The UK waits patiently like a ritual every year for John Lewis to air its Christmas advert.

This year, the two-minute ad stars space traveller Skye crash-landing at the height of festivities in the woods near the home of Nathan.

He introduces her to the traditions of eating mince pies, decorating the tree and, to her slight confusion, wearing novelty jumpers.

The soundtrack is provided by 20-year-old London singer and songwriter Lola Young, who performs a cover of Together In Electric Dreams, originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984.

The release of the ad is around a fortnight earlier than usual and comes as the retailer revealed Christmas-related searches on its website are up 50 per cent on this time last year.

We asked News Shopper readers what they thought of the new Unexpected Guest ad.

News Shopper:

Here's what the general consensus was:

 Billie-jo Swain said: "I loved it! Thought it was really sweet!

"He included her in his Christmas! He shared that with her, It’s the small things that matter the most."

Claire Bance said: "Not their best."

Sarah Bayne said: "Absolutely love it!"

Sophie Naish said: "A cross between stranger things and ET nope not Christmassy at all!"

Nikki Harnett said: "Not the best but still really good."

Evalyn Watermaan said: "It's different but they've made better."

Chantal Mascoe said: "Like it and I liked the Sainsbury’s Christmas last year too."

Tracey Collins said: "Rubbish..

"Bring back bear and the hare..

"Best one of all.."

Aileen Taylor Midgeley said: "Loved it."

Dave Carless said: "Really nice"

Sue Butler said: "Have seen it now, love it, shades of ET."

Denise Gleeson said: "Sorry I don't like it."

Karen Fenn said: "Aliens are upon us... what next. Lol."

Sandie Anne said: "Not as good as others they have done."

News Shopper:

In addition, eagle-eyed south London viewers have spotted a familiar location where they reckon the advert was filmed close-by.

It's apparently shown where 14-year-old Nathan starts heading into the woods and the bus drives away at the start of the clip.

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