WATCH HERE: First look at the £7m Christmas advert from John Lewis

The advert tells the story of a seven-year-old Sam and his penguin friend Monty, who longs for a new penguin companion.

17:56 06 November 2014

The new John Lewis Christmas advert is already melting our hearts and getting the nation in the festive spirit.

Set to a soundtrack of John Lennon’s song Real Love performed by Tom Odell, it tells the story of a seven-year-old Sam and his penguin friend Monty, who longs for a new penguin companion. The narrative concludes with Sam surprising his penguin companion with a new friend, Mabel on Christmas morning.

While £1million was used to create the ad, the company intends to spend another £7million to market it. The John Lewis Christmas ad has become synonymous with the build up to the festive season itself in a similar way to Coca Cola’s classic Christmas advertising campaigns.

John Lewis marketing director Craig Inglis said: ‘At John Lewis, this time of year is all about helping our customers create their dream Christmas.

‘We hope this uplifting tale of Sam’s love for his friend Monty will remind people of the magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes and inspire them to think how they can make the festive season extra special for their friends and loved ones.’

John Lewis will be selling themed merchandise and will create spaces in its stores called Monty’s Den featuring “technology firsts.”