M&S has pulled an outtake post from its 2023 Christmas advert after being hit with strong backlash for showing burning paper hats that resembled the Palestinian flag.
The retailer has also publicly apologised and addressed the controversy in an official statement.
As the distressing Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East – which began on 7 October after a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, and has since led to ongoing military action – continues to escalate by the day, with more than 1,400 Israelis and upwards of 9,000 Palestinians said to have lost their lives as a result of the conflict, official sources have declared, M&S has found itself in hot water over an outtake shared from its 2023 Christmas campaign.
With its slogan for the festive season being #LoveThismasNotThatmas, the retailer’s TV advert this year seems to be centred around the theme of encouraging customers to focus on enjoying themselves, rather than conforming to Christmas traditions they’re not so keen on.
People blowtorching Christmas cards, whacking a toy elf with a baseball bat, and shredding silver hats are just some of the scenes in the 2023 advert – which is fronted by Ted Lasso star, Hannah Waddingham.
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To give customers a glimpse behind the scenes at the advert – which also features singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, actress Zawe Ashton, Queer Eye’s Tan France, and more – M&S took to social media to share an outtake image from the advert to tease its imminent release.
The image depicted red, silver, and green Christmas paper hats being tossed into a burning fireplace.
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Hannah Waddingham in M&S’s Christmas clothing and home advert for 2023 / Credit: M&S
The post was accompanied on social media with the caption: “This Christmas, do what you love… like saying no to paper hats” – with the hashtag #LoveThismasNotThatmas at the end.
Given the current contentious climate, people subsequently began to point-out on social media that the choice of colours of the paper hats resembled the colours of the Palestinian flag – leading to M&S making the decision to pull the post, and addressing the situation in its defence in an official statement.
The retailer has palso issued a public apology “for any unintentional hurt caused” alongside its statement.
Once again taking to social media, M&S’s statement reads: “Today we shared an outtake image from our Christmas Clothing and Home advert, which was recorded in August.
“It showed traditional, festive coloured red, green and silver Christmas paper party hats in a fire grate.
“While the intent was to playfully show that some people just don’t enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats over the festive season, we have removed the post following feedback, and we apologise for any unintentional hurt caused.
Featured Image – M&S
TV & Showbiz
More adult virgins needed for next series of Channel 4’s hit reality show Virgin Island
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
You may remember that early last year, we brought you the breaking highly-important news that Channel 4 was currently in the process of producing a new reality TV series that, at the time, had the working title of ‘The Intimacy Retreat’ and was looking for a group of adult virgins to apply to take part, if they were brave enough.
But now, well over a year on, we all know that show turned out to be the hit show Virgin Island – which has just finished airing its first series this week.
Channel 4 needs more adult virgins for the potential next series of its hit reality TV show Virgin Island / Credit: Channel 4
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before, as it follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
Virgin Island aims to help young people overcome their insecurities around intimacy and sex / Credit: Channel 4
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic literary and film sagas of the 21st century is celebrating 20 years since the first book was published next year.
And to celebrate this milestone moment, you’ll be able to watch the first film live in dozens of cities across the UK surrounded by the beauty of more than a thousand candles while a live orchestra plays the soundtrack to accompany.
That’s right, Twilight in Concert is coming to Manchester.
Undeniably one of the most successful young adult film franchises of all time, with five films (Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2) to its name, The Twilight Saga has impressively grossed more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester / Credit: Supplied
The films were adapted from author Stephenie Meyer’s acclaimed literary series that won multiple awards over its time, sold more than 160 million copies worldwide, and was translated into 49 different languages.
But no matter whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, Twilight In Concert promises to be an unforgettable event for fans of the belovedfranchise, two decades on.
Set in an enchanting candlelit setting, TwilightIn Concert offers fans a unique opportunity to re-live the film that started it all, while musicians take the stage to perform the beloved score in perfect synchronisation with the original movie presented in its entirety on a cinema-size screen.
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians / Credit: Supplied
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians to transport you on a journey deep into the heart of Forks.
Twilight in Concert will be stopping off at 12 other major UK cities on its tour, including other northern hubs such as Sheffield, York, and Liverpool, as well as arriving at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Friday 6 February 2026.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd November 2023 
