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James Norton plays unrecognisable Santa in M&S Christmas advert

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 16:09 · Archive

M&S has launched its 2026 Christmas advert starring James Norton as an undercover Santa who shaves off his beard and leaves the North Pole.

M&S has launched its 2026 Christmas advert with Happy Valley actor James Norton playing an undercover Santa. He shaves off his famous beard and swaps his traditional red suit for a festive jumper, leaving the North Pole to experience Christmas without being recognised.

Lucy Punch, known for Amandaland, appears as Mrs Claus and encourages him to leave. Katherine Jenkins OBE provides a special reworking of Belinda Carlisle's classic hit 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth' for the soundtrack.

The campaign, titled 'The Home of Christmas', marks the first time M&S has brought together Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty in a single festive advert since 2017. The advert will be available on social media from 8am and makes its television debut on ITV's This Morning at 10.15am.

Santa's adventure follows him through moments that make Christmas special, including getting dressed up, choosing presents, enjoying festive food and transforming the home. The advert shows him discovering that Christmas magic comes from the homes, traditions and celebrations happening across the country rather than from the North Pole.

Norton appears in one scene wearing just a towel as part of his transformation.

James Norton plays unrecognisable Santa in M&S Christmas advert
Image: Andover Advertiser

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In this story: James Norton · Lucy Punch · Katherine Jenkins · Marks & Spencer · ITV

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log