Image source, John Lewis Image caption,

A young boy tries to grow the perfect Christmas tree in John Lewis's advert

By Noor Nanji & Charlotte McDonald

BBC News

It's still only November, but the Christmas TV adverts are coming in thick and fast, bringing a sprinkling of festivity to our screens.

Many of this year's ads are fronted by A-list stars, from Michael Bublé and Rick Astley to Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

But John Lewis's commercial, released on Thursday, instead tells the tale of a little boy and a Venus flytrap.

"It will be hoping the theme of family values works," said retail expert Catherine Shuttleworth.

Charlotte Lock, customer director at John Lewis, told the BBC the retailer "asked for something that moved us on from last year and was different".

John Lewis is the latest big name brand to beam its festive message into UK homes.

"The overall theme in this year's Christmas adverts is glitz, fame and fun," Ms Shuttleworth added. "John Lewis has opted instead for a vision of a modern family Christmas. Let's see if it works."