Sam Fender has been chosen to provide the soundtrack for the 2026 John Lewis Christmas advert, delivering a new interpretation of The Rolling Stones' enduring anthem 'You Can't Always Get What You Want.'
The annual festive campaign has become one of the UK and Irelands most anticipated seasonal television events, often bringing renewed attention to both established and emerging artists.
Over the years, performers including Andrea Bocelli, Richard Ashcroft, Lily Allen, Aurora, Lola Young and Tom Odell have all contributed memorable recordings to accompany the retailer's Christmas storytelling.
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For this year's advert, Fender reimagines the Rolling Stones track from their 1969 album Let It Bleed. The South Shields singer is joined by the choir of John Spence Community High School in North Shields, where he studied as a teenager, alongside musicians from the Easington Colliery Band.
The advert stars acclaimed actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, known for roles in Slow Horses and Four Weddings and a Funeral. She portrays a grandmother searching for meaningful gifts for her grandchildren during the festive season.
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To coincide with the campaign, Fender's recording will be released on both 7-inch vinyl and CD.
The physical release also includes his 2020 version of Lindisfarne's Winter Song, which has never previously been issued in a physical format.
Proceeds from sales through Fender's official online store will support Teenage Cancer Trust, while John Lewis will donate its profits from in-store sales to Action for Children, a charity that helps care-experienced young people build positive futures.
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The 2025 John Lewis Christmas advert featured Alison Limerick's dance classic Where Love Lives, which was transformed into a stripped-back piano arrangement by Labrinth.
The new campaign arrives as Fender prepares for his extensive 'Proper Massive' stadium tour across the UK and Ireland in 2027. Additional dates have recently been added in response to strong ticket demand, while speculation continues around a possible Glastonbury Festival headline appearance. The singer-songwriter has also hinted that new music could be on the horizon.
Since launching its now-famous festive adverts, John Lewis has helped turn Christmas campaigns into major cultural moments. One of the most talked-about examples came in 2018, when Elton John featured in the retailer's advert, a project that reportedly carried a multimillion-pound fee.
