WAITROSE has unveiled a star-studded “whodunnit”-style Christmas food advert which is bound to get shoppers talking.

The upmarket retailer has released the first instalment in a two-part series centring around the mystery theft of a festive pudding.

Waitrose

Waitrose has unveiled the first part in a two-instalment series of adverts[/caption]

Waitrose

The ad focuses around the mystery theft of a festive pudding[/caption]

Waitrose

Matthew Macfadyen from Succession is part of the ad’s cast[/caption]

The clip features an ensemble cast including Matthew Macfadyen of “Succession“, comedian Joe Wilkinson from “Afterlife” and Rakhee Thakrar of “Sex Education“.

Sian Clifford from “Fleabag“, Dustin Demri-Burns of “Slow Horses” and Eryl Maynard of “Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple” also make an appearance.

The star-studded cast are left stunned 15 seconds into the 90-second ad after finding out a Waitrose dessert has gone missing.

Self-appointed detective of the crime scene Macfadyen goes about trying to solve the mystery as he interrogates and grills each member of the party.

But shoppers will have to wait to find out who pinched the dessert until later this month when Waitrose releases its second ad.

The 60-second clip will reveal the culprit behind the theft of the dessert, as Waitrose wraps up the campaign.

It will be the first time the retailer has released a two-parter Christmas ad series in its history.

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.”

Waitrose’s festive campaign will also be rolled out wider in stores as well as across social media.

A physical evidence board will be put up at London Kings Cross Station while partners in branches will be wear “suspect” t-shirts.

Franki Goodwin, chief creative officer at Saatchi and Saatchi, said: “We talk about culture a lot in this industry, but this campaign bridges the gap between Christmas advertising and big-audience entertainment.

“This is an entirely new direction for Waitrose at Christmas, one that we believe a brand as celebrated by British food lovers can only achieve, and it’s been a privilege to bring it to life.”

The latest campaign from Waitrose comes as John Lewis, also for the first time, launches a multi-part Christmas advert campaign.

The retailer, operated by the John Lewis Partnership which also owns Waitrose, kicked off the festive season in September with the first clip centred around John Lewis’ Never Knowingly Undersold pledge.

The second, released on Friday, focused on the motto “Give Knowingly”, chronicling the ups and downs of a pink jumper and its owner.

A third final Christmas ad will be released later this month.

What are other supermarkets doing?

Sainsbury’s has unveiled its festive ad for 2024, featuring iconic Roald Dahl character the BFG.

Meanwhile, Morrisons’ Christmas has singing oven gloves taking centre stage.

German discounter Aldi has teased a “super cute” ad, although shoppers have been left asking after Kevin the Carrot.

The Debenhams campaign features an all-star cast – Elizabeth Hurley, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett – as they embrace the ease of online shopping. 

And the Argos Christmas ad stars the retailers’ much-loved mascots, Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur.

Retailers aren’t just releasing Christmas ads this year either – some are shutting up shop for two days over the festive period.

Home Bargains, Aldi and John Lewis and Waitrose have all said they will shut stores on December 25 and 26 to give staff time off.

They’ve been joined by Poundland, The Range and Wilko and Homebase.

Waitrose

Waitrose’s advert centres around the theft of a pudding[/caption]

Waitrose

Joe Wilkinson also features in the 90-second clip[/caption]

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TEMPLEGATE tackles Tuesday’s racing confident of firing in some winners.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

BELSITO (2.34, Redcar nap)

He ran his best race for a long time when beaten just half a length here eight days ago. Kevin Ryan’s flyer went nicely through the bottomless ground there and should have similar conditions today.

This six-furlong trip is ideal and the third home last time has since scored in a higher grade.

TOUCHWOODEXPRESS (4.10, Warwick, nb)

Took his form up a notch when winning by six lengths on handicap debut at Huntingdon last time.

He jumped well there and relished every yard of the three miles. This slightly longer trip will help and there’s more to come for in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies.

AL WASEELA (12.50 Redcar, treble)

Was an impressive winner on her last turf run at Yarmouth. She loved the testing ground there and the extra furlong is another plus for William Haggas’ filly.

GETALEAD (3.35 Warwick)

Completes the Lucky 15. He won an conditional jockeys’ race at Wincanton nine days ago and is back from the same handicap mark. He’s scored over this course and distance before.

Templegate’s Tips

REDCAR

12.15    Binhareer          

Impressive winner here in soft ground last time out.

12.50    Al Waseela (treble)      

Won well the last time she tackled soft ground.

1.25       King’s Scholar                  

Impressive winner in the mud at Catterick latest.

2.00       Liberty Coach                  

Has won two of past three and handles conditions.

2.34       Belsito (nap)    

Good run in the mud here last time and on fair mark.

3.09       Ey Up Its Jazz  

Went close at Donny last time and down the weights.

3.44       Glastonbury    

Loved this trip when scoring at Yarmouth last time out.

WARWICK

12.40    Our Lil 

Decent on Flat and starts hurdling for the Skeltons.

1.15       The Long Point                 

Impressive bumper winner who can strike on hurdles debut.

1.50       Rambo T             

Just pipped on chase debut and doesn’t need a lot more.

2.25       Definite Dream               

Consistent so far and should be right there again.

3.00       I’m Ravenous 

Won over hurdles latest and should make a nice chaser.

3.35       Getalead            

Back from same mark as last week’s win at Wincanton.

4.10       Touchwoodexpress (nb)           

Had six lengths in hand when scoring on chase debut.

SEDGEFIELD

1.00       Clean Getaway               

Won over fences latest and much lower mark hurdling here.

1.35       Kingston Narcissus     

Went close at Sedgefield last time and right there again.

2.10       Charging Thunder         

Won by nine lengths on hurdles debut at Fakenham last time.

2.45       Presenting Pete              

Would have been a lot closer last time but for one mistake.

3.20       Selectivelistening         

Went close on chase debut at Hereford last time out.

3.55       Apples Moon  

Has really improved since going into handicaps.

NEWCASTLE

2.40       Bringbackmemories  

Stays well and only 2lb higher than last success.

3.15       What A Question           

Back in sensible grade after a break.

3.50       Ghostman         

Went close here over 5f and longer trip should be ideal.

4.25       Wren Officer    

Lots in hand when scoring at Wolverhampton last time out.

5.00       Zouzanna           

Showed good pace to score at Newmarket over this trip latest.

5.30       Time Patrol       

Knocking on the door and this looks a good chance.

6.00       Mr Heinz              

Finished strongly when second here last time out.

6.30       Al Shabab          

Just pipped at Wolver last time and every chance again.

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• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

PROFITS at Ryanair have fallen by almost a fifth as the airline counted the cost of delays to new aircraft.

The budget flyer said they were down by 18 per cent in the first six months of the year to £1.5billion, despite it carrying a record 115million customers.

Getty

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has seen profits fall by 18%[/caption]

Reuters

There have been delays to new Boeing aircrafts after safety scandals[/caption]

Ryanair said it could have flown an extra five million passengers had it received the new planes it is waiting for from Boeing.

Boss Michael O’Leary described the plane delays as a “pain in the backside”.

He is demanding more compensation from the US aircraft maker, claiming the current terms don’t reflect the number of passengers Ryanair could have flown this year and next.

Chief financial officer Neil Sorahan said: “The biggest issue for us at the moment is trying to get aircraft.”

He added that Ryanair had been due to receive 11 by the end of this year but so far had received just two.

He told CNBC: “I don’t think we’ll see any more this side of Christmas.”

Ryanair exclusively uses planes made by Boeing, which has been hit by a safety scandal ever since a door peg blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 Max mid-flight in January.

The grounding of aircraft and extra inspections have been made worse by seven weeks of industrial action at Boeing, called the “costliest strike of the 21st century”.

Factory workers voted last night on a 38 per cent wage increase over four years that could restart jet production.

Ryanair said that its profits were hit by having to discount fares by an average of ten per cent to stimulate sales after it blocked ticket site Booking.com and other ticket agencies from selling its flights.

Last week Mr O’Leary warned that UK passengers could see a reduction in flight routes after the Chancellor increased air passenger duty in last week’s Budget.

The outspoken boss accused Rachel Reeves of an “idiotic” and “anti-growth Budget that will damage UK tourism, jobs and economic growth”.

ANGLO’S OZ SELL

MINING giant Anglo American has struck a £830million deal to sell its 33.3 per cent stake in an Australian coal joint venture.

The move to sell its interest in Jellinbah Group is part of a defence strategy to boost its financial performance — after fending off a £39billion takeover proposal by rival BHP earlier this year.

It is now focusing on boosting its exposure to copper which is in huge demand because it is critical in wind turbines, solar panels and electrical vehicles.

THAMES APPEAL

THAMES WATER’S lenders are urging more firms to help foot the bill for a £1.5billion rescue financing designed to give the struggling company a temporary lifeline.

Their plea comes after a rival group of bondholders offered an alternative financing at a cheaper rate of interest and the row threatens its survival hopes.

The investment giants include Blackrock, Elliott, Abrdn and M&G.

A November 11 deadline is set for 75 per cent of creditors to approve the financing and avoid temporary nationalisation.

PRICES UP IN REEVES TAX RAIDS

SHOPPERS face higher prices as retailers pass on a £5billion burden from the Budget, the British Retail Consortium says.

Retail is the biggest private sector employer and is particularly hard hit by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ £25.7billion tax hike on firms’ National Insurance Contributions.

PA

Shoppers face higher prices as retailers pass on a £5billion burden from the Budget[/caption]

Consortium chief Helen Dickinson said the Budget “will hold back investment and growth in the short term while further squeezing already-low margins and risking inflation”.

Retailers suffered a “disappointing” October after pre-Budget uncertainty and rising energy bills “spooked” consumers.

Total UK retail sales were up 0.6 per cent year-on-year last month against a 2.6 per cent increase last October, the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor found.

Barclays said there was a 2.2 per cent drop in essential spending, the biggest slide since the first Covid lockdown.

MPs QUIZ FOR SHEIN

FAST-fashion giant Shein’s chairman is to be grilled by MPs amid concerns about the treatment of workers in its Chinese supply chain.

Liam Byrne, who chairs the Business and Trade committee, said he will invite Donald Tang to give evidence in an inquiry.

It will scrutinise how to protect against poor labour standards overseas, including concerns over forced labour.

Shein is still preparing a £50billion London stock exchange listing next year.

MONCLER EYES BURB

BURBERRY was back in fashion with investors yesterday amid speculation that Moncler, the maker of £1,300 puffer jackets, could consider a takeover.

Burberry’s shares rose as much as 7 per cent — having lost 40 per cent of their value this year on the back of profit warnings, trading woes and a boardroom upheaval.

Alasdair Mclellan / Burberry

Moncler could be considering a takeover of Burberry[/caption]

Alasdair Mclellan / Burberry

Burberry has a £3billion price tag.[/caption]

The firm, which has used stars including model Cara Delevingne and actress Olivia Colman in promotional campaigns, has a £3billion price tag.

Moncler said last night that it did “not comment on substantiated rumours”.

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has admitted Amy Dowden will be “deeply missed” after she was forced to quit the contest.

It was revealed today that Amy would no longer be partnering JB Gill on the programme owing to a recent medical emergency.

PA

Motsi Mabuse has broken her silence on Amy Dowden’s early show exit[/caption]

PA

Amy was forced to quit the show after sustaining a foot injury[/caption]

Amy missed last weekend’s show and was replaced by Lauren Oakley and now the change has been made permanent as she recovers from a foot injury.

Sharing her sympathies towards the star, judge Motsi shared a heartfelt message in which she sent “strength” to the star.

Commenting underneath Amy’s Instagram post, Motsi said: “Dear Amy, your courage and strength inspire us all.

“Taking this step to focus on your health is the most beautiful act of self-care and resilience.

“Know that the entire Strictly family and everyone who loves you are with you every step of the way.

“We miss you deeply on the dance floor, but your well-being is what matters most.

“Sending you all my love, support, and strength as you take this time for yourself.

“Can’t wait to see you shining bright again when you’re ready. Love, Motsi.”

Today, it was confirmed that the medical emergency had forced Amy out of the contest for good.

Amy, who has Crohn’s Disease and has been battling cancer, missed the results programme last week after she was rushed to hospital.

Breaking her silence earlier this evening, Amy said: “My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again.

“Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.

“My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor. It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too.”

She went on to add: “My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing.

“Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB.”

Her most recent foot injury comes after her fractured foot last November, which occurred whilst rehearsing a dance at home, three days after she finished cancer treatment.

It came after two gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, during which she contracted life-threatening sepsis.

Over the weekend, fans were left in tears as they watched Amy cheer on JB from the clauditorium.

Amy sobbed as Lauren and JB scooped a hugely impressive 39 out of 40 for their routine.

One fan was quick to take to the Strictly forum and wrote: “Amy’s putting on a brave face but she looks crushed. It’s making me cry.”

PA

Motsi is the first of the BBC show judges to break her silence[/caption]

BBC

Amy has been replaced by Lauren Oakley on the programme[/caption]

A “PENNY off a pint” will make no difference to struggling pubs, Rachel Reeves was warned today.

New polling by Survation found that 88 per cent of landlords think the Chancellor’s 1p budget tax cut for draught beers will have no impact on sales.

Darren Fletcher

A ‘penny off a pint’ will make no difference to struggling pubs, Rachel Reeves was warned today[/caption]

Before the announcement last week, the pub sector feared 9,000 beloved boozers would shut within the year.

But now 82 per cent of publicans worry they will be worse off.

Bar and pub owners have also blasted a 3.65 per cent hike in taxes on spirits and wines, with 77 per saying it will exacerbate their plight.

The survey for the UK Spirits Alliance (UKSA) was damming for Labour with less than 9 per cent of publicans asked saying the party supported them.

The Conservative Party are seen as doing enough either, with only 31 per cent those asked saying the Tories are behind them.

Megha Khanna, UKSA spokesperson and landlord of the Gladstone Arms in South London, said: “The hike in spirits duty is going to impact the huge number of customers who come to a pub for a G&T or a cocktail.

“Pubs are more than pints and this is going to hammer our trade.”

Neema Rai, Founder of Westminster Thamesis Dock pub said: “We waited patiently for the new government to come up with the support they had hinted at for so long but now we can see the reality is just a gimmick on draught drinks and a massive increase on spirits.

“It’s a blow to publicans and British distillers and will hit the pockets of working people hard.”

SOME of the world’s best snooker stars are currently in action at the 2024 International Championship – including English legend Ronnie O’Sullivan!

The Rocket is taking on Pang Junxu in a last-32 clash this morning.

While world No 1 Judd Trump is also in action against Joe O’Connor.

• Start time: From 6.30am GMT
• TV/Stream: Eurosport/discovery+

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