Alex Hassell said: “I play ‘Hugo’, a man in love, but really only with himself. And the idea of being a part of a celebrity power couple. I loved The Perfect Gift last year, so it was an honour to join the cast for another episode in the story, and all the gorgeous silliness that went with it. Hugo thinks he’s the cat’s meow, but Phil has something he doesn’t: a beef Wellington and an adorable heart… may the best man win.”
Director Molly Manners said: “We had a world-class orchestra, beautiful locations, snow and crane shots — all the ingredients for an epic love story. Then we put Joe Wilkinson at the centre of it, racing against the clock with a beef Wellington.
“That contrast is what makes it so much fun. We played every moment completely straight, giving Phil’s increasingly desperate mission the full cinematic treatment. And beneath all the chaos, there’s a genuine story about how food can say what words sometimes can’t.”
Waitrose chief customer officer, Nathan Ansell, added: “Last year’s The Perfect Gift sparked a huge reaction, and our customers were clear: they wanted to know what happened next.
“So this Christmas we’ve given them a bigger, bolder sequel, with a love rival, a race against the clock and a beef Wellington as an unlikely hero. Every great romcom needs a moment where all seems lost, and ours just happens to be wrapped in pastry.”
This marks the latest Christmas advert to be unveiled for 2026 and comes a week after John Lewis launched its festive film featuring Dame Kristin Scott Thomas.