Steven Sharp, executive director Marketing, E-commerce, Store Design and Development, Marks & Spencer says: "We wanted to capture the fun and excitement of getting ready for a special occasion, so we chose to film our ad behind the scenes in a theatre. A cast of men, women and children, led by Erin O'Connor as diva, are dressing up in M&S clothes before the curtain rises and the show begins."

"The ad features a line-up of many of the products that'll be in store this Christmas - from lingerie,partywear and kid's outfits to men's suits and shirts. We deliberately wanted our clothes to take centre stage - which is why this Christmas they are the stars...."

The ad opens on a snowy alleyway strung with twinkling fairy lights. Two showgirls wrapped up in stylish winter coats rush towards a dimly lit stage door. Through the hustle and bustle, the viewer finds themselves in a dressing room full of giggling girls getting ready. Gorgeous outfits, shelves full of shoes and tons of make-up on tiny dressing tables all vie for attention.

The glamorous showgirls line up in front of the mirror applying make-up, adjusting their hair, and fastening dramatic earrings and necklaces. Skirts are being grabbed, shoes put on, sequinned tops being pulled over heads as the shot cuts to a backstage area where three young men, dressed in striped shirts and stylish black trousers, are practising their dance moves.

Two little girls in fairy outfits get their wings straightened whilst the cast primps and preens in all their finery. Erin poses in a stunning purple evening gown as she composes herself. The Impresario brings the troops to fever pitch with a rousing 'Let the show begin!'.

The camera then cuts to the exterior of the theatre, festooned with tiny white lights on a magical snowy evening, where a huge, twinkling awning proclaims: "Your M&S presents Christmas".

The TV ad will launch at 7.45 p.m on Wednesday 9 November and will be supported by press and poster advertising as well as in-store activity.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Clair Foster 020 8718 8323, clair.foster@marks-and-spencer.com
Olivia Ross 020 8718 1618, olivia.ross@marks-and-spencer.com
Tania Littlehales, 020 8718 2098, tania.littlehales@marks-and-spencer.com