John Lewis advert hailed 'worst one yet' as fans say Christmas is cancelled

has finally been unveiled. Like in previous years the Christmas staple has sparked a fierce response - with some even suggesting it was the “worst one yet”.

, which has become one of the in recent years, focuses on the story of the bond between two sisters. The department store has chosen to go back to basics after last year’s advert star, Snapper the Venus flytrap, and for the first time ever, the advert features an actual John Lewis store.

The story begins with Sally, who makes a last minute dash into the department store to find a gift for her sister. As a person on the intercom chimes that there are only five minutes left until the store, she manically hunts for the perfect present, only to fall through a rack of designer dresses as memories of the siblings’ lives together flash before her eyes.

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Sally can be seen going from room to room in their childhood home, as she frantically hunts through memories of her sister in order to get inspiration for her Christmas gift, as The Verve’s hit Sonnet plays throughout. Sally then returns back to reality - and back into the department store - and reunites with her sister with the perfect present wrapped under her arm.

Many tuned into the watch the advert released at 8am on Thursday, but this year’s offering has left thousands of viewers divided. While some were impressed with the simple story that focused on family - especially the bond between two sisters - others were disappointed at the lack of a heartbreaking story to sob over.

“It doesn’t quite have that John Lewis sparkle than past adverts have had,” one complained, as another moaned: “That’s it, Christmas is ruined. The John Lewis ad is quite comfortably the worst one yet.”

Some were confused by the message of the story, with one writing: “The John Lewis Christmas ad is very underwhelming. I don’t get it?” as another agreed: “Confused advertising sorry don’t think you hit the mark.” One fuming viewer added: “Boring, pointless with dreary music. Giant fail,” as one suggested it was a “miss”. They wrote: “John Lewis ad dropped. Don’t really understand it. Like the song but another miss. I think it’s safe to say they’ve lost their Christmas Ad crown with so many misses.”

However, others hailed the ad a 'return to form' and were pleased to see a heartwarming message at the core.

“Incredibly moving - thank you @JohnLewisRetail,” one tweeted, as another agreed: “Liking the new John Lewis Christmas ad. Christmas is about family. That’s the message.”

“Well I liked the John Lewis Christmas advert! Yes it made me cry when she opened this box. Great song too,” a third chimed in, as one viewer commented: “The visuals are beautiful, and the song is lovely… And the story resonates too. You go to buy a gift for a loved one and it sparks all kinds of memories of past times together.” Others thanked John Lewis for the focus on family at Christmas time, especially after the pandemic forced families apart over the festive season.

“Omg - you’ve just won best Xmas ad - so many memories , so real to live - so Very British Christmas memories - Thank you John Lewis,” one pleased viewer added, as another agreed it was a “super well made advert”.

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