Emily Atack and Mathew Horne share a passionate kiss as they take on the roles of Tina and Chris in the new nostalgic Christmas advert for Debenhams.
The four-minute-long video shows them and Kym Marsh, who plays Katie the landlady and singer Gabrielle, who plays herself, getting glammed up to attend their local village festive party.
For Tina, [Emily], things feel a little different this year, and while she’s back in her childhood home, she’s just not quite feeling that Christmas spirit.
That is until she steps into the village hall and sees Chris (Mathew) her old childhood friend.
Quiet, shy and once barely on her radar, the pair share a glance and a smile which suggests that tonight, she might see him differently. And throughout the video, viewers see them get closer and closer.
But, of course, things don't go quite as planned and the headline act, Gabrielle is caught in a snowstorm.
Encouraged by style expert Mark Heyes, Chris nervously takes to the stage with his guitar, and plays a song close to Tina's heart.
A flashback clip shows them as teenagers who had a crush on one another, as they sit on a park bench in their school uniforms, playing the very same song.
Emily Atack and Mathew Horne share a passionate kiss as they take on the roles of Tina and Chris in the new nostalgic Christmas advert for Debenhams
Emily Atack and Mathew Horne share a passionate kiss in the new star-studded Debenhams Christmas advert with appearances from Kym Marsh and Gabrielle
The pair take on the roles of Tina and Chris who have a major crush on one another and finally get together at the village Christmas party
As well as Emily and Matt, the advert also stars Kym, Mark Heyes, Influencers Saffron Barker, Sammi Maria and Jay Beech and of course, Gabrielle
As Tina reminisces about their connection, the entire village plunges into darkness thanks to a power cut caused by a neighbour’s over-the-top Christmas light display.
Gabrielle finally arrives to save the day, taking to the stage just as the power is restored – and Tina and Chris reunite with a kiss.
Influencers Saffron Barker, Sammi Maria and Jay Beech, can be seen dancing along to Gabrielle’s hit song Dreams.
In real life, Emily, 36, will be enjoying her first Christmas as a married woman this year after the mother-of-one tied the knot with Alistair Garner.
And Mathew, 48, is married to Norwegian set designer Celina Bassili.
Debenhams' latest campaign message is 'Christmas. For Everyone.'
It’s about what happens when the plans fall apart. It’s about the people who show up and the unexpected moments that matter most – the ones you never could have planned for.
For Tina, [Emily], things feel a little different this year, and while she’s back in her childhood home, she’s just not quite feeling that Christmas spirit. That is until she steps into the village hall and sees Chris (Mathew) her old childhood friend
Chris nervously takes to the stage with his guitar, and plays a song close to Tina's heart when star act Gabrielle gets caught in a snowstorm
The landlady, played by Kym helps everyone to get into the party spirit as she keeps the drinks flowing
Gabrielle finally arrives to save the day, taking to the stage just as the power is restored
Style consultant Mark Heyes also makes an appearance in the ad as compere
Talking about the advert, Emily said: 'For me, Debenhams and Christmas go hand-in-hand, so it was great to be asked to be a part of the campaign this year especially as this is such an exciting Christmas for me personally.
'I loved filming it, the warm, nostalgic vibe of the party in the film felt just perfect and what a fantastically talented and lovely cast to be a part of.
'I can't wait for this Christmas season, and I adore the theme of the campaign which is to remind everyone to reconnect with family and friends at this wonderful time of the year.'
Mathew said: 'I’m often associated with Christmas due to a certain TV programme! I know many fans have associated memories around that show and the festive period.
'Families, friends and loved ones would gather round the TV to watch the Christmas specials and I'm delighted to be a part of another festive film that celebrates similar themes of togetherness.'