Waitrose signs all star cast for brand new Christmas advert

The first instalment of the two-part campaign is entitled “Sweet Suspicion, A Waitrose Mystery” and includes Matthew Macfadyen of Succession, comedian Joe Wilkinson from Afterlife, Rakhee Thakrar of Sex Education, Sian Clifford from Fleabag, Dustin Demri-Burns of Slow Horses and Eryl Maynard of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple.

The 90-second film was created by Saatchi & Saatchi and centres around a family of food lovers who are preparing for Christmas Day.

However, they soon come to realise that their No.1 Waitrose Red Velvet Bauble Dessert has gone missing.

The 90-second Waitrose Christmas film has been created by Saatchi & Saatchi (Image: PA)

Succession actor Matthew Macfadyen wonders if past detective roles have been leading up to Waitrose advert

Discussing the exciting advert, Waitrose customer director Nathan Ansell 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.

“Was it Uncle Phil? Was it Fig the cat? You’ll have to wait and see.”

Macfadyen, who plays the amateur 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.”

Sian Clifford, who plays the part of May, added: “Christmas is often a time that brings together a cast of all kinds of different characters – usually good food is the one thing we can all agree on.

“It was a really tough gig having to eat the delicious Waitrose food for four days but someone’s gotta do it and I was happy to give it a go – nothing says Christmas like indulging.”

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Franki Goodwin, chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi, said: “When an idea is so good, and the brand is so loved, that actors we’re not typically used to seeing in ads show up and steal the scenes – and the pudding – you know you’ve got a Christmas treat on your hands.

“We talk about culture a lot in this industry, but this campaign bridges the gap between Christmas advertising and big-audience entertainment.

“This is an entirely new direction for Waitrose at Christmas, one that we believe a brand as celebrated by British food lovers can only achieve, and it’s been a privilege to bring it to life.”