Keira Knightley falls 'in love' with Joe Wilkinson in Waitrose’s 2025 Christmas rom-com

Keira Knightley falls "head over heels in love" with Joe Wilkinson in the rom-com inspired Waitrose Christmas advert.

The four-minute film, titled The Perfect Gift, pairs the Love Actually star with Wilkinson, who is reprising his role as Phil from last year’s memorable ‘whodunnit’ Christmas advert. The first-of-its-kind campaign short follows their unexpected romance, blossoming over the ultimate love language: food.

The story begins with a charming meet-up between the two at a Waitrose cheese counter, where the pair bond over Sussex Charmer Mature Cheddar. Their on-screen romance unfolds through shared culinary delights, culminating in Phil recreating Keira’s Nan’s pie recipe - the inspiration behind the Waitrose No.1 Festive Turkey Pie - before delivering the ultimate “I love you".

Supporting “food stars” include Wagyu Beef Mini Pie, Golden Mince Pies with Limoncello, and Vintage Cheddar Bake with Turkey, Bacon and Sage, celebrating the supermarket’s elevated festive offering.

Directed by Molly Manners and created by Wonderhood Studios, the campaign pays homage to classic romantic comedies while highlighting how food brings people together and helps convey messages of love and care.

And Keira, 40, enjoyed every moment of filming the festive campaign with comedian Joe, 50.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actress said: “I love food, and so when I received this script where I get to fall head over heels in love over a shared love of cheese, I couldn't turn it down! I adored working on this silly, fun and delicious film with Joe and I hope those watching it fall in love too."

Joe added: “It was great to be back with Waitrose for their 2025 Christmas campaign. This year, Phil got to enjoy both the love and the food he truly deserved. As you can imagine, it was tough having to eat the delicious Waitrose food and falling in love with Keira, but I just got on with it, like the trooper I am!"

Nathan Ansell, Waitrose Chief Customer Officer, said: “When it comes to Christmas, delicious food and drink play a central role in bringing people together and helping us show affection. This year, we welcomed British heroine, Keira Knightley, and Waitrose’ favourite, Joe Wilkinson, to help us show Food Lovers how to ‘say it with food’.

"Our four-minute Christmas film - an industry first - pays homage to the seasonal romantic comedy tradition, celebrates the exciting and elevated Waitrose festive food offering, and adds a little more of that warm, fuzzy feeling to the holiday season. It’s the perfect gift from Waitrose, to you.”