A host of British stars have teamed up for Waitrose’s new “whodunnit” Christmas advert, Sweet Suspicion: A Waitrose Mystery.
Featuring an all-star lineup, this year’s festive campaign marks Waitrose’s first two-part ad, with the mystery concluding in a few weeks.
Leading the cast is Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen as an amateur detective determined to uncover who swiped the coveted Waitrose No.1 Red Velvet Bauble Dessert on Christmas Day.
He’s joined by comedian Joe Wilkinson, Sex Education’s Rakhee Thakrar, Fleabag's Sian Clifford, Slow Horses actor Dustin Demri-Burns, and Miss Marple’s Eryl Maynard.
The supporting cast of “food stars” features some of the new and delicious Christmas food such as melting Reuben Rarebit, crumbly Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac and a Glorious Treacle Glazed Turkey Crown.
The ad, directed by BAFTA-winner Lucy Forbes of This is Going to Hurt fame, will unveil the dessert thief at the end of November, making it Waitrose’s “biggest campaign yet”.
Nathan Ansell, Customer Director at Waitrose, said: “For the first time, we’re keeping Waitrose customers guessing with a ‘whodunnit’ festive crime drama featuring a stellar cast for this year’s Christmas ad.
“Our Christmas Campaign is all about how Waitrose (Christmas) food is so good, you can't wait to get your hands on it so we’ve showcased the very best of our delicious range while also adding a touch of festive fun and sparkle. Was it Uncle Phil? Was it Fig the cat? You’ll have to wait and see!”
Meanwhile, Macfadyen quipped: “I wonder if my extensive repertoire of past detective roles led to me to this very moment – starring in this wonderful Waitrose whodunnit.
“Working with such a great cast on such a fun project for Christmas was such a joy. I think together, we have created a story that will have the public speculating over who the pud thief really is!”
Clifford, who plays the part of May, says: “Christmas is often a time that brings together a cast of all kinds of different characters – usually good food is the one thing we can all agree on!
“It was a really tough gig having to eat the delicious Waitrose food for four days but someone's gotta do it and I was happy to give it a go - nothing says Christmas like indulging!”
Thakrar, playing Samira, joked: “I’ve always seen myself as the perfect host, much like Samira, however I’m lucky to not have awkward guests at my Christmas celebrations so we rarely have any mystery or drama but I loved being a suspect... or the culprit, who knows?!”
