Kristin Scott Thomas Is No Ordinary Grandma in John Lewis’ Holiday Campaign

Sam Fender's cover of The Rolling Stones' 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' soundtracks the retailer's 2026 festive spot

Over three minutes, Scott Thomas plays a glamorous and thoughtful Grandma called Gloria. John Lewis

John Lewis’ holiday campaign launch marks the start of the Holiday season in the U.K., and for its 20th edition the retailer has cast Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as a glamorous grandma.

The Four Weddings and a Funeral actor stars in the retailer’s 2026 effort from Saatchi & Saatchi, alongside a wooden dog named Pickles, voiced by British TV legend Paul Whitehouse.

Indie artist Sam Fender provides the soundtrack, covering The Rolling Stones’ 1969 classic “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

“Don’t Give Up on Giving” scratches at the fear that failing to find the “perfect gift” can overshadow the simple pleasure of giving something thoughtful.