The John Lewis Christmas advert, Unexpected Guest, centres around a young boy called Nathan who befriends an alien, Skye, after her ship from another galaxy lands in the woods beside his home.
Telling a joyful story of friendship, Unexpected Guest celebrates the magical moments of Christmas experienced for the first time.
'We know our customers are more excited than ever for Christmas, craving joyful moments, togetherness and escapism as so many were unable to celebrate with loved ones last year,' the retailer explains.
John Lewis Christmas advert 2021: what is it about?
In the festive two-minute advert, Nathan helps space traveller Skye to discover the magic of her first Christmas. Nathan introduces Skye to his family's festive traditions, bringing them to life for her in the woods. They decorate the Christmas tree with fairy lights, celebrate the tradition of eating and hosting together, as he encourages her to try her first mince pie, and he also introduces her to the joy of thoughtful gifting by giving her his Christmas jumper with flashing lights.
It is through these shared moments that we see the magic of Christmas through the eyes of someone who has never experienced it before.
The advert presents a contemporary take on Christmas with a space theme, giving a nod to the continued interest in space exploration.
Where can I watch it?
The John Lewis advert is the most anticipated amongst the big retailers, and this year it has been released early – it typically premieres in the second week of November. Watch the video above for the full advert. The advert will also debut on TV on 4th November 2021 at 8.15pm on ITV, in a special premiere during The Pride of Britain Awards.
When and where was the advert filmed?
The John Lewis Christmas advert, created in partnership with adam&eveDDB, was filmed in September, with the scenes between Skye and Nathan filmed in a private woodland in Surrey. The remaining scenes were filmed in a studio.
What is the song in the Christmas advert and who sings it?
The track, 'Together in Electric Dreams', originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984, was chosen as a celestial complement to the advert. The soundtrack is performed by Lola Young, a 20-year-old up-and-coming singer-songwriter from South London. Signed to Island Records, Lola is under the direction of Nick Shymansky, who managed the late Amy Winehouse, and Nick Huggett, who signed Adele.
Is this a joint John Lewis and Waitrose advert?
No, unlike the last two years (Give A Little Love in 2020) and Excitable Edgar in 2019), Unexpected Guest is not a joint Partnership advert, so this year Waitrose will release its own Christmas advert.
Who are the actors?
Raffiella Chapman, who plays 14-year-old Skye, won her first movie role at the age of five as Lucy Hawking in The Theory of Everything alongside Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. Other acting credits include Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Homebound, The Have-Nots, Trauma and His Dark Materials.
Jordan Nash, who plays 14-year-old Nathan, began acting when he was five years old. He had a lead role as Peter Pan in the live action feature film Come Away, which he starred in opposite Angelina Jolie and David Oyelowo. Other acting credits include Call the Midwife, Breeders and Aladdin.
Can I buy the Christmas jumper featured in the John Lewis advert?
Yes, the jumper that Nathan gifts to Skye is available to purchase, but it comes without the flashing lights and star. Why? John Lewis made a conscious decision not to include this to ensure the jumpers will be easy to wash and last a long time.
John Lewis will donate 10 per cent of the profits for each jumper sold equally to its Give a Little Love charities, FareShare and Home-Start UK.
What other merchandise is available?
Unlike previous years there are no cuddly toys or pyjamas from the Christmas advert this year. However, all the products featured in the advert are from John Lewis, and you'll be able to shop key scenes – including decorating the tree and setting the table – directly from the website at johnlewis.com.
What was last year's Christmas advert about?
The John Lewis Christmas advert 2020 was a joint campaign with Waitrose, inspired by the kindness shown by the British public during the pandemic. It illustrated how acts of kindness, both large and small, can multiply and positively impact the world. Watch here.
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Christmas gonks: 23 gonk decorations to buy for the festive season
This fun festive figurine – which stands up completely on its own – is the ideal way to decorate the entrance to your home this Christmas. Place it on a console table or in corners around your home that guests are likely to see.
We can't get enough of these light-up gonk figures. Perfect for adding some warm ambience to your mantel or windowsill, and the fact that they aren't overly festive means you can keep them up all year round — we know we will be!
Get your bathroom ready for Christmas with this great gonk bath mat from Matalan. We love how cosy and plush it looks — perfect for sinking your feet onto after a bath or shower.
Looking for a unique take on a Christmas wreath? Well, look no further than this gonk wreath from QVC. During the day this adds a lovely yuletide touch to your home but at night it really comes into its own, thanks to its battery operated built-in lights.
Bring the branches of your tree to life with this sweet Christmas gnome decoration. It also makes a brilliant stocking filler.
Perfect for both little and big kids alike, this fun festive gonk bedding is ideal for every bedroom this Christmas. It features a collection of gonks and is reversible, giving you two designs for the price of one.
This sweet gonk Christmas tree decoration is a great affordable way to add some cheer to your home this December – why not add a couple?
Just because you have to buy a practical item like a draught excluder doesn't mean that it can't have a bit more personality! This light-up Christmas gonk one is ideal for the cold weather.
A Christmas doormat is a really easy way to decorate your front door for the festive season. We're big fans of this fun gonk doormat, which has been made from tufted coir with an anti-slip PVC backing.
If you prefer rustic wooden decor around the Christmas period, look no further than this sweet wooden gonk that can be popped on a side table, chest of drawers, hallway table or even on a dining table!
The combination of gonk and candle here screams 'festive season' to us. This stylish, neutral candle comes in an array of scents including cinnamon sticks, gingerbread, and candy canes, and if you want, you can even change the hat colour to a glittery red or green.
Create a relaxing reading nook for the festive season with this adorable 'gonklet' cushion which features four Santa-esque figures dotted across it. The red, white and silver colour scheme of this cushion ensures a festive feel.
No Christmas dining table is complete without a festive runner. Featuring several sweet gonks with a couple of falling snowflakes, this grey style will add an understated and charming touch to your seasonal decor.
These adorable light-up gonks will sit neatly on any ledge in your home, be it your mantelpiece, a side table or a chest of drawers, and will also create a lovely glow when the sun sets.
Cosy up in front of the fire with this must-have fluffy gonk throw. Measuring 130 x 150cm, it has a row of 20 pom poms along the bottom and a fun festive print.
Create the ultimate winter welcome with this outdoor 3D gonk from Homebase. Carrying a lantern, he features a bright white light that will make your front garden glow.
Support a small business with this super cute candle holder from Etsy. This is the kind of gonk decoration that you'll bring out year after year.
How adorable is this Christmas gonk? With sweet blue gloves, a winter hat and long white beard, he's certain to fit right in with every contemporary interior scheme.
Complete the look of your Christmas tree with this adorable gonk tree topper, complete with a bright red Santa hat. How adorable are his little fur lined gloves?
What better way to sip your favourite winter beverage, than out of this yuletide gonk mug, featuring a gonk holding presents next to a Christmas tree? Simply pop in your favourite hot chocolate (or mulled wine) and you'll be all aglow with the festive spirit.
Brighten up your interior with this fun gonk doorstop. With a large striped hat and white beard, he's the sweetest character for any home.
Little ones will love receiving (or giving) presents in this personalised gonk tote bag, which can be purchased in small or medium. You can choose between a gonk with mushrooms or a gonk with a robin – how sweet!
