Phillip Schofield clashed with Vanessa Feltz on Thursday's This Morning, after the host gave a rather 'frosty' reaction to the new John Lewis advert.
Every year, John Lewis is the one Christmas advert everyone waits for. And, after the likes of The Snowman, The Bear and the Hare and The Man on the Moon have tugged on heartstrings over the years, this year's John Lewis advert, The Beginner, made its debut on Thursday morning, turning the spotlight on a dad trying to master skateboarding, as he and his wife get ready to welcome a foster child into their life.
The advert, which stars Geordie actress Vicky Elliott, quickly got a lot of people talking online and, after it became a big talking point on Good Morning Britain, This Morning also devoted some time to it at the start of Thursday's episode. But, it would be fair to say that Phillip wasn't exactly full of festive cheer after seeing it.
READ MORE: John Lewis advert melts hearts with foster family story
Reacting to it, as Vanessa joined him and co-presenter Holly Willoughby in the studio, Phillip said: "They've gone a very different route and some would say, it doesn't explain itself, first viewing, very well." Looking taken aback at Phillip's comment, Vanessa told him: "I just thought it was marvellous."
As the conversation went on, Phillip complained: "It could be a little more Christmassy couldn't it? It's a bit bleak in the car park! Couldn't they make it snow?"
He insisted that he 'loved' what it was about it, but that it needed a second viewing to understand the message. Defending the campaign, Vanessa disagreed with Phillip's stance, responding: "I like the way that people might watch and think 'that guy doesn't look perfect. That house doesn't look that glamorous. People might think 'well, may be we could foster.' And if that's what the ad does, well that's a marvellous thing."
As Phillip once again accused the campaign of not being 'very Christmassy,' fellow guest Tom Swarbrick interrupted: "It is Christmassy. I think it is a Christmassy ad," as Phillip shot back "Barely,' Tom continued: "Its about family and togetherness.
Offering another take, Vanessa: "You know why it's about Christmas. It's about Christmas because of the manger and Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus not having anywhere to sleep. And this little girl is taken into the house and she's told there is room at the inn."
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