Waitrose Christmas Ad 2024 - “A Waitrose Mystery: Who Stole Christmas Dessert?”

Waitrose & Partners has unveiled its 2024 Christmas advert, "A Waitrose Mystery," a festive whodunnit centered around the disappearance of the delectable No.1 Red Velvet Bauble Dessert. The narrative unfolds as a family Christmas gathering takes an unexpected turn when the dessert goes missing, prompting a lighthearted investigation to identify the culprit.

Watch the advert:

The advert boasts a star-studded cast, featuring:

• Matthew Macfadyen: Renowned for his role in "Succession," Macfadyen portrays the detective leading the inquiry into the missing dessert.

• Joe Wilkinson: Known from "After Life," Wilkinson adds his comedic flair to the ensemble.

• Rakhee Thakrar: The "Sex Education" actress brings her charm to the festive mystery.

• Sian Clifford: Famous for "Fleabag," Clifford contributes her distinctive presence to the storyline.

• Dustin Demri-Burns: From "Slow Horses," Demri-Burns adds depth to the cast.

• Eryl Maynard: Recognized from "Agatha Christie's Miss Marple," Maynard enhances the ensemble with her experience.

The advert is presented in two parts, with the initial segment introducing the mystery and the second, set to air later this month, revealing the identity of the dessert thief. This marks the first time Waitrose has adopted a multi-part format for its Christmas campaign.

Beyond the television screens, the campaign extends to physical displays, including an evidence board at London's King's Cross Station, and in-store activities where staff don "suspect" t-shirts, engaging customers in the festive fun.

Nathan Ansell, Customer Director at Waitrose, stated: "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."

This innovative approach aligns with a broader trend among UK retailers, such as John Lewis, embracing multi-part storytelling in their holiday campaigns.

As the festive season approaches, "A Waitrose Mystery" invites viewers to immerse themselves in a delightful blend of intrigue and holiday cheer, all while showcasing the brand's commitment to quality and festive spirit.