Keira Knightley Returns in Waitrose’s Festive Sequel With Celebrity Cameos

Waitrose Christmas advert The Perfect Gift 2 starring Keira Knightley, Digi Mart USA News: Following criticism of this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, Waitrose has released a festive offering packed with unexpected stars from television series including Rivals and This Morning.

Last year’s Waitrose romcom campaign, The Perfect Gift, saw Keira Knightley play herself as she met an everyday local man named Phil, played by Joe Wilkinson. The pair bonded over a love of cheese at the Waitrose deli counter before going on a date.

A classic misunderstanding follows, before Phil finds “the perfect gift” for his new girlfriend: a homemade turkey pie made from his Nan’s recipe, with “I love you” written on top in pastry.

This year brings a sequel. Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson return for the six-minute film The Perfect Gift 2.

In the story, Knightley is about to marry Hugo Bunty-Griffin, Phil’s rival, played by Rivals star Alex Hassell. Hugo, a parody of Rupert Campbell-Black, appears more interested in his own reflection than in his bride-to-be.

After the split with Keira, Phil is left sad and alone, sporting a long beard and being reminded of his loss by Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond. This Morning also runs a segment on Knightley’s upcoming wedding.

Phil’s friends arrive to lift his spirits and bring loaded Waitrose shopping bags. Together they plan to stop the wedding with a beef Wellington, with a jar labeled “marry me instead?”

Further romcom moments follow, including a flat tire and a near-fall that nearly sends the Wellington across the aisle. Phil eventually delivers the gift to Keira, who is open to his proposal.

Hugo is left at the altar, and Phil returns home to find Keira in his kitchen, wearing her wedding dress under an apron and preparing a platter.

A nod to Notting Hill follows as Keira says, “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy.” The 1980s power ballad The Power of Love plays as the proposal is accepted, and the pair seal it with a kiss.