I hate the new M&S Christmas advert...

It seems I'm on a X Factor trashing mission at the moment, which honestly I'm not, but I really have to say how much I dislike the show taking over the best thing about Christmas.

Yes, M&S in their wisdom have ditched the big name celebs, catchy dance tunes and gorgeous clothes for the X factor finalists all in black singing a pretty soppy tune.

I am gutted. Seriously gutted that this is the route M&S have gone down this year- it just doesn't say Christmas to me, nor does it say M&S quality.

Previous years have seen Antonio Banderas, Wallis & Gromit, Dame Shirley Bassey, David Beckham and Peter Kay all make appearances in the amazing adverts, which for many, as the executive director of marketing at Marks and Spencer rightly pointed out, 'mark the start of Christmas'.

Last year's M&S offerings was one of my favourite to date, as we had Danni Minogue and Lisa Snowdon singing into their hairbrushes, while Peter Kay danced, quite literally on ice.

After main competitor, John Lewis had a sneaky success with Ellie Goulding last year, I'm really looking forward to seeing what they pull out of the bag for this seasonal offering.

Chances are, it can't be any worse than this. Oh well, at least I have the Coca Cola advert to cheer me up...

Here are my top 5 M&S Christmas adverts... (Copyright all M&S)

5. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without...

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4. Ice Party

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3. Christmas Belles

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2. Take That

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1. You Should be Dancing!

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Peter Kay & Susan Boyle: Musical Partners

Peter Kay & Susan Boyle: I know him so well!
I loved Peter Kay and Susan Boyle's rendition of 'I know him so well' on Comic Relief last Friday, and it seems I'm not alone as they have now released it as a single!

It was pure genius once again from Kay and shows how comedic Susan really is- If the singing ever gets dull, she has a career in the making right here!

Saying that, not to detract from the actual music, both she and Peter Kay's creation, Geraldine McQueen actually pulled off a decent duet.

Sure it was a hilarious parody and something which Susan totally relished in (remember her pulling off the wig at the end to reveal a bald head, or complaining to Kay she was due a cuppa?!) but still- they made musical magic in my view!

Here's hoping it sails to the top of the charts and provides us with another chance to see the two collaborate again!

Christmas Fashion Adverts: Which is Best?

Marks & Spencer's Christmas Advert 2010
For me, I know it’s getting close to Christmas when all the adverts come on, full of beautiful people looking happy.

The ultimate one has to be M&S, who make it like a massive movie production, but I have to admit this year, I’ve seen a few which may well threaten their crown.

So here’s my Top 5…

M&S: Hiring Peter Kay was a stroke of genius by the M&S execs, who never get it wrong with their Christmas adverts. Quality is the key with Twiggy strutting her stuff alongside Lisa Snowdon and Dannii Minogue, while Peter teaches our gals how to dance. Brilliant.

Boots: I’ve not seen the definitive Xmas ad yet, but the one where all the girls are getting glammed up in the call centre for a night out is definitely a giggle.

Matalan: when I assumed it was a John Lewis advert, you know Matalan have come up trumps with a quality ad. Based around some nosy children opening a box in the garden, everyone is soon kitted out in the most fashionable attire, while snow gently falls around.

Littlewoods: This company is on a roll with Coleen on board and what a great song to play, while a load of woman hunt around a mysterious mansion at midnight for gifts. Unexpected hit, thanks to adding the The Nightmare before Christmas to their soundtrack.



TK Maxx: Innovative, yes, but didn’t they do the whole gifts out of paper last year? Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m convinced they have recycled last year’s ad!

So which is your favourite? Cast your vote now!