The John Lewis Xmas Ad Is Here: Get Ready To P-P-P-Pick Up A Handkerchief

Say hello to Monty the penguin – the lovelorn bird who looks destined to capture the hearts of many across the land this Christmas.

That’s right, after weeks of speculation, John Lewis finally released its Christmas ad this morning – and it’s no turkey.

Yep, they say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – and the two-minute film, once again created by Adam&Eve/DDB – the agency behind many of the UK retail store’s Xmas hits – sticks to the tried-and-trusted formula that has made their ads such a Christmas staple.

Sappy cover version of a classic song – check! Cute storyline that will inevitably make your eyes water – double check! So be prepared for an all-out assault on your emotions.

The story revolves around the everyday friendship of a boy called Sam and his pet penguin, Monty. They do everything together: build Lego, play hide and seek, jump on a trampoline, run around the park.

However, Sam knows there is something missing from Monty’s life – a partner.  He looks enviously at couples kissing; he casts wistful glances at people holding hands in the park. But this is Christmas, and Santa has one last surprise for Monty – and an even bigger one for the viewers.

Whether it will surpass the success of last year’s Xmas hit, “The Bear & The Hare”, which attracted more than 1 million shares, we’ll have to wait and see.

However, it certainly stands a chance. Tom Odell squeezes out almost all of the emotion from John Lennon’s “Real Love”, while the final scene is sure to have you reaching for the Christmas hankies. But the undoubted star of the show is Monty and the people who created him. For an ad, the CGI work is extremely impressive and breathes a lot of personality into the loveable bird.

Penguins may not be able to fly – but this one just might!!