M&S bring out shirtless James Norton to rival John Lewis ad
James Norton is Mr Claus in the M&S advert (M&S)
What says Merry Christmas more than a shirtless James Norton? The House of Guinness star plays a ripped Santa in the M&S Christmas advert.
The festive adverts are rolling out, and while John Lewis has gone for family feels, retailer M&S has invested in a heartthrob to attract shoppers.
Norton is joined by Amandaland’s Lucy Punch as they play a young Mr and Mrs Claus. The ad sees Mr Claus venture out after shaving his classic big, bushy beard and experience the magic of Christmas. Meanwhile, Mrs Claus is doing her festive shopping in M&S.
But the scene that has people talking is a shot of Norton topless, save for a white towel around his waist.
The video presents a new version of Santa, one who is ripped and indulges in tasty festive treats.
“M and S winning the Xmas ad, giving James Norton fresh from the shower,” one fan posted.
Another also shared: “Just seen the M&S Christmas ad. I find most Christmas ads really annoying, turns out, all you have to do is cast James Norton. The man is RIDONKULOUS!”
Another noted that they were thrilled by the pairing of Norton and Punch. “So they got… James Norton… M&S staying winning,” one commenter posted.
“Watch Santa get a Mrs Claus-approved glow-up and go undercover on a joy-filled adventure,” the ad’s description reads.
‘We stay winning’
“From irresistible party food to unforgettable gifts and spine-tingling festive tunes, he’ll discover what Christmas is really like outside the North Pole. Prepare for a sleigh-load of seasonal magic…”
Norton said the combination of a “playful, funny and reverent script” was appealing to him.
He also added that he is a “huge fan” of the advert’s director, Shannon Murphy, who’s worked on shows including Killing Eve and Babyteeth.
“I trusted that Shannon would deliver on the tone,” he said. “She’s such a cool cat.”
Norton also shared that he is typically “a sucker for a traditional tearjerker.” However, the M&S ad captures the Christmas spirit alongside bringing a new edge to the Christmas ad space.
