The John Lewis Christmas advert is an eagerly awaited tradition each year and this festive period saw The Verve given tune duty.
However, the giant department store had a cheeky request after another song and video by a popular artist blew up online. Reverend and the Makers released their catchy Late Night Phone Call shortly after the John Lewis advert and fans on X, formerly known as Twitter pleaded with John Lewis to just use the band's offering instead.
Such was the reaction, including support by the likes of Liam Gallagher and Lucy Beaumont, the store is said to have reached out to frontman Jon McClure. Taking to social media, Jon claimed: "Asked @JohnLewisRetail to just make our video the advert already. Some guy called Alan replied asking me to send in an acoustic version of myself singing sonnet by the verve." He continued: "Do us a favour lads and just give the @samaritans some dosh at least Merry Xmas."
It comes after it was announced the department store were on the hunt for aspiring artists to take centre stage in the ad for their Christmas day version. The winner - chosen by Richard Ashcroft and a panel of judges - will record their own version of Sonnet, which will be featured in the ad on December 25.
Jon's tune, which has seen people post videos of themselves singing the catchy "sweet apple crumble" line and has a campaign going to get it to Christmas number one, is supporting Samaritans. Jon posted on his social media platform that the lyric was initially just a joke line, but his since became a favourite by fans.
He wrote: "The lyrics taken over the nation. But it’s actually the only one that isn’t mine. It was @dannylafrombe being daft and we ended up leaving it in cos it sounded so hooky. Love all your video la of people belting that line out in random places. And even more importantly than that keep donating and raising awareness for the amazing @samaritans."
This year's John Lewis advert received a mixed response online when it was released last week. This year, the advert focuses on the story of the bond between two sisters. The department store has chosen to go back to basics after last year’s Christmas advert star, Snapper the Venus flytrap, and for the first time ever, the advert features an actual John Lewis store.
The story begins with Sally, who makes a last minute dash into the store in search of a present for her sibling. A store colleague announces there are only five minutes left until the store, leaving Sally to frantically hunt for the perfect present, only to fall through a rack of designer dresses as memories of the siblings’ lives together flash before her eyes.
Despite some positive responses, others complained. One X user wrote: "It doesn’t quite have that John Lewis sparkle than past adverts have had,” while another moaned: “That’s it, Christmas is ruined. The John Lewis ad is quite comfortably the worst one yet.”
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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