chad Yeomans.
‘This year, it seems like a real battle between legendary performers like Kylie Minogue and Sir Elton John, who will go up against the hottest band around right now – Ezra Collective. Whatever happens, this much-anticipated staple of the festive season is sure to keep punters intrigued right up until the big reveal.’
When will you be able to watch the John Lewis Christmas advert?
The advert is normally released first online – on the John Lewis YouTube channel, as well as appearing on Facebook and Twitter.
In previous years it has made its TV debut either the following night or the following weekend.
So you’ll have no reason to miss it…
MORE : Quality Street fans heartbroken after spotting change to Christmas chocolates
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We don’t have much longer to wait.