Asda is the latest retailer to throw its hat into the Christmas advert ring for 2023, and it’s fair to say it’s pulled out all the stops this year.
That’s because the supermarket has managed to get “the biggest fan of Christmas” to star.
With several other retailers – including M&S, Aldi, Morrisons, TK Maxx, and lots more – having now released their Christmas TV adverts, and countless others airing as the days go on, Asda took to social media last week on 1 November to share a teaser of the commercial it would be bringing to the table this year.
And shoppers just couldn’t believe their eyes when they discovered that it seemed to star ACTUAL Michael Bublé.
After 2022’s viral fan-favourite Buddy the Elf ad stole the show, Asda confirmed what fans were hoping would be true as unveiled its full Christmas ad over the weekend, and the Canadian singer-songwriter does, in fact, take centre stage in the festive production.
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The singer has assumed the role of the supermarket’s inaugural ‘Chief Quality Officer’ especially for it.
Tasked with ensuring the retailer “delivers the very-best quality for the nation this Christmas”, Bublé is seen measuring rows of individual chocolate and orange panettones, and treating himself to some brown butter and spiced dark rum mince pies, all from Asda’s expansive 2023 festive food and drink range.
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Asda has just released its Christmas TV advert for 2023 / Credit: Asda
Other scenes in the 90-second advert show Bublé making his way around the Asda festive warehouse sampling new nibbles and tipples, approving the range of different products, and even requesting a “clean up on aisle five”.
Basically, as what Asda has dubbed “an indisputable connoisseur of Christmas”, Bublé draws on his expertise throughout the ad to make sure every product on the supermarket’s shelves is top quality.
If the star of the show wasn’t impressive enough as it is this year, who was behind the camera is almost equally as impressive by supermarket Christmas advert standards, as Asda has revealed that the commercial was shot by Oscar-winning filmmaker and comedic actor, Taika Waititi.
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The supermarket’s 2023 advert stars the “indisputable connoisseur of Christmas” / Credit: Asda
“I love my relationship with the UK, and I’m the biggest fan of Christmas,” Michael Bublé said as the advert was officially released.
“So it was an honour to be asked to star in Asda’s Christmas advert this year.
“Adopting the role of Chief Quality Officer, I took my responsibility very seriously, ensuring all product met the highest possible standards.
“I believe Christmas is a time like no other, there’s a special feeling in the air, a little more magic to be found, and even more excuses to put on a show with great tasting food.”
David Hills, who is Asda’s Chief Customer Officer, added on the ad’s release: “At Asda, we firmly believe that having the good stuff shouldn’t break the bank – especially at Christmas.
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“We absolutely love the festive season, and we couldn’t think of anyone better to bring our Christmas campaign to life than Michael Bublé.
“With Bublé’s undeniable ability to spread seasonal smiles and our commitment to quality, at great value, we’re a match made in heaven, proving Asda is a one-stop-shop for families seeking magic this Christmas.”
Featured Image – Asda
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Antoine Semenyo has officially joined Manchester City
Danny Jones
Yes, Man City have got their man and further bolstered their offensive options, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo having officially joined the club.
Having emerged as one of the Premier League’s hottest properties over the past couple of years, Antoine Semenyo has gone from not only being an extremely prolific winger, but beyond a flavour of the month, with multiple teams expressing their interest in recent months.
That being said, despite being linked with local rivals Manchester United, current champions Liverpool and an already heavily staffed Chelsea side, MCFC have now won the race to sign Semenyo – one they seem to have been leading since the start.
Finally unveiled by club media on Friday, 9 January, Semenyo was pictured for the first time in the sky blue strip.
It was long after that the first reports of the deal being ‘agreed in principle” surfaced online, and it became clear that no other suitors stood a chance of snatching him away from the Etihad Stadium.
Semenyo’s release clause was set at £65 million, which is approximately the same figure they sold former striker Dominic Solanke to Spurs for, but inevitable add-ons and bonuses were likely to set a rough club record fee in terms of player sales.
Penning a five-and-a-half-year deal, the 26-year-old’s contract will take him through to at least 2031, with the London-born Ghanaian international still yet to hit his peak.
Frightening stuff for Premier League defenders, to say the least.
Sharing a message with his new fan base via the full club statement, Semenyo said: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City…
“They have set the highest of standards, and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here, and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
Happy with the business, Blues? And as for you neutrals, do you think it’s the right next step for him?
Watch Semenyo’s first full interview as a Manchester City player.
Manchester United fans planning another major protest amid more upheaval around the club
Danny Jones
Manchester United supporters look set to stage another high-profile demonstration in protest against the INEOS Sports ownership group.
This is the latest response to the club’s continuing struggles, and not just the first proper organised mobilisation of the year, but the first since the most recent major march last spring.
Following the sacking of ‘manager’ Ruben Amorim, despite co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his board of executives insisting that the Portuguese head coach (that distinction proving to be a crucial detail), the local sporting giants are once again starting from scratch and looking for another replacement boss.
With that in mind, militant fan group The 1958 announced their most recent protest ahead of a home fixture next month in a rather bold fashion…
As announced we protest against this dysfunctional co-ownership before Fulham.
Yep, neither Amorim, Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, nor any face even remotely associated with Old Trafford/Carrington is safe from an AI parody.
As for The 1958 group’s actual protest plans, speaking via the BBC this week, the supporters’ trust has confirmed that they will be making a vocal statement outside the stadium on Sunday, 1 February.
Travelling Reds already made their thoughts known with a very blunt, provocative and somewhat controversial banner in the away end at Turf Moor for the 2-2 draw against Burnley.
With Man United approaching a third-round FA Cup tie against Brighton and two big games in the form of a Manchester Derby at home and a trip to Arsenal, they have decided to choose the Fulham game at Old Trafford to stage the march.
Despite admitting that the results under Amorim were no way near good enough, they insist that the – most notably the overarching and Glazer family shadow ever looming over the organisation.
Further details around the actual timings and locations are still yet to be shared by the organisers, but you can expect this to be a well-attended, large-scale event.
Often convening at The Tollgate pub near regular matchday tram stop, Trafford Bar, before walking down Talbot Road towards the ground itself, we imagine Reds will then descend upon the Theatre of Dreams in their thousands.
In case you didn’t already surmise from the video itself, Ratcliffe and co. will be no doubt the subject of the usual chants, as well as more banners and flags.
What do you make of the latest plans, Man United fans?
Nothing will ever be quite as bold as the infamous Old Trafford break-in from 2022 (Credit: The Manc)
Emily Sergeant -
6th November 2023 
