November 12th 2025.
As the holiday season approaches, we are eagerly anticipating the release of the newest Christmas adverts. But while most of the big names have already released their highly anticipated commercials, Waitrose has finally unveiled their offering and it does not disappoint.
Starring the talented Keira Knightley and the hilarious Joe Wilkinson, this festive ad is a heartwarming mini-film with a rom-com theme. Directed by Molly Manners, it pays homage to classic Christmas movies like Love Actually and Notting Hill.
With the help of AI technology and the careful selection of Metro editors, the ad is a perfect blend of creativity and quality. It's no wonder that it has been worth the wait.
The four-minute ad, titled "The Perfect Gift," stars Knightley as herself and Wilkinson as Phil, the lovable leading man. Wilkinson, who previously played the doddering uncle in Waitrose's 2024 whodunnit ad, has now been transformed into a charming romantic lead. And with his recent success on the popular TV show Celebrity Traitors, he is the perfect match for Knightley, who has become a staple in the love meets Christmastime genre thanks to her iconic role in Love Actually.
In this short but sweet ad, we follow Phil as he navigates a recent break-up and finds himself drowning his sorrows at the Piemakers Arms. But his friends soon come to his rescue, urging him to move on with none other than Keira Knightley herself. Little does Phil know, his dream might just come true when he meets her at the Waitrose cheese counter.
The meet-cute unfolds naturally as both Phil and Knightley reach for the same kind of cheese at the exact same time, all while a romantic tune plays in the background. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and we can't help but smile as Phil, in a bumbling Hugh Grant-esque manner, asks Knightley out on a date.
What follows is a montage of romantic moments, including a game of backgammon at the Piemakers Arms that leaves Phil's friends in shock. But just as things are going well, Phil discovers that Knightley has a mysterious admirer named Mark, who has sent her a Christmas gift with a kiss. Determined to win her over, Phil turns to his mom for advice and finds inspiration in Knightley's nan's pie recipe. With a plate of Waitrose polar bear bao buns in hand, he sets out to win Knightley's heart.
In a nod to the infamous doorstep declaration of love in Love Actually, Phil shows up at Knightley's door with a pie in hand. But unlike the Lidl ad, this one feels more fitting thanks to Knightley's presence. And with the song "She's a Star" playing in the background, the two lovers share a kiss and live happily ever after.
Behind the scenes, the ad has even more star power with director Molly Manners and genre aficionado Richard Curtis, who has given his stamp of approval with the phrase "sweet as pie." And while the ad is already a hit at four minutes, there is also a shorter 60-second teaser that plays out like a movie trailer, complete with a booming voiceover and a cue card reference.
As we eagerly await the release of this ad, it's safe to say that it will be a big, splashy campaign. So keep an eye out for Knightley and Wilkinson on buses and buildings, and follow Metro for behind-the-scenes content.
And as we watch this mini-film, we can't help but wish for a feature-length version to exist. But for now, we can enjoy this perfect slice of feel-good movie magic.
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