Dawn French returns for M&S Christmas advert - but it was a huge mistake

Dawn French has reprised her role as the magical fairy in the Marks & Spencer 2025 Christmas advert, but I can't help wondering if it might have been time for the retailer to choose a different face to front the campaign. The British actress and comedian, 68, has been a staple of M&S Christmas campaigns since 2021, lending her voice to the enchanting Fairy who brings festive dreams to life. And it's understandable, she is a comedic legend who has been on the scene for decades, meaning she resonates with countless fans.

But I can't shake the feeling that featuring her in this year's campaign was a misstep, given the controversy surrounding comments she made earlier this year about the conflict in Gaza. In June, French sparked widespread outrage after posting a video in which she appeared to mock or downplay the events of 7 October 2023, when Hamas carried out a terrorist attack in Israel.

She attempted to clarify her intent, saying she meant to condemn "cruel leaders on all sides" and to highlight the humanitarian toll, especially on children in Gaza. But the damage was already done.

I completely understand that French's comedy is what makes her so beloved, but this was not the right moment to wield that humour. Given that controversy, M&S's decision to place her front and centre in a highprofile festive ad felt tonedeaf.

That being said, I did enjoy the advert. The 90-second film opens on Christmas Eve, showing French trapped in gridlocked traffic while singing along to Chris Rea's classic festive hit Driving Home for Christmas.

What starts as a cheerful moment soon turns to frustration, as she exclaims: "How long have we been here?"

The Fairy swoops in to save the day, unlocking an M&S delivery truck stranded ahead in traffic. Inside, an array of M&S party food awaits, tempting dozens of drivers and passengers to abandon their cars and join the festive celebration.

French brings her trademark humour to the scene, smashing into a car mirror and leaping onto a vehicle in her excitement to reach the M&S truck.

Once inside, she's joined by a lively crowd of drivers and passengers, all eager to kick off the Christmas Day celebrations. Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge even makes an appearance, joking "the world has gone mad" as he looks into the van through binoculars.

I'm not arguing that French should be blacklisted forever, people make mistakes and issue apologies. But as this advert is designed to spread joy and festive cheer, the timing of her involvement seems off.

M&S chose a beloved, familiar face, but one whose recent actions risk distracting from the magic they hope to create. While French brings the humour and charm, perhaps the Fairy should have taken a break this year.