M&S has unveiled its star-studded Christmas advert, with Happy Valley actor James Norton making a rather unexpected appearance as Father Christmas – including a scene in which he is wearing just a towel.
The actor gets a very different Santa makeover, shaving off his famous beard and ditching the traditional red suit as he goes undercover to experience Christmas without being recognised.
He is joined by Amandaland star Lucy Punch as Mrs Claus, who encourages him to leave the North Pole behind, while Katherine Jenkins OBE provides a special reworking of Belinda Carlisle's classic hit Heaven Is a Place on Earth for the soundtrack.
The campaign, titled The Home of Christmas, brings together M&S Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty in one festive advert for the first time since 2017.
The advert will be available on social media from 8am and will make its television debut during ITV's This Morning at 10.15am.
James Norton gets a very different Santa makeover
The advert follows Santa as he leaves the North Pole behind after Mrs Claus encourages him to go undercover and experience Christmas for himself.
Played by Norton, Santa shaves off his beard, swaps his traditional red suit for a festive jumper and heads out into the world.
His adventure takes him through the moments that make Christmas special, from getting dressed up and choosing presents to enjoying festive food and transforming the home for the big day.
Rather than discovering that Christmas magic comes from the North Pole, he finds it in the homes, traditions and celebrations happening across the country.
James Norton said: "It's not every day you get asked to play Santa, let alone a Santa who immediately shaves off his beard! M&S has been such a familiar part of Christmas for as long as I can remember, so getting to be part of its Christmas campaign feels really special.
"I loved that this story takes such an iconic character and lets us see him differently. He gets to experience Christmas like the rest of us, discovering that the real magic is in the food, traditions and moments we share with the people we love.
"It's warm, funny and full of Christmas spirit, and I'm very happy to have been briefly trusted with the red suit."
Lucy Punch plays Mrs Claus
Mrs Claus, played by Lucy Punch, is the one who sets Santa's Christmas adventure in motion.
The actress, known for Amandaland and Motherland, encourages her husband to lose the beard and leave the North Pole so he can discover the festive magic happening in homes across Britain.
Lucy said: "M&S and Christmas just go hand in hand, so it was an absolute joy to become part of that tradition this year.
"I loved that Mrs Claus is the one who gets this story moving. She gives him the nudge so he can get out there incognito and experience the magic of Christmas for himself.
"There's something very sweet and fun about their dynamic, and something quite lovely about the idea behind it: this idea that the magic you're looking for is actually happening all around you."
Katherine Jenkins gives Christmas classic a new twist
The soundtrack is another big name addition, with Katherine Jenkins providing a special reworking of Belinda Carlisle's 1987 hit Heaven Is a Place on Earth.
The Welsh singer, who is the voice of M&S Christmas this year, has teamed up with producer Fraser T Smith, known for his work with Adele, and Ted Lasso composer Tom Howe.
The new recording will be released on Friday, November 6, so shoppers can listen to the song beyond the advert.
Katherine said: "For me, Christmas has always been about coming home. It's about family, traditions and creating memories with the people you love most, and music is such a big part of that.
"Certain songs instantly become part of the soundtrack to our celebrations, so I was thrilled to record a new version of Heaven Is a Place on Earth for this campaign.
"I love how beautifully it complements the story, reminding us that the real magic of Christmas isn't found in grand gestures, but in the moments we share together at home."
M&S reveals its Christmas must-haves for 2026
Alongside the advert, M&S has shared a selection of the festive food, fashion, beauty and homeware it expects shoppers to snap up this Christmas.
The retailer's Christmas picks include:
Food and drink - see the full range here
- Oakham Turkey Crown with Italian Chestnut, Pancetta and Calabrian Orange Stuffing – £70, serves six to seven.
- Our Best Ever Handmade Prawn Toast Cones – £7.50, with a four-for-three offer.
- All Butter Pastry Mince Pies – £2.50.
- Triple Chocolate S'mores Iced Cream Cake – £14.
- The Big Six Assortment biscuit tray – £5.
- Champagne Brut Delacourt – £23, with 10% off when buying four.
Fashion and gifts - see the full range here
- Sequin Dress – £45.
- Striped Pyjamas – £35.
- Autograph Pure Cashmere Scarf – £55.
- M&S Christmas Gift Card – from £10.
Home and beauty - see the full range here
- M&S x Kelly Hoppen Christmas Joy Candle – £25.
- Apothecary Wellness Bath, Body and Home Collection – £45.
- Autograph Men's Shaving Set – £22.50.
- Bone China Oval Platter – £18.
Products are available at selected M&S stores and online, subject to availability.
M&S reveals what makes Christmas special for shoppers
The campaign comes as M&S shares new research into how people across Britain are preparing for Christmas.
Its Customer Pulse research found that 81% of customers want a special Christmas with the people they love, while 57% plan to spend as much time as possible with family and friends.
Food remains a major part of the celebrations, with 73% saying it is worth spending more on quality food at Christmas and 68% saying food is what makes the season feel special.
More than four in ten (42%) plan to host a gathering this year, rising to 51% among M&S customers.
The research also suggests festive planning is starting earlier, with 53% saying Christmas preparations begin earlier every year.
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Sharry Cramond, Marketing Director at M&S, said: "Customers don't think about Christmas as one meal, one gift or one outfit. They think about all the moments that make the season special.
"As the only retailer with a truly cross-category offer spanning Food, Fashion, Beauty, Gifting and Home, M&S plays a unique role in helping customers create Christmas from start to finish.
"Bringing those categories together allows us to tell one connected Christmas story and celebrate all the ways our customers make the season their own. That's why we're proud that customers call M&S The Home of Christmas."
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