Waitrose's Romantic Comedy Christmas Ad Charms with Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson

In a festive twist, Waitrose has released a four-minute romantic comedy Christmas ad that is capturing the hearts of viewers. The heartwarming film, which premiered on November 13, 2025, stars acclaimed actress Keira Knightley and comedian Joe Wilkinson as a couple whose relationship develops over a shared passion for Waitrose's food offerings.

Directed by BAFTA-award winning director Molly Manners, the ad follows Knightley and Wilkinson's characters as they meet for the first time at a Waitrose cheese counter and gradually fall in love. Wilkinson reprises his role as Phil, a character he portrayed in Waitrose's 2024 "whodunnit" festive campaign.

Knightley, who has been nominated for numerous prestigious awards over her illustrious career, expressed her delight at the opportunity to work on the project, stating, "I love food, and so when I received this script where I get to fall head over heels in love over a shared love of cheese, I couldn't turn it down."

Waitrose's chief customer officer, Nathan Ansell, described the four-minute film as an "industry first" that "pays homage to the seasonal romantic comedy tradition" while also celebrating the grocer's elevated festive food offerings. Director Molly Manners praised the "magical" on-screen chemistry between Knightley and Wilkinson, stating that she hopes they will "knock your socks clean off."