GB News was invited to an advance screening of the advert, where Rosie Hanley, John Lewis’s Marketing and Loyalty Director, and Franki Goodwin, Saatchi & Saatchi’s Chief Creative Officer, shared details from behind the scenes.
Ms Hanley revealed that Gloria’s transformed room was assembled for under £100, disco balls included – a detail she praised given the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The six-day shoot took place in August during one of the summer’s fierce heatwaves, a far cry from the wintry scenes on screen. “We always say it wouldn’t be a John Lewis ad if you’re not wearing cashmere in 35-degree heat,” Ms Hanley joked.
Meanwhile, Ms Goodwin described the Four Weddings and a Funeral star as “always our muse,” with Ms Hanley adding: “She’s so stylish, and so confident – she’s not your classic advert granny.”