2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Megan Shaw)
A powerful and emotional Yorkshire Christmas advert has left viewers "in bits" as a struggling single mum faces her first Christmas alone without her husband. Cleckheaton ’s Sam Teale Productions is once again showing that heartfelt storytelling can surpass big-budget Christmas campaigns this year. Their highly anticipated 2024 Christmas advert, ‘The Last Gift' takes a step away from extravagant Christmas products and commercial gain.
Instead, it presents a poignant and heart-warming narrative that highlights the lasting impact of love, the sorrow of loss, and the resilience found in single parents across the country. Building on the viral success of their 2022 budget Christmas Advert ‘The GoKart’ - which earned over 40 million views globally and was hailed by viewers as “better than John Lewis” - Sam Teale Productions delves deeper into emotional storytelling. This year’s advert is expected to reach even bigger numbers as viewers are "reduced to tears.
" The advert tells the story of a widowed mother navigating her first Christmas without her husband. In a bittersweet moment, the mother discovers an old VHS tape of her late husband, sparking memories that offer both comfort and heartache. Accompanied by Cleckheaton’s Jenna Bay’s moving original song ‘Our Song’, the advert promises to be a timeless reminder of the importance of family connection and shared memories.
Director, Sam Teale , told Yorkshire Live : “This is our most special advert yet. It’s not about competing with the supermarket giants or the big brands, it’s about telling a story that reflects a deeper societal cause. It’s about the importance of people in our communities, giving them a voice, and making them feel seen.
“We’re shining a light on important issues, real communities, giving them a voice, and reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas - connection, love and cherishing those we hold dear before it is too late.” Jenna co-wrote ‘Our Song’ with Jack Hawitt last year, drawing inspiration from a personal experience. Musician Jenna said: "It captures the feelings of love and loss and shows the strength of leaning on those around you to find light after darkness.
“I created a new version of the song to suit the emotive storyline of this year’s Christmas advert. I hope it helps to raise awareness for people in need of support.” The locally produced Christmas ad certainly seems to have resonated with a lot of viewers with some even saying "John Lewis could learn a thing or two.
" One Facebook user Jessica Dawn penned: "So good, well done Sam Teale Productions you never fail to make me cry and to remind me of what the true meaning of Christmas is...
its love! John Lewis & Partners could learn a thing or two from you." And Jessica Cooper responded: "Knew I’d need the tissues, well done for creating such a beautiful advert showing a lot of the reality’s for many families around - the only advert I look forward to each year." Kelly Hodgson said: "46 seconds in and am crying, love love love your amazing work your videos send the most beautiful and strong message just beautiful.
" And Laura Hall agreed, writing: "Another amazing production. Definitely the best Christmas advert of the year". Sarah Senior wrote: "Amazing again sat in tears watching this it's as good if not better then last years well done.
" The project supports another vital cause, with this year’s proceeds going to Gingerbread, the UK’s largest single-parent charity. Jenna will contribute a percentage of sales of each song to Gingerbread. Vaila McClure, Head of Communications and Engagement at Gingerbread, said: “The advert’s message of resilience and love mirrors the experiences of the single parents we support every day.
“Sam Teale Productions is giving families a platform to feel seen, and the opportunity to shine a light on stories that often go untold behind closed doors.” The advert also honours Sam’s hometown memories, while their makeup artist’s experience as a single mum bringing her children to the set adds personal significance to this year’s film. The scene opens at Bennett’s Eggs and The Garden Coffee Lounge in Liversedge, with family scenes filmed at a house in Halifax .
Sam’s former school, Norristhorpe Junior and Infant School, also plays a significant role in the story. With an in-house team of talented young creatives, the average age being just 21, they continue to break new ground in heartfelt storytelling. Sam was recently named Creative Entrepreneur of the Year Northwest 2024 at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
An accolade that reflects the remarkable creativity, passion and storytelling excellence that define his team. ‘The Last Gift’ can be viewed in full on Sam Teale Productions’ social media channels, including YouTube and Facebook . You can donate to Gingerbread here .
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