It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that means only one thing: the festive ad season is upon us.
But of the (many) brands jostling for our attention, Burberry still stands out.
Their campaign, titled ‘Twas the Knight Before...’ has just launched, and boasts a seriously impressive line-up of famous faces (think Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley and footballer Son Heung-min among others). Yes, they’re dressed head-to-toe in tartan print, and yes, they’re hosting a dinner party in a massive country house.
What could be more British? Or, indeed, festive.
To celebrate the launch of their advert, as well as their new outerwear range, we chatted to two of Burberry’s stars, Ncuti Gatwa and Jennifer Saunders, about what the festive period means for them.
Ncuti Gatwa
What is your earliest memory of the festive season?
My earliest memory is at Priestfield parish church in Edinburgh. Santa came to hand out presents to the kids at Sunday club and he looked surprisingly very similar to one of the congregation members.
What is your ultimate festive tradition?
My mum is adamant we watch the Eastenders Christmas special. An incredibly important time in the Gatwa household.
Do you have a go-to Christmas song that gets you in the mood?
It’s a toss up between iconic all I Want for Christmas by the Queen of Christmas (Mariah Carey) and 7 Days Of Christmas by Destiny’s Child.
What is your ideal way to spend the festive season?
With family in Scotland or friends, if I can’t get up to Scotland. One Friendsmas, I hired a chef who introduced us to “Turducken”.
What is the most unexpected gift you have ever received?
One time a letter came through the post that told me a giraffe had been adopted in my honour. Wild. I don’t know why. But I guess I now have a pet giraffe somewhere. That or when I got a letter saying that someone has given me a small piece of land in Scotland which I’m now the lord of!! Again. Wild.
What do you wear to a festive party when you want to feel special?
A Christmas jumper obviously.
Are you for or against Christmas jumpers?
Incredibly for!
What are your ingredients for hosting a magical party during the festive season?
Lots of music. Lots of food. Lots of alcohol. Lots of loved ones. You simply cannot go wrong.
How would you rate your dance moves?
Exceptional when I’m practicing for my world tours in my bathroom. In reality: mediocre.
What was it like being part of the Burberry Festive 2025 campaign shoot?
Fun. So much f***ing fun. I waltzed with Jennifer Saunders for goodness sake. And got major house inspo from the shoot.
What was the most memorable moment from the campaign shoot?
I didn’t realise that when I was asked what I would like to eat they would fill my dressing room with it. I thought they meant what I like to eat at Christmas. When I turned up to my dressing room and there was a MOUNTAIN of pigs in blankets. I knew it would be a good day.
How are you hoping to end this year?
With family. In Scotland.
Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions or intentions for 2026?
I started ballet lessons this year. I’m terrible but I love it and would like to try and keep it up.
Jennifer Saunders
What is your earliest memory of the festive period?
When I was little we always went to my Grandmother’s in Cambridge for a family Christmas and we would drive there at night from the West country and be woken up as we came through London to see the lit up Lucozade sign at the end of the M4.
What are some festive traditions that you have kept over the years?
We have kept a lot of the traditions from my family Christmas. Small children get to decorate the tree and then when they’re asleep I rearrange all the decorations.
There’s a carol concert on Christmas Eve which I nearly always get out of with the excuse I still have wrapping and hoovering to do. I like carols but not as much as time on my own in the house with a glass of sherry.
Drinks and presents at about 11.30am with all family (stockings already done) and nibbles and champers then lunch and drink and then drink and sleep.
What are your thoughts on tinsel – tasteful or tacky?
Tacky until I need it just for that little bit of sparkle tucked into the tree. I am only prejudiced against gold tinsel and I don’t know why as I’m sure the White House will be covered in it.
What is the most memorable Christmas gift you have received?
My most memorable gift was when I about nine and really wanted a Tommy Gun (a large bazooka gun that fired grenades) and my parents bought me a large silver coin pendant (sad emoji face).
What are your tips for throwing a memorable Christmas Day party?
Remember you are the host so don’t get too drunk too early and then relax. Most people just want to have a lovely time and you just need to facilitate that. Don’t run out of anything, especially JOY.
Have you ever had a party disaster that turned into a great story?
None that I can remember.
Who are five guests – dead or alive – that you would love to have around your table during the festive season?
I think I’d like to have family that are no longer with us and that I never talked to enough and to whom I certainly didn’t ask enough questions. My parents and my maternal grandparents makes four, and then lets throw in Eric Morecambe to keep it jolly.
What are your thoughts on re-gifting presents?
Yes, but make sure you’ve removed any gift tags.
What are your favourite elements of dressing up in winter?
Big coats and boots!
What was it like being part of the Burberry Festive 2025 campaign shoot?
Well, at first I thought they must have made a terrible mistake but once that was all cleared up, I was overjoyed and delighted and frankly horribly overexcited. The shoot was like a fashion fantasy dream. It was as if I’d stepped through the wardrobe and into Narnia, but Mr Tumnus is played by Ncuti Gatwa in a Burberry scarf and trench.
How are you hoping to end this year?
I try not to see ‘ends’ of years . Ends can be full of regrets and things you haven’t done. It’s all continuous.
Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions or intentions for 2026?
No. I have resolutions all year long and they’re generally hopeless and pointless. I just continually try not to put pressure on myself as it always tends to have the opposite result. Enjoy life. Be useful. Be healthy and kind.
