Tesco’s Three-Minute Christmas Film Is Its First Big Celebrity Ad Since 2019

What happened

According to Ad Ranking’s 2026 Christmas ads tracker, the film launched on 1 November. It was made by BBH London, directed by Steve Rogers of Biscuit Filmworks UK and Revolver, and set to “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police.

Anna Maxwell Martin plays Lizzie and Roisin Conaty plays the driver, who turns out to be a school friend. The tracker’s view is that a three-minute one-off has to earn its place without a familiar hook.

Why it matters

Many Christmas ads lean on a character or a slogan people already know. A one-off story has none of that: it has to win attention in the first few seconds and keep it. The reward is a film people talk about for its own sake, not for the brand’s.

What it means for your brand

• A one-off needs a strong human idea. A chance reconnection needs no product to land. Our guide to how to write a brand narrative helps you find the story first.
• Your brand can be the setting, not the star. Tesco appears where the story needs it. See brand story examples.
• Pair it with a consistent system. A long film does not replace a clear identity. Make sure your brand identity works in every cut-down.

Cover photo by JEaLiFe Pictures on Unsplash.