'I’m happy to be trusted with the red suit': M&S Christmas TV advert sees James Norton and Amandaland’s Lucy Punch star as Santa and Mrs Claus

The playful M&S campaign takes Christmas beyond the North Pole and into the home. After a little encouragement from Mrs Claus, Santa goes undercover so he can experience Christmas himself without being recognised.

He swaps his red suit for a Christmas jumper and shaves off his beard, leaves the North Pole behind and heads out into the world to experience Christmas from a different perspective.

M&S, which has also released a cheeky image of “Santa” in just a towel, says: “His Christmas adventure takes him through the moments that make the season special: getting dressed up, gathering around a table of brilliant food, choosing gifts people will genuinely love and transforming the home for Christmas.

“Along the way, Santa discovers that Christmas magic doesn't just come from the North Pole. It's created in homes across the country, around tables, under trees and in the moments shared with the people we love.”

James Norton, (Happy Valley, Grantchester), says: “It’s not every day you get asked to play Santa, let alone a Santa who immediately shaves off his beard.

“I loved that this story takes such an iconic character and lets us see him differently. He gets to experience Christmas like the rest of us, discovering that the real magic is in the food, traditions and moments we share with the people we love.

“It’s warm, funny and full of Christmas spirit, and I’m very happy to have been briefly trusted with the red suit.”

Lucy Punch (Amandaland and Motherland) adds: “I loved that Mrs Claus is the one who gets this story moving. She gives him the nudge so he can get out there incognito and experience the magic of Christmas for himself.

“There’s something very sweet and fun about their dynamic, and something quite lovely about the idea behind it: this idea that the magic you’re looking for is actually happening all around you.”

The festive film also features a special appearance and soundtrack by Katherine Jenkins, reimagining the iconic Heaven Is a Place on Earth.

The campaign song is also being released. Katherine says: “For me, Christmas has always been about coming home. It's about family, traditions and creating memories with the people you love most, and music is such a big part of that.

“Certain songs instantly become part of the soundtrack to our celebrations, so I was thrilled to record a new version of Heaven Is a Place on Earth for this campaign. I love how beautifully it complements the story, reminding us that the real magic of Christmas isn't found in grand gestures, but in the moments we share together at home."

For the first time in almost 10 years, M&S is bringing Fashion, Home, Beauty and Food together in one festive advertising campaign.

M&S says the idea reflects what its customers say matters most to them. M&S Customer Pulse research found that 81 per cent of customers want a special Christmas with the people they love. Food also remains firmly at the heart of the celebration with 68 per cent saying food is what makes the season feel special.

The advert releases today on social media and TV.