LAURA CRAIK: Dame Kristin Scott Thomas kicks off Christmas in a John Lewis tearjerker

There are many ways to mark the beginning of the festive season. For some, it's the annual 'defrosting' of Mariah Carey, and the opening notes of her ballad 'All I Want For Christmas'. For others, it's the first sighting of twinkling festive lights. But for many of us, 'tis only the season once we've watched - and cried over - the John Lewis Christmas advert.This year's ad, out today, may not be the weepiest the 162-year-old department store has ever produced - that accolade must surely belong to 2015's Man On The Moon - but it could still prove to be a tearjerker among the older shoppers at whom it's squarely aimed.Titled 'Gloria and Pickles', the three-minute ad stars Oscar-nominated actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, 66, as a glamorous granny who appears to have everything she needs in life, bar the inspiration to buy her two grandchildren the perfect Christmas gift.The ad begins with Gloria (Scott Thomas) welcoming her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Maggie and Freddie, into her enviably decorated home - a paean to affluent middle-class living complete with velvet sofa, plump cushions and burgundy walls. The children being restless from their journey, Gloria retrieves her old toy collection from the attic to keep them entertained. Pictured: Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as the star of this year's John Lewis Christmas ad The Oscar-nominated actress, 66, plays a glamorous granny needing inspiration to buy the perfect present for her two grandchildren The two adorable grandchildren play with a vintage pull-along toy that older viewers may recognise from their own childhood Enter, stage left and on wheels, Pickles the dog, a vintage pull-along toy that older viewers may recognise from their own childhood.With her grandchildren looking as impressed as if she'd presented them with a bag of sprouts, Gloria begins putting cash into an envelope, convinced she's lost touch with the younger generation. But she is diverted from completing this pragmatic gesture by Pickles (voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse), who pipes up 'You can do better than cash'.The duo then embark on a last-minute shopping spree that ends up in John Lewis.Christmas is saved! Rather than giving them a tenner on the big day, Gloria hands her grandchildren a key to her 'Gran Cave', a magical wonderland filled with twinkling lights, disco balls, an old record player and other surprises that don't involve a screen.In an ad crammed with gifts, the biggest one of all is surely Scott Thomas, an actress currently riding high in the nation's affections thanks to her star turn as senior British intelligence officer Diana Taverner in hit drama Slow Horses, currently in its sixth season. The actress stays in characteristic style in the ad, wearing at various points a Jigsaw cashmere jumper, a Max Mara blouse and a Mulberry handbag While Gloria lacks the ruthlessness of Diana, she lacks none of the glamour: Scott Thomas is seen wearing Ralph Lauren trousers, a Jigsaw cashmere jumper, a Max Mara blouse and a Mulberry handbag.In recent years, the department store has shied away from using big star names, with the last celebrity to feature being Sir Elton John, in 2018.'I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas advert - it's such a cherished part of the festive season,' said Scott Thomas. 'Gloria's journey captured my heart straight away. She represents so many parents and grandparents who want nothing more than to create lasting memories with the younger generation. I hope the ad brings a big smile to families across the UK this Christmas.'The campaign, the store's 20th, has been created for the fourth year running by Saatchi & Saatchi. With the tagline 'don't give up on gifting', it explores the idea that Christmas can often be blighted by the fear of not being able to find the right present.With the soundtrack as eagerly anticipated as the ad itself, Sam Fender fans will be pleased to learn that the Newcastle-born singer, 32, was selected to cover the Rolling Stones' classic, 'You Can't Always Get What You Want', his first new music since 2025's 'Rein Me In', which became the UK's longest-running No 1. Sir Mick Jagger has even given his blessing, saying: 'I'm a fan of Sam's work, so I was pleased to hear he was covering one of my songs. I think he's done a great job with it.'As for whether John Lewis has done a great job with its latest Christmas ad, that's for the viewer to decide. When it comes to star power, it's certainly set the bar high for Marks & Spencer, which releases its Christmas ad this Friday.Let the battle for our wallets commence.