As the biggest Christmas adverts hit our screens, first to launch, Debenhams has set the tone celebrating the magic of a good old-fashioned British Christmas, with a star-studded film bringing together Emily Atack, Mathew Horne, Kym Marsh and Gabrielle.
With the Christmas advertising season now in full swing, Britain’s biggest retailers are turning to familiar faces, iconic music and nostalgic storytelling to capture the nation’s festive spirit.
And while the likes of John Lewis have now joined the festive advertising line-up, Debenhams was among the first major retailers to kick-start the season, unveiling its star-studded Christmas film on 15 October.
Titled Christmas. For Everyone. Debenhams’ four-minute film is a nostalgic celebration of the quintessentially British Christmas party, complete with old flames, familiar faces, festive mishaps and a soundtrack guaranteed to get the nation singing along.
Starring Emily Atack, Mathew Horne, Kym Marsh and music icon Gabrielle, alongside Debenhams style ambassador Mark Heyes, the film brings a distinctly British sense of humour, glamour and nostalgia to this year’s festive advertising line-up.
At its heart is a simple reminder that Christmas isn’t about everything going perfectly to plan, but about the people, memories and unexpected moments that make the season special.
The film opens with Tina, played by Emily Atack, getting glammed up with friends ahead of the village Christmas party. Back in her childhood home for the festive season, she’s struggling to find her Christmas spirit until she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Chris (Mathew Horne), an old childhood friend.
Once quiet, shy and barely on her radar, Chris suddenly catches Tina’s eye, and as the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that an old connection might just be rekindled. But in true British fashion, the festivities don’t quite go to plan.
When landlady Katie, played by Kym Marsh, announces that the headline act has been caught in a snowstorm, Chris reluctantly steps up to save the day, taking to the stage with his guitar.
As he begins to play, a flashback takes viewers back to the pair’s teenage years, sitting together on a park bench in their school uniforms, playing the very same song.
Just as Tina begins to reminisce about their connection, the entire village hall plunges into darkness, thanks to a power cut caused by a neighbour’s over-the-top Christmas light display.
With the celebrations hanging in the balance, the village rallies together to get the party back on track, before music icon Gabrielle makes a surprise entrance, taking to the stage as the lights come back on.
As Gabrielle performs her iconic 90s hit Dreams, Tina and Chris finally reunite with a kiss, and the village party erupts into a celebration of friendship, love and togetherness.
The film closes with the glamorous village revellers, including influencers Saffron Barker, Sammi Maria and Jay Beech, dancing the night away, capturing the joy of those spontaneous Christmas moments that often become the most memorable.
From getting dressed up for the annual Christmas party to reconnecting with old friends and making new memories with loved ones, Debenhams is celebrating everything that makes the festive season special.
And with nostalgia at the heart of its Christmas campaign, the retailer is bringing together its rich British heritage with a distinctly modern take on festive celebrations, reminding the nation that sometimes the simplest moments make the most magical memories.
The star-studded village party also showcases the very best of Debenhams’ festive fashion, beauty and homeware collections, including party-ready looks from Coast, Warehouse, Wallis, OASIS, Dorothy Perkins and Burton, alongside beauty favourites from YSL, Givenchy and Chloé and homeware from brands including Shark and Ninja.
From finding the perfect party outfit to adding those all-important finishing touches, Debenhams is helping shoppers look and feel their best throughout the festive season, wherever the celebrations take them.
Dan Finley, CEO at Debenhams Group, said: “Christmas is all about dressing up, making the home look amazing and celebrating.
“It’s a time for creating new memories and reconnecting with the people, places and traditions we hold dear. Nostalgia has always been part of Debenhams’ story, and as a retailer with such a rich British heritage, we understand the role that familiar moments and celebrations play in bringing people together.
“Whether it’s an old flame, connecting with long-standing friends or family around the table, it’s often the simplest moments, a laugh, a dance or a conversation, that become the memories we treasure most.
“That’s what we wanted to celebrate in this film: a familiar Christmas full of warmth, humour and a few surprises, with Debenhams right at the heart of the celebrations, bringing the very best of fashion, beauty, home and fragrance together in one place.”
Emily Atack said: “For me, Debenhams and Christmas go hand in hand, so it was great to be asked to be a part of the campaign this year especially as this is such an exciting Christmas for me personally. I loved filming it, the warm, nostalgic vibe of the party in the film felt just perfect and what a fantastically talented and lovely cast to be a part of.
“I can’t wait for this Christmas season, and I adore the theme of the campaign which is to remind everyone to reconnect with family and friends at this wonderful time of the year.”
Mathew Horne added: “I’m often associated with Christmas due to a certain TV programme! I know many fans have associated memories around that show and the festive period. Families, friends and loved ones would gather round the TV to watch the Christmas specials and I’m delighted to be a part of another festive film that celebrates similar themes of togetherness.”
Gabrielle said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Debenhams this Christmas! It’s a brand I’ve loved for years, so being part of their Christmas campaign feels really special. I’m excited for everyone to see it.”
The Christmas. For Everyone. campaign was created in-house by Debenhams, with production by Pulse Films and direction from award-winning commercial director Tom Day.
First unveiled on 15 October, the film forms part of Debenhams’ wider festive campaign, spanning online, social, out-of-home and media activations throughout the Christmas season.
Shop the Debenhams Christmas collection here:
https://www.debenhams.com/categories/christmas
