Forget the festive Coca Cola or Toys R Us adverts (even though decades on, they still manage to get me super excited!), these days it's ALL about the annual John Lewis Christmas commercial.
Signaling the start of the Christmas countdown, you can only imagine the pressure the JL advertising team must feel every single year, as their reputation for delivering the number one Christmas ad hangs in the balance. Fortunately for that lot, they can all breathe a huge sigh of relief, as last year's 'The Bear and the Hare' has been successfully succeeded by Monty the Penguin and his little friend Sam - played by my Hertfordshire homie, Rhys Edwards.
With its 'Give someone the Christmas they've been dreaming of' advertising slogan, not to mention Tom Odell's cover of John Lennon's 'Real Love', the adorable two-minute film quickly spread like wildfire over social media. I think it's safe to say that your shares in the high-end superstore chain are safe for another season.
As if being named Britain's 'Top Entrepreneur' wasn't enough, ol' Posh Spice must surely be flashing that rarely seen smile, as her style icon status was further hammered home this week, this time courtesy of her second born. Young Romeo Beckham has been unveiled as the new face of fashion emporium Burberry for their all important Christmas campaign.
The good looking lad looks a right chip off the old block as he stars alongside a bevy of beautiful models, all the while showcasing the signature checked camel Burberry scarf. Not bad work if you can get it - it certainly beats a paper round!
The latest West End show to hit London's Theatreland premiered this week to solid reviews and standing ovations. Made in Dagenham took over the prestigious Adelphi Theatre on The Strand, as stars of the stage and small screen flocked to see Bond actress Gemma Arterton in the lead role.
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David Walliams, Mel C, Samantha Barks and Ben Elton were amongst the packed house, as the cast debuted the stage version of the popular 2010 movie. The cast worked their socks off, the sets were inventive, aesthetically pleasing and slick during the several scene changes and segues. The inspirational true story of women fighting for equal pay and status during the 1960s factory strikes made me want to burn my bra in pride!
Arterton plays a strong lead throughout the two-and-a-half hour musical extravaganza, showcasing her Rada-trained 'triple threat' talents. It helps that she's extremely likeable as Rita O'Grady. The standout star of the show, however, is Isla Blair, who plays Connie, a foul-mouthed, blunt as a sledgehammer factory worker. Her portrayal of one of the discriminated women is to the point, objectionable and downright hilarious.
Perhaps the highlight of the night came during the tear-jerking curtain call, as four of the original pioneering Ford factory ladies tottered onto the vast stage in their finest to hammer home the sentiment of the story. Unfortunately, I doubt they'll be a regular fixture, but their cameo served to round off what was a cracking romp of a show - emotive, funny and slick. A must see production, for sure.
And finally, I was treated to an early glimpse of Christmas courtesy of the fab team at Concorde PR, for the movie premiere of Nativity 3: Dude Where's My Donkey.
Mince pies, hot chocolate and festive dressing up were all enjoyed at the Leicester Square event, which was attended by the movie's stars - actor Martin Clunes and comedienne Catherine Tate - as well as a whole loads of child co-stars and celebs. EastEnders firecracker Jake Wood took a break from his Strictly training to enjoy the festivities with his family, while X Factor hottie Jake Quickenden made the most of his new found fame by posing for pics in the packed foyer.
It's a kids film, yes, but a really rather lovely one with some delightfully charming and funny scenes - most memorably when a teeny 4 year old steals the scene with the deadpan sentence, "er, you've got poo in your hair."
A fabulously festive afternoon and one which left everyone feeling full of Christmas cheer.
Have a great weekend and I'll be back with all the backstage gossip from the MTV EMA's next week.
