Marks & Spencer has unveiled a new Christmas advertisement only days after being mired in a scandal over a ‘Palestinian flag’ issue.
On Wednesday, November 1, the shop debuted their holiday clothes and home ad, which featured Hannah Waddingham, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Zawe Ashton, and Tan France.
The commercial’s goal was to encourage people to celebrate Christmas in their own unique way, rather than following traditions that they may not individually appreciate.
However, an outtake that was subsequently published aroused uproar since it featured red, green, and silver party hats burning in a fire grate, which some mistook for the colours of the Palestinian flag amid Israel’s current battle with Hamas.
On October 7, the terrorist outfit Hamas attacked Israeli residents and kidnapped several of them, including small toddlers and newborns. In return, Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza, prompting many people across the world to urge for a ceasefire following the deaths of hundreds on both sides.
M&S apologised for ‘any inadvertent harm caused’ and withdrew the post in a statement, saying that the advertisement was shot in August.
A day later, the company unveiled its newest holiday offering, collaborating with Hollywood celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who also happen to be the proprietors of Wrexham Football Club.
Last year’s campaign saw Marvel superhero Tom Holland take on a new position as the first ever voice of Percy Pig, alongside Dawn French as the Christmas fairy – now M&S has enlisted yet another superpowered talent for their 2023 offering.
Deadpool’s Ryan and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Rob play their dynamic partnership as a forgotten pair of mitts in their new food commercial.
Dawn’s sparkling fairy flies down from the Christmas tree to rescue the snow-covered clothing and start on a journey that will span six blockbuster commercials.
‘I’m alive,’ mitten-Ryan declares as the fairy brings animates them and flies them into the home.
The tongue-in-cheek advertisement, aptly called Left and Right, Rob and Ryan, offers a tragic narrative in which the mittens were misplaced by their owner Lilly on a family trip.
Cheekily, Rob states he has snow ‘right up [his] a-‘ – before the fairy interrupts them to introduce herself.
The trio decorates the house, fills the table with festive meals and nearly burns a Christmas pudding.
Speaking about reprising her role in the ad, Dawn shared: ‘I’m so excited to be returning to my role as the Fairy this Christmas, and what a treat to bring to life some new friends, the lovable lost mittens ‘Left’ and ‘Right’!
‘It was a delight introducing them to the joys of a British Christmas and a traditional fabulous festive feast.’
M&S is also collaborating with Wrexham AFC to help local children and families.
Ryan added: ‘Our partnership with M&S Food is important to Rob and I, due to its established history with Wrexham and its commitment to supporting the local community.
‘The connection we have to the club and its supporters is something we’re deeply proud of. ‘The connection we have to the club and its supporters is something we’re deeply proud of.
‘It’s essential we partner with a brand who understands the broader goals for the community as a whole and is committed to making positive changes.’
