Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson reunite for Waitrose Christmas advert with a nod to Notting Hill

Christmas is most definitely coming, with festive adverts arriving on our screens over recent weeks. Now it's the time of Waitrose as they reunite Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson, for the sequel of last year's hugely popular The Perfect Gift.

This time around Keira finds herself in a love triangle as she's set to marry Rivals star Alex Hassell who plays Hugo Bunty-Griffin - Joe’s love rival. While Phil (Joe Wilkinson) finds himself moping around at home, he's persuaded by his friends to cook up a delicious looking beef Wellington.

After prepping the mouth-watering dish in his kitchen, Phil rushes to the wedding venue to give Keira the beef Wellington before she says "I do", but with time against him, will he get there?

Speaking about the new advert, Keira Knightley said: "I always felt last year’s love story deserved another chapter, and what a sequel this has been. I absolutely loved the chance to revisit our relationship this Christmas, although I wasn’t expecting to find myself caught between two men and a beef Wellington! Making this short film has been so much fun. I hope it brings a little festive magic to everyone who watches it."

Joe Wilkinson added: "Chuffed to be back for the sequel. If a beef Wellington doesn’t win back the heart of a Hollywood A-lister, nowt will. Although there is the thorny issue of Keira Knightley’s new beau, the dashing Alex Hassell. How will she choose between us?"

Starring several celebrities and a nod to Notting Hill, watch the Waitrose 2026 Christmas advert - The Perfect Gift 2 below. 👇

Alex Hassell also said of is involvement: "I play ‘Hugo’, a man in love… but really only with himself! And the idea of being a part of a celebrity power couple. I loved The Perfect Gift last year, so it was an honour to join the cast for another episode in the story, and all the gorgeous, silliness that went with it. Hugo thinks he’s the cat’s meow but Phil has something he doesn’t: a beef wellington and an adorable heart... may the best man win!"

The advert, which was released in the early hours of Tuesday 10th November has already become a huge hit with fans, with viewers leaving comments on YouTube. One wrote: 'And only yesterday was I saying that I wish there was a part 2 after last year's wonderful Christmasadvert. You've outdone yourselves again Waitrose. Hats off to you....' (sic)

Another commented: 'Omg so beautiful! Well done Waitrose❤'. (sic)

READ MORE: Waitrose's 2025 Christmas advert was a huge hit with fans

Who stars in this year's Waitrose Christmas advert?

This year along with Keira Knightley, who plays herself there are a lot of celebrities including comedian Joe Wilkinson reprising his role of Phil. Along with the leading pair are Rivals star Alex Hassell, and Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond (who are presenting This Morning on TV).

Author: Anna Sky Magliola

Anna Sky Magliola is a Digital Content Editor at Rayo, creating content for brands including Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. She began her career at Bauer Media in 2007 and has spent almost two decades creating engaging digital content for millions of readers, specialising in music news, celebrity interviews and TV features. A passionate dance music fan, Anna Sky has travelled the world to experience some of the biggest festivals and is always looking for the next great music story.