The bouncing Boxer dog from one of John Lewis’ best-loved Christmas adverts has sadly passed away, his owners have revealed.
The four-legged star of the department store’s 2016 Christmas advert titled ‘Buster the Boxer’ – who’s real name was Biff – has sadly passed away at the age of 12, with his owner Jen Patten taking to social media this week to share the sad news.
The heartbroken owner explained that Biff had experienced seizures in the early hours of Monday morning, and they sadly “couldn’t bring him back”.
“Fly high our beautiful, special boy – we shall miss you forever,” Ms Patten wrote.
Biff took on the role of the title character Buster in the popular advert – which many will remember followed the story of a young girl who’s father builds a her a trampoline in the garden on Christmas Eve, only for two foxes, a badger, some squirrels, and a hedgehog to start jumping on it, with Buster watching on longingly through the window from the living room.
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Then on Christmas Day morning, the girl runs down the stairs and into the garden to find the trampoline, but Buster hijacks the surprise and leaps onto the trampoline to have some fun and do a bit of jumping himself.
The camera then pans onto the family watch in shock as Buster has the absolute time of his life bouncing up and down.
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The bouncing Boxer dog from one of John Lewis’ best-loved Christmas adverts has sadly passed away / Credit: John Lewis
Speaking to the Daily Mail about the death of beloved pup, Ms Patten said: “Biff was a very much loved family member, and everyone that met him loved him too.
“We had a really special bond, and no matter what I asked of him, whether it would be new tricks, displays, meet and greets, or photos with children, adults, and animals, he would happily oblige, with the patience of a saint.
“At home, he was pure joy, making us smile every day… [and] we shall miss him so much.”
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As well as John Lewis’ charitable efforts from the advert at the time, with a portion of the soft toy animals sales earnings being donated to The Wildlife Trusts across the UK, Biff’s newfound fame also helped him lend a hand too.
“His fame gave us the opportunity to raise funds for animal charities,” Ms Patten concluded.
Featured Image – John Lewis
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Tens of thousands queue for exclusive new Selfridges Jellycat toy
Daisy Jackson
Selfridges has today unveiled a brand-new, exclusive Jellycat toy – and it’s proving so popular an online queue has had to be put in place.
At the time of writing, a whopping 28,000 people are currently in a virtual queue to purchase the adorable new Jellycat character, with a wait time of more than an hour.
Today, Selfridges debuted a world-exclusive toy for the department store – a plushie version of its iconic yellow bag.
The Jellycat Amuseables toy comes in a soft yellow fabric, with the signature Jellycat smile, plus corded handles and legs.
And it does function as a miniature bag too, perfect for storing other pieces from your collection.
It’s been launched to celebrate a milestone 25 years of partnership between the two brands.
The Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc Group
The Selfridges x Jellycat exclusive retails at £48 – and its price has done absolutely nothing to deter people from shopping.
As well as being stocked online, the Selfridges bag soft toy is available in store in Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre in Manchester, as well as in Birmingham and London.
Judd Crane, Selfridges Executive Director, Buying and Brand, said: “We are very proud to be part of Jellycat’s incredible story, as one of the brand’s first stockists, launching at Selfridges in 2000,” reports The Industry.Fashion.
The current queue on the Selfridges website for the Jellycat exclusive
“We have watched the Jellycat brand, and family, evolve as its loyal and inclusive community of fans and collectors continues to grow and grow. Twenty five years later, Jellycat is a firm favourite with our customers, who come to us for characters and experiences which make their day brighter.
“The Selfridges yellow bag is perhaps the most recognisable part of our brand personality, and we are excited be able to share it with Jellycat!”
You can pick up the Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag in-store and online from today.
To celebrate 25 years of @Jellycat and @Selfridges, there’s a brand new character on the shelf and she’s beautiful 🥹💛 📍 Available now at both Selfridges Exchange Square and Trafford Centre #manchester#selfridges#jellycat#jellycatcollection#manc
There’s a FREE Children in Need event coming to MediaCityUK
Thomas Melia
An all-new and completely free to enjoy Children in Need event is making its way to MediaCityUK later this November, and it’s bringing along some iconic brands.
Everyone’s favourite yellow bear is returning to Manchester to take over MediaCityUK and rename it Pudsey’s Piazza for one night only.
Pudsey Bear is heading down to MediaCityUK and he’s bringing all the best activities, games, famous food, live music and more for four hours of FREE family-oriented fun.
You can expect to see Pudsey and the team alongside a whole host of celebrities, brand partners and lots of friends when Children in Need hosts its celebration later this November.
Some of the brands which have been announced include staple high street bakery Greggs, a collaboration between McDonald’s and its sports counterpart, Fun Football UK.
DJ AG is just one of the special guests preparing to take over MediaCityUK this November for Children in Need (Credit: Supplied)
Also joining the bill is viral TikTok potato-loving duo Spud Bros, who will be serving up their famed jacket potatoes with an array of fillings to choose from inside their recognisable big red van.
Greggs will be bringing a huge double-decker bus to Pudsey’s Piazza at MediaCityUK with treats on hand throughout this evening celebration, as well as interactive games for you to play.
You’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of a replica Red Arrows jet, which will be situated on the piazza all night long courtesy of aerial experts Royal Air Force.
If that wasn’t enough for you, your night will be soundtracked by the one and only viral nomad music maker DJ AG, who’ll be playing out tunes as part of a charity livestream at the bandstand.
MediaCityUK is the home of BBC Children in Need, so it’s only fitting that Pudsey would throw one of his biggest parties yet right here in Greater Manchester.
Pudsey and his friends are transforming MediaCityUK into Pudsey’s Piazza on Friday, 14 November from 4pm to 8pm, and they’re encouraging anyone to come along, especially since it’s FREE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd November 2022 
