The most expensive festive advert of the year has been unveiled featuring a £6million campaign, Emma Raducanu, Jack Grealish and a line-up of 16 sports stars.
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct aired its 2021 advert on Thursday complete with its eye-watering budget.
The commercial shows the tennis champion and football star— who have a combined net worth of £75million — battling it out in a snowball fight.
Also on the team sheet are Premier League footballers Jordan Pickford, 27, Mason Mount, 22, Declan Rice, 22, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 24, and England Women’s pro Fran Kirby, 28.
From athletics there are Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill, 35, and heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 28. Plus England rugby union giants Maro Itoje, 27, Anthony Watson, 27, and England Women’s Harriet Millar-Mills, 30.
In the ad, Everton goalie Jordan kicks things off by landing a snowball on England team-mate Jack while Chelsea midfielder Mason lies on the floor making snow angels.
US Open winner Emma, 18, uses her racket to smash snowballs while golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston, 32, drives one high above the rooftops.
Beckie Stanion of Sports Direct said: “After the challenges the nation has faced over the past year we’re excited to encourage everyone to Go All Out this Christmas with the help of some of the country’s biggest sporting legends.
“Whether you’re working on legs like Jack Grealish, sprints like Jessica Ennis-Hill or backhands like Emma Raducanu, it’s time to shrug off the cold, step out and make this season your best one yet.”
John Lewis and M&S also aired their festive commercials today.
Excited fans flocked to Twitter to comment, with one writing: "Christmas starts tomorrow!"
While another commented: "It’s Christmas!!! Can’t wait."
A third wrote: "Oh my I’m not ready."
The two-minute advert is soundtracked by up and coming 20-year-old British singer-songwriter Lola Young, from South London, who performs her version of 80s classic, Together in Electric Dreams, which was originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984.
The advert "celebrates the magic of Christmas moments experienced for the first time" with the prospect of families and friends being together this year after they were unable to celebrate with each other 12 months ago.
Is it too early for Christmas adverts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
