M&S Christmas advert slammed as 'creepy' and 'dark' - but some say it's 'genius'

01 November 2023 , 11:44

855     0

M&S Christmas advert slammed as 'creepy' and 'dark' - but some say it's 'genius'

We haven't even thrown away our Halloween pumpkins yet, but Marks & Spencer has declared it Christmas season already, with the release of their much-anticipated festive advert - and they haven't held back on the glitz and glamour.

The star-studded advert, featuring actresses Hannah Waddingham and Zawe Ashton, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and TV star Tan France, seems to be encouraging shoppers to do what they want this Christmas, instead of bowing to the pressures of traditions.

For Christmas 2023, M&S are encouraging people to put their own needs first - as seen in the advert with Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie using the kitchen blow torch she was using to flambé some meringue to set fire to unwritten cards and gift tags. Elsewhere, Fresh Meat star Zawe can be seen using a roll of wrapping paper like a baseball bat to whack an elf.

Hannah Waddingham stars in the M&S Christmas advert for 2023 (Marks and Spencer)

Netflix hit Queer Eye star Tan throws a tantrum and throws a board game into a fish tank, while Ted Lasso's Hannah throws all her party hats and festive baubles into a wood-chipper. While many M&S fans "loved" the concept, especially using the "icon" Hannah as the star, not everyone was convinced by their message.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one person wrote: "This ad is a bit weird. Creepy too. Showing people's darker side at Christmas. Three out of 10 M&S." Another agreed, adding: "What were you thinking? This is the worst advert ever. Kicking tradition while you are constantly telling us about M&S history. Utter nonsense." A third wrote: "This is a joke right? Burning cards and destroying board games is what you think makes for a good Christmas commercial?"

M&S wins high court battle with Aldi over design of Christmas light-up gin

Sophie Ellis-Bextor can be seen making a giant gingerbread house (Marks and Spencer)

Meanwhile, others thought it was a "too glitzy" advert to release in a cost of living crisis. One person wrote: "That M&S advert is terrible. What's the message? Far too glitzy for the cost of living crisis. And a blow torch. What were they thinking?" Another added: "Absolutely disgraceful. As if the world isn't already messed up."

Others loved the advert, with many agreeing that using the "icon" Hannah was a brilliant choice. One social media user said: "YAYYY!! Hannah Waddingham!!! MY EUROVISION HEART IS SO HAPPY", and another added: "National treasure Hannah Waddingham starring in the M&S Christmas advert was a genius decision".

Do you think the M&S ad was offensive? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Another wrote: "Loved it!!!!! First thing I saw on my socials this morning!! Let's go!!", while a fourth added: "Love it. Do what you like for Christmas, not what you're told to like."

According to M&S's Anna Braithwaite, M&S Clothing & Home Marketing Director, their customers felt the never-ending pressure of Christmas. She said: "Before we created Love Thismas (Not Thatmas) [M&S's marketing campaign], we spoke to hundreds of our customers and they all told us that, at Christmas, they feel this pressure of having to worry about and plan so many things. We know it can often feel like the list is never-ending so this year we decided to celebrate and empower our customers to just do the things they love."

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz