Aldi enlists Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent to play Santa Claus in its festive advert as a lost Kevin the Carrot is safely returned to his much-loved family thanks to Father Christmas
- As of today, Aldi’s festive ad – which includes Kevin the Carrot – is hitting screens
- Ad shows the character’s adventure as he fights to get back to his beloved family
- The campaign features Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent as Father Christmas
Aldi today landed an early blow in the battle of the British supermarkets by releasing its Christmas advert starring Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent as Santa Claus.
Earlier this week Aldi released a teaser showing Kevin the Carrot flying ‘Top Gun-style’, in a fighter jet escapade with co-pilot Turkey.
He is joined in the full advert by 71-year-old Harry Potter star Broadbent, with the plucky vegetable trekking across the snow with a friendly hedgehog to reach his family before Christmas dinner.
By launching its festive ad in the first week of November, the chain goes head to head with rival Asda – with its campaign featuring a customer who appears overjoyed as he receives groceries from masked delivery drivers.
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Aldi today landed an early blow in the battle of the British supermarkets by releasing its Christmas advert starring Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent as Santa Claus (pictured)
Kevin the Carrot is joined in the full advert by 71-year-old Harry Potter star Broadbent, with the plucky vegetable trekking across the snow with a friendly hedgehog (pictured) to reach his family before Christmas dinner
During a career that has spanned decades across film, television, radio and theatre, Broadbent won an Oscar for his role as the loving but frustrated husband of a novelist suffering from Alzheimer’s in the biopic ‘Iris.’
However, it may be his first time playing Santa, and the Moulin Rouge star said: ‘It is my great pleasure to step into Father Christmas’ shoes and bring the festive spirit to life for Aldi with my co-star Kevin the Carrot.
‘I hope this campaign brings a little joy and magic to everyone this Christmas.’
Aldi’s earlier teaser ended with Kevin the Carrot falling from his plane with a flaming parachute.
Describing what happens to the vegetable next, an Aldi spokesman said: ‘Determined to be reunited with his loved ones no matter what, Kevin was fortunate enough to find a few new friends to help.
Describing what happens to the vegetable, an Aldi spokesman said: ‘Determined to be reunited with his loved ones (pictured) no matter what, Kevin was fortunate enough to find a few new friends to help’
The hope of Kevin (pictured) making it home to his family seems to be fading fast when who should appear but Father Christmas
‘Getting him out of his snowy spot of bother is a friendly hedgehog, Harry, who gives him a lift but the pair fall into a deep ravine and a fast-flowing river.
‘The hope of Kevin making it home to his family seems to be fading fast when who should appear but Father Christmas, played by much-loved actor and narrator of previous Kevin the Carrot adverts, Jim Broadbent.’
Sean McGinty, marketing director at Aldi UK, said: ‘We’re all thrilled to see Kevin back on our screens again, getting up to his usual tricks.
‘Kevin’s popularity keeps on growing and this year, more so than any other, Kevin’s return to TV screens will come as a welcome relief for so many.’
Last year, 33million people tuned in to see Kevin the Carrot in Aldi’s Christmas advert which was crowned the most effective Christmas advert of 2019.
Kevin’s appearance in the advert marks the fifth year that the iconic character has featured in Aldi’s Christmas campaign.
After premiering on YouTube today, fans can also see the advert at 7.45pm on ITV where it will make its terrestrial TV debut.