Waitrose have entlisted an all-star cast for their 2024 Christmas campaign. The festive ad will be dropped in two parts, with the first part set to leave viewers wondering 'whodunnit' in a seasonal cliffhanger.
Fans are bound to recognise a face or two in the cast, as the adverts feature Succession's Matthew Macfadyen, comedian Joe Wilkinson from Netflix's Afterlife, Sex Education star Rakhee Thakrar, Sian Clifford from Fleabag, Dustin Demri-Burns of Slow Horses and Eryl Maynard from Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple.
The 90-second film, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, has also been directed by a leading name - Lucy Forbes whose recent work includes Eric and This is Going to Hurt.
Some previews of new and delicious Christmas food such as melting Reuben Rarebit, crumbly Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac and a Glorious Treacle Glazed Turkey Crown will also feature in the clip.
The much-anticipated ad will centre around a family of food lovers preparing for Christmas day, only to discover that the show-stopping No.1 Waitrose Red Velvet Bauble Dessert has gone missing.
The amateur detective, played by Macfadyen, is on a mission to uncover the culprit. Anyone could be to blame, including the disgruntled Grandma, and the perfect hostess, Samira, who’s had enough of the holiday chaos.
However, viewers will be left wondering as the mystery will unfold over the next few weeks, when a 60-second film finally unveils the dessert thief to the nation - concluding the two-part campaign.
Speaking about the release of the advert, Nathan Ansell, Customer Director at Waitrose, said: "For the first time, we’re keeping Waitrose customers guessing with a ‘whodunnit’ festive crime drama featuring a stellar cast for this year’s Christmas ad.
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"Our Christmas Campaign is all about how Waitrose (Christmas) food is so good, you can't wait to get your hands on it so we’ve showcased the very best of our delicious range while also adding a touch of festive fun and sparkle. Was it Uncle Phil? Was it Fig the cat? You’ll have to wait and see!"
Matthew Macfadyen, The Detective, said: “I wonder if my extensive repertoire of past Detective roles led to me to this very moment – starring in this wonderful Waitrose whodunnit. Working with such a great cast on such a fun project for Christmas was such a joy. I think together, we have created a story that will have the public speculating over who the pud thief really is!”
The No.1 Red Velvet Dessert at the heart of the mystery will be available from December 19 in shops or to pre order now through Waitrose.com. Until then, food lovers can treat themselves to individual Red Velvet Bauble Desserts which are available instore and online now and indulge in Waitrose’s delicious Christmas range alongside the suspense of this festive whodunnit.
The Waitrose Christmas 2024 ad will be live from November 5 at 7am
