Vanessa Feltz hits out at ‘abhorrent’ John Lewis Christmas advert as she says the ‘whole spirit’ of the festivity is ‘missed’- as the store’s campaign faces further criticism

Vanessa Feltz has branded this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert as ‘abhorrent’ and ‘grossly, awfully wrong’ in a passionate rant. 

The department store’s latest festive offering, has come under fire from critics after it was accused of featuring spoiled grandchildren whose affection can only be bought with expensive presents. READ MORE HERE

The plot sees Dame Kristin Scott Thomas star as a grandmother who struggles to connect with her grandchildren as they turn their noses up at her wooden dog toy Pickles and shake their cards, disappointed to find no money fall out. 

And now Vanessa, who has four grandchildren herself, has hit out at the advert as she said: ‘I don’t just not like it, I absolutely positively detest it.’

Speaking to the Daily Mail as part of her campaign with AXA UK to highlight the benefits of cross-generational friendships, Vanessa explained: ‘Everything about it is wrong, just terribly, grossly, awfully wrong. Everything.

‘The whole spirit of Christmas is missed. The relationship of a grandma and grandkids which is absolutely central to my life, is completely abhorrent. It’s not what it should be.

Vanessa Feltz has hit out at a ‘abhorrent’ John Lewis Christmas advert as she said the ‘whole spirit’ of the festivity is ‘missed’- as the store’s campaign faces further criticism

Vanessa explained: ‘Everything about it is wrong, just terribly, grossly, awfully wrong. Everything….’The children are rude, the parents are passive and rude’

‘The children are rude, the parents are passive and rude. What is the gift anyway? You can’t even see what she buys them.’

Vanessa continued: ‘The whole thing, and the bit where she goes into a shop, which isn’t John Lewis, picks up a Father Christmas ornament and drops it on the floor and breaks it, and then walks out of the shop without even offering to pay for it.

‘And then what about how the kid picks up the card and shakes it to see if there’s any money in it. 

‘I mean, and this poor grandma who saved it, this poor/extremely rich of course, grandma who is kind of desperate to placate these really horribly rude and uncouth children, and it’s just horrid.’

Vanessa was so enraged by the advert, she filmed a last-minute reaction video over on her YouTube channel At Home With Vanessa. 

Joined by Sharon Marshall, Isobel Webster and branding expert Marcel Knobil, the group went on to dissect the advert as they debated whether the brand’s famous festive advert has officially lost its magic.

A John Lewis spokesperson said: ‘Our advert reflects the reality of family life, not misbehaviour. 

‘Anyone who has travelled with young children understands that arriving after a long journey brings restless energy and excitement.

‘Once the children settle in and burn off that steam, the story culminates in genuine warmth, politeness, and a meaningful connection between grandchildren and their grandmother.’ 

John Lewis has defended its under-fire Christmas advert, insisting the controversial campaign does celebrate the ‘true spirit of Christmas’.

The ad has been branded one of its worst in recent years, with critics accusing the retailer of rewarding bad behaviour and promoting materialism.

Responding to the backlash on X, John Lewis insisted the advert was intended to encourage shoppers to put more thought into their Christmas presents rather than simply handing over money.

A spokesperson for the retailer wrote: ‘Gifting across generations can feel tricky, and it’s so tempting to just hand over an envelope of cash to play it safe.

She added: ‘The relationship of a grandma and grandkids which is absolutely central to my life, is completely abhorrent. It’s not what it should be’  

The advert tells the story of a middle-class grandmother (played by Dame Kristin Scott Thomas) trying to find the perfect presents for her two grandchildren 

‘We hope Gloria’s story inspires everyone to back their instincts and choose something personal this Christmas.’

But it isn’t just Vanessa they’ve failed to convince, with Piers Morgan among those to also condemn the advert.

The broadcaster wrote: ‘It’s possibly the worst advert I’ve ever seen for anything. Would actively dissuade me from going to John Lewis – what on earth were they thinking?’

The three-minute film, entitled Gloria and Pickles, follows a wealthy grandmother, played by Dame Kristin, who struggles to connect with her grandchildren, Freddie and Maggie, when they arrive at her London home for Christmas.

After the children show little interest in her treasured childhood toy dog, Gloria prepares to give them cash instead.

But the wooden dog, voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse, springs to life and persuades her to make more of an effort, prompting a last-minute shopping spree.

She eventually transforms her home office into a ‘Gran Cave’, complete with disco balls, lights and music, finally earning an affectionate hug from the children.

Vanessa Feltz has partnered with AXA UK to highlight the benefits of cross-generational friendships and bringing different generations together.