JD have released their Christmas advert for 2022 and it features plenty of sporting superstars - including Anthony Joshua, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.
The sports retailer's festive advert is a talking point each year and, seeing as Halloween is done and dusted, it's time get that Christmas shopping list out. A total of 32 celebrities feature in the two-minute advert, including seven high-profile footballers.
The advert follows the story of a teenager reluctantly visiting a shopping centre with his family and being tempted to visit the star-studded "JD Arcade" by YouTube star Chunkz. The two-minute video is accompanied by Kano's iconic grime track 'P's & Q's'.
Former two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua is the main attraction in the advert, which also stars Harvey Elliott, Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone, Thiago Silva and James Maddison. Joshua, 33, is weighing-up his next fight after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in August.
The adverts other celebrities include musicians Amaria BB, Arrdee, Bugzy Malone, Central Cee, Knucks, Kojey Radical, KSI, Ms Banks, Ojerime, Slowthai and Tobi Brown. There's also appearances from Love Island alumni Joanna Chimonides and TikTok star Laurie Elle.
The protagonist is portrayed by emerging actor Cole Weallean-Watts, who also starred in JD's 2021 Christmas advert. Last year's campaign featured plenty of footballers - including Kalvin Phillips, Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold.
What do you think about JD's Christmas advert? Let us know in the comments below!
JD describe the advert's setting as "a majestic neon-fuelled games arcade". Several of adverts biggest stars - including Joshua and Chunkz - attended an event to promote the video - which was released in full on Thursday - and watched an exclusive pre-screening.
JD's campaign is named "King of the Game" - referring to the advert's competitive arcade theme. JD said: "Staying true to its roots, JD heroes the best in British youth culture, with this year’s campaign celebrating the spirit of competition and the magic of Christmas."
The sports retailer added: "'King of the Game' is an invitation for everyone to be king in their own chosen pursuit, inspired by an eclectic line-up of British youth superstars defining sport, entertainment, and music culture right now."
JD continued: "JD believes that competition creates kings - whether you’re performing on the professional stage, creating beats in your bedroom, or competing with your friends to have the freshest winter sportswear look, JD has you covered this Christmas."
JD's global group marketing director Nadia Kokni said: "JD has always been at the forefront of progressing youth culture. As the number one destination for sports fashion, we’re excited to unveil 'King of the Game' this Christmas.
"This year’s cast list demonstrates that JD takes pride in spotlighting and supporting talent that are pushing boundaries and hustling to be at the top of their game. The campaign brings to life the power of competition in a fun and festive way that everyone can relate to, reinforcing JD’s position as undisputed at Christmas."
