Star of John Lewis ad didn't tell his mother he was going to be in it

The young actor who starred in this year's John Lewis Christmas advert managed to keep his appearance a secret from his mother so he could surprise her.

Jack Alldridge is the breakout star of this year's traditional tear-jerker for the department store chain.

In the two-minute clip, he acts as a doting son who, in an effort to show his love and affection for his old school raver dad, gifts him a vinyl record of Alison Limerick's 1990 dance tune Where Love Lives.

As he plays the tune out loud, the father is transported back to an overcrowded nightclub full of sweaty ravers, neon outfits and bright LED lights - in an apparent nod to the dance scene that captivated the 80s and 90s. 

Then, as a modern version of the track echoes softly in the background, the scene shifts back to the present day, where the embarrassed teen is pulled into an embrace by his emotional dad. 

While, the ad has received mixed reviews from shoppers, it has delighted dads reminiscent of their old school 90s raver days, with some arguing it may be the retailer's 'best ever'.

But, it seems behind the scenes there is a touching story that may be even more compelling than the advert itself, as Jack's mother was completely unaware he would be starring in it.

Instead, Jack wanted his appearance in the beloved festive advert to be a surprise for his mother - who only found out when she saw it on TV for the first time and then rang her son immediately in tears of joy.

Meanwhile, Jack's 'proud' father Martin told his Facebook friends that he 'loved' the advert and even shed a tear while watching it.

Jack told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday: 'I woke up to a message saying [from my mum] saying "Thanks for telling me! 

'And then I FaceTimed her, she was screaming down the phone and crying. It was worth it, I think, to not tell anyone and really keep it to myself and then...boom!'

Jack also revealed that at the time of auditioning for the advert, he had no idea what brand it was for and only found out when he got the part.

'They didn’t tell me throughout the auditioning process what it was, and I didn’t speculate, I just didn’t think about it. 

'I can’t remember what they said but a retail brand or something like that and then found out I got the job and they told me.

'I was sort of just sat there on the sofa like, "Ok, this is going to be an interesting one!". And now being on the other side of it, I’m really happy with that final product.'

Surprisingly, despite starring in the ad, Jack was only able to view the finished product last night - hours before it was released to the wider public. 

'I had to arrange a zoom meeting to watch it, because obviously it was such a big thing and it is quite secretive. I took a moment after that zoom call and I was like yeah I am happy with that.'

Before the end of the chat, Jack revealed he was able to keep the blue jumper he wears in the advert as a 'wrap gift'. 

Meanwhile, earlier this morning Jack's dad posted on social media similarly expressing his admiration for his son after seeing the ad for the first time. 

'I'm so bloody proud of my so determined and lovely son Jack and congratulate my wonderful boy for his first scene on TV in John Lewis new Christmas Add (sic).

'Its so good and Jacks just totally being himself so natural.  Love you so much my boy, I am and Berni loves it and says well done she also loved it. 

'I did cry watching but such a happy one mate see you very soon xxxx'.

A number of Martin's friends were quick to congratulate the proud father and his son for the 'great' performance. 

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Having appeared as a recurring role in the Netflix series Death by Lightning, Jack's appearance in the John Lewis Advert seemingly marks his first big break into the entertainment industry.

Jack graduated from the Guildford School of Acting in 2023 and has since landed a guest-lead role in BBC's Call the Midwife. 

He is also set to star in ITV's upcoming series The Lady and will appear alongside lead actor John Cena in Apple TV's Matchbox film - based on the brand of the same name - which is set to be released next year.

While there has been significant praise for Jack's role, the ad itself has received mixed reactions from divided fans. 

John Lewis left some viewers unimpressed, with one person writing on X: 'What a crock - again! These aren't Christmas adverts anymore. Stupid soundtrack, pointless "message". Urgh!'

'Are John Lewis in competition for the worst Christmas advert? If so, they won,' another critic wrote.

'Such a disappointment John Lewis. The Christmas advert doesn't feel like Christmas at all. It could be an advert about a birthday gift,' a third added, while a fourth said: 'I thought the son had died. It was a bit depressing really. Bring back the cute ads!'

However, while some called for sweeter ads from the retailer, others were glad of the representation, with several old school ravers delighted by the commercial.

'Maybe it's just the old 90s raver and DJ in me (yes, I had a life before being middle-aged) or I'm clearly bang on the demographic as a father with a teenager, but is this the best John Lewis ad ever?,' said one impressed viewer.

'I'm an old school raver with teenage kids....Love the advert,' said a second, while a third added: 'John Lewis, what you doing to me? That dad hug at the end though.'

Another individual admitted: 'Bawling at the new John Lewis Christmas ad. Best one yet for me.'

The commercial, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, has been released online this morning before airing on TV later today during The Great British Bake Off final on Channel 4.

Rosie Hanley, John Lewis's brand director, told the Daily Mail that while this year's advert has 'all the DNA' the brand's festive campaigns are known for, it is also quite 'unexpected'.

The vinyl disc will be sold exclusively at John Lewis, with Ms Limerick's version on the A-side and the new version by British rapper Labrinth as the B-side.

All profits from the £14.99 record will go to the firm's Building Happier Futures campaign to help people who have grown up in care.

Ms Limerick, 66, said she 'squealed like a child' when she heard that her song would be in the ad, adding that 'the storytelling, joyful resolution at the end, a thoughtful gift... are John Lewis through and through'.