Rivals star Alex Hassell challenges James Norton's sexy Santa in Waitrose's new festive advert

Waitrose's latest Christmas advert is here, and the love story between Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson continues. This morning saw the supermarket unveil The Perfect Gift 2, the sequel to last year's festive rom-com starring the movie icon and beloved comedian.

This year, they're also joined by Rivals star Alex Hassell as Hugo Bunty-Griffin, Joe's love rival and Keira's dashing groom.

Directed by Molly Manners, The Perfect Gift 2 follows Knightley on her wedding day, set to tie the knot at 3pm, but unfortunately for Phil (Wilkinson), she isn't marrying him.

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But unfortunately for Knightley, who plays a fictionalised version of herself in the advert, Hugo is more in love with his own reflection than the bride, treating their big day as his own personal photoshoot.

Meanwhile, Phil is heartbroken by her impending nuptials, solely confiding his feelings to a pack of Waitrose No.1 Handmade Polar Bear Bao Buns – as you do.

When all hope seems lost, his best friend arrives on his doorstep with a plan and Waitrose bags in hand, preparing Phil to bake the beef Wellington to end all beef Wellingtons and win back Knightley's love.

Once he's perfected his Wellington, Phil faces a race against the clock to reach her before she says "I do", facing a flat tyre, a hungry dog, and a stately home with a ridiculous number of stairs.

When he finally bursts through the door, his beloved beef Wellington goes flying and ends up tumbling down the aisle to Knightley's feet. But all hope is not lost, as we see a jar of homemade sauce with the label: "Marry Me Instead?"

Keira ditches Hugo and instead marries Phil, getting down on one knee with a cheese board ring and Phil's jar as the diamond. N'aww.

Speaking on the advert's release, the Black Doves actor said in a statement: "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."

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The Celebrity Traitors star 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?"

The Rivals star also opened up about his role, saying: "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!"

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn