Watch John Lewis' 2023 Christmas advert in full with Snapper the Venus flytrap
We've had bouncing dogs, amorous penguins, baffled aliens, a hapless dragon and a lonely old man on the moon - but this year's John Lewis Christmas star character is a little... different.
Take a step forward Snappy, the Venus flytrap and wannabe Christmas tree.
Some may be wondering how a carniverous plant could be festive, and that's a very good question. When a little boy - Alfie - purchases a seed to grow the "perfect Christmas tree", he lovingly nurtures it into a rather different plant than expected with a personality of its own, but he loves it all the same for the joy it gives him.
A tear-jerking moment sees Snapper grow too big for the living room and he is dragged out into the bitter cold, but after Alfie steps outside and offers him a present, the rest of the family join him to hand out presents too and umbrace the unconventional 'Christmas tree'.
“We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas - from classic traditions like pantos and putting up the tree to evolving new ones like crafting our own presents and Zoom get-togethers. Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special," Charlotte Lock, Customer Director for John Lewis, explains. "The film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions and shows that a ‘perfect’ Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions."
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The touching advert - created by Saatchi and Saatchi - also features a very recognisable voice providing an upbeat and joyful original song. World-renowned opera legend Andrea Bocelli performs 'Festa', meaning 'celebration', which is written and produced by Le Feste Antonacci. The song will be released in a longer form as a charity single, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale going towards John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures charities, which help care experienced young people and families in need.
Alfie accidentally nurtures a Venus flytrap rather than a traditional Christmas tree (John Lewis)
Snapper gets into a bit of a tangle (John Lewis)“I am delighted to take part in this wonderful and unique tradition of Christmas storytelling," Andrea Bocelli says. "It is very special for me given the great support this will bring to both the John Lewis and Andrea Bocelli foundations. Joy to all of your worlds this Christmas!"
The lyrics are very simple, with the focus on the melody and sound rather than words. 'La vita e una festa' is repeated throughout, meaning 'life is a celebration'. Opening about the choice of song, Saatchi & Saatchi Managing Director Sarah Jenkins tells the Mirror: "We didn't need a lyric to carry it so much, actually what the directors had was the brilliant idea of putting an Italian track on it so that the lyric was more of an instrument, so that the voice was an instrument and it was a way to bring joy and bring surprise to it.
"They had this track by a band they knew and we rewrote and re-recorded it and then called up Bocelli and asked if he would like to get involved and we were lucky enough for him to say yes!"
Snapper is replaced by a traditional Christmas tree (John Lewis)
The family finally embraces Snapper for who he is (John Lewis)She adds that they tried out a number of different music types and songs before they settled on an upbeat Italian operatic sound. "We tried lots of other things, more traditional things, poppy things - we even tried hip hop at one point. This just worked and so we just built on the instinct of this track. It's supposed to just embue joy and surprise. We just want everyone singing 'Life is a celebration!'"
For any kids desperate to have a Snapper of their own, John Lewis will be selling soft toy versions of the loveable plant for £18. Real-life Venus flytraps will also be available to buy for £10, but only in store and not online. Other products available to buy include Mini Plush Bauble £10, Printed Bauble £6, Tote Bag £6, Chocolate £6.50, Boxed Biscuit £4.50, Kids pyjamas £19, Adult Pyjamas from £34, Snapper slippers £18, Christmas Card with Seeds £3, Pomeranian plush £30. There is also a children’s story book priced at £9.99 telling the story of Snapper.
This year, John Lewis' main character won't be limited to just one advert. Snapper will also appear in seven adverts for various brands working with the company this year, including Nespresso and Jo Malone. A special AR filter will also ensure that Meta users can bring Snapper into their homes, while there will also be a first for both John Lewis and Kew Gardens as Snapper is set to become part of the the iconic Christmas at Kew light trail.
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