The 90-second film, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, focuses on a family of foodies preparing for Christmas Day, only to discover that the stunning #1 Waitrose Red Velvet Bauble Dessert has gone missing.

The amateur detective, played by Macfadyen, is tasked with discovering the culprit.

Was it the disgruntled grandmother, or perhaps the perfect hostess, Samira, who has had enough of the holiday chaos? So many suspects, but who would commit such a crime of passion?
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The supporting cast of ‘food stars’ introduce some of the new and delicious Christmas dishes, such as the Melty Rarebit Reuben, Crumbly Brown Butter Mince Tarts with Cognac, and a Glorious Molasses Glazed Turkey Crown.
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In a new approach for Waitrose, the mystery will unfold over the coming weeks when a 60-second film finally reveals the dessert thief to the nation – concluding the two-part campaign.
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Nathan Ansell, Customer Director at Waitrose, comments: “For the first time, we’re keeping Waitrose customers guessing with a festive ‘whodunnit’ crime drama featuring a stellar cast for this year’s Christmas advert.

“Our Christmas campaign is all about the quality Waitrose (Christmas) food you can’t wait to get your hands on, so we’ve showcased the best of our delicious range whilst adding a touch of festive fun and sparkle.

“Was it Uncle Phil?” Was it Fig the cat? You’ll have to wait and see! »
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Matthew Macfadyen, The Detective, says: “I wonder if my vast repertoire of past detective roles has led me to this very moment – ​​starring in this wonderful Waitrose thriller.

“Working with such a great cast on such a fun Christmas project has been such a joy. I think together we’ve created a story that will have audiences speculating about who the pud thief really is!’
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Sian Clifford, who plays May, says: “Christmas is often a time that brings together all sorts of different characters – usually good food is the one thing we can all agree on!

“It was really tough having to eat the delicious Waitrose food for four days, but someone has to do it, and I was happy to give it a go – there’s nothing like Christmas like treating yourself!”
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Rakhee Thakrar, Samira, says she ‘always thought of herself as the perfect host’, much like her character, but has never experienced such an awkward situation at a dinner party .

Unlike her character in Netflix’s Sex Education, teacher Emily Sands, she loved playing a suspect…or maybe she’s the guilty one?‌

The new festive campaign is designed to showcase Waitrose’s delicious Christmas range while engaging viewers with its two-part mystery and reveal, a first for Waitrose.

Meanwhile, the wider Christmas campaign will include a social activation with exclusive alibis and a special appearance from some of the nation’s favorite detectives trying to help solve the case.

There will also be a physical evidence panel at London Kings Cross station, an exclusive partnership with ITV and a partnership with The Times and Sunday Times.

Waitrose will also keep the nation on its toes with in-store activity from Waitrose partners, who will be wearing ‘suspicious’ t-shirts.
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Franki Goodwin, creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, said of the concept: “When an idea is so good and the brand is so loved, that actors we don’t usually see in the adverts pop up and steal the scenes – and the pudding – you know you have a Christmas treat on your hands.

“We talk a lot about culture in this industry, but this campaign bridges the gap between Christmas advertising and mainstream entertainment.