The star takes on the role of a topless Santa in M&S’s Christmas video this year, with Amandaland actress Lucy Punch joining him as a younger, more youthful version of Mrs Claus.
Forget lighting the fireplace this Christmas – James Norton is bringing plenty of heat of his own as a shirtless Santa Claus.
The 41-year-old Happy Valley actor has traded Santa’s familiar rounded figure for a toned physique in M&S’s latest festive advert. He is joined by Amandaland star Lucy Punch, who takes on the role of a younger Mrs Claus.
© M&SWith a little persuasion from Mrs Claus, Norton’s Santa decides to change his appearance, shaving off his beard and swapping his traditional red outfit for a more understated look so he can enjoy Christmas without being recognised.
After leaving the North Pole, he turns up unexpectedly at a dinner party before making an appearance at a children’s carol concert. The festive performance also features a cameo from Katherine Jenkins, who sings a Christmas rendition of Heaven Is a Place on Earth.
His adventures continue when he discovers M&S’s range of party food and eventually comes across a huge M&S store for the first time.
“Wow, what is this place? Who’s Mark and who is Spencer?” he asks.
The advert then cuts to Santa returning to his North Pole home, where an army of elves follows him through the door carrying bags full of M&S shopping.
“Babe, you won’t believe where I’ve been,” he tells Mrs Claus, who responds: “Oh darling, I’ve been going for years.”
© M&S
Norton’s unexpected appearance as Santa has prompted an enthusiastic response online, with fans quickly giving him the nickname “sexy Santa”.
One viewer shared their excitement, writing: “I’ve just noticed James Norton is Santa Claus in the M&S Christmas advert!! Christmas has been made”. Another was equally impressed, commenting: “But wait …. M&S is coming! Oh boy, it’s not just Santa, it’s an M&S Santa in the shape (good shape ) of James Norton.”
© M&SAnother viewer went as far as declaring it the best Christmas campaign of the season, writing: “This is genius, what an ad. The best one. My stockings are going up tonight, fingers crossed.”
James Norton and Lucy Punch on M&S’s 2026 Christmas Campaign
For the first time since 2017, M&S has brought its fashion, food, beauty and homeware divisions together under one festive campaign.
Speaking about taking on the role of Santa, James said: “It’s not every day you get asked to play Santa, let alone a Santa who immediately shaves off his beard! M&S has been such a familiar part of Christmas for as long as I can remember, so getting to be part of its Christmas campaign feels really special.”
© M&SMeanwhile, Lucy added: “M&S and Christmas just go hand in hand, so it was an absolute joy to become part of that tradition this year. I loved that Mrs Claus is the one who gets this story moving. She gives him the nudge so he can get out there incognito and experience the magic of Christmas for himself.”
James Norton shuts down James Bond rumours
The M&S Christmas advert comes just months after James ruled himself out of being the next James Bond.
© Getty ImagesDuring an appearance on Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby, the Little Women actor was asked about the ongoing speculation surrounding his chances of becoming the next James Bond.
Jordan wanted to know: “How many times have you been asked (about James Bond)?”
Norton revealed that the question had followed him for years, responding: “I’ve been asked a thousand times over the last 10 years. And I can honestly, hand on heart, say no.” He added: “I think I may be a little bit long in the tooth now.”
Source: Various
