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John Lewis teases brand Christmas 2024 advert
John Lewis has officially revealed the date of its final Christmas advert in a new teaser clip.
The upmarket retailer is known for their tear-jerking festive adverts in the run up to the festive holidays – and this year certainly won’t disappoint. For the first time ever, the supermarket is launching a trio of festive ads, two of which have already been unveiled.
Now, the chain has teased the release date of the final clip which they shared in their latest post on X – formerly known as Twitter. The third and final instalment of John Lewis’ Christmas adverts is set to hit our screens on Thursday night (November 14).
The two-minute advert, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, celebrates the search for the perfect gift through the wisdom of its customers and the breadth of offering in its stores. It’s fair to say John Lewis is renowned for its Christmas adverts featuring cover songs of hit classics.
This year, musician Richard Ashcroft provides the musical backdrop for the poignant ad with the song Sonnet from his Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1 Album, released on RPA/ BMG. Ahead of its TV debut, let’s take a deep dive into the musician himself and his star-studded background.
Richard Ashcroft will provide the music for the John Lewis Christmas advert (Image: Getty Images)
Who is Richard Ashcroft?
Richard Ashcroft is an English musician who hails from Wigan, Lancashire. The 53-year-old hitmaker is best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band The Verve which he formed in 1989.
The group soared to stardom in 1997 with their number one album Urban Hymns which still holds the title of the 18th most sold album in the UK.
Following The Verve’s disbandment in 1999, Ashcroft embarked on a successful solo career, releasing six UK top-three solo albums, including Alone with Everybody, Keys to the World and These People.
The Verve reformed in 2007 and it’s fair to say they didn’t disappoint when they released another UK number one album Forth before they split again in 2009.
Throughout his career he has received two Ivor Novello awards, the first for Songwriter of the Year and the second in 2019 for Outstanding Contribution to British Music from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
He soared to stardom in 1997 (Image: Getty Images)
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Bond with Oasis
Over the years, the hitmaker has formed close bonds with several other huge musicians including Noel Gallagher from Oasis and Chris Martin from Coldplay.
His bond with the Manchester band dates back to the 1990s when The Verve supported Oasis during their first nationwide tour in 1993.
The singer, who is best known for his hit songs like Bitter Sweet Symphony, is said to have been “inspired” by brothers Liam and Noel early in his career.
Their relationship goes beyond the stage, with Noel dedicating the song Cast No Shadow from the (What’s the Story) Morning Glory album to Richard. Richard also provided vocals for the song All Around the World from the 1997 album Be Here Now.
The musician has been close friends with the Gallagher brothers since the 1990s (Image: PA )
It comes after Richard was confirmed as a support act for Oasis during their 2025 reunion tour. Confirming the exciting news, Richard said: “As a dan from day one I was buzzing for many reasons when the news of Oasis’ return was announced.
“I can say with no exaggeration that the songwriting talent of Noel and Liam’s pure spirit as a lead singer helped to inspire me to create some of my best work.
“It was the perfection of ‘Live Forever’ that forced me to try and write my own. They dared to be great, made the dreams we had real and I will always remember those days with joy. Now it’s time to create more memories and I’m ready to bring it.See you next summer. Music is power.”
Budding musicians can win a chance to record with the singer (Image: PR HANDOUT)
Surprise collaboration
But the excitement doesn’t end there. The retailer is offering aspiring musicians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next John Lewis cover star.
Partnering with BMG and Richard Ashcroft himself, they will launch a nationwide talent search on November 15 on TikTok via a branded effect on the John Lewis page, using the hashtag #MySonnet.
The lucky winner will record their own version of Sonnet, to be featured in a special Christmas Day airing of the advert on TV, with the track officially released by BMG.
Chosen by Richard Ashcroft and a panel of independent judges, the winner will receive a remarkable prize package which includes a professional recording session with a top producer, their cover single released by BMG (with proceeds donated to the Building Happier Futures charity), a £3,000 John Lewis shopping spree, and tickets to a Richard Ashcroft headline show in 2025.
English (US) ·