Down at Holiday Mascot HQ, a row is brewing between the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, Cupid, the Halloween Ghost and the St Patrick’s Day Leprechaun, after an Elf announces that Santa is thinking of cancelling Christmas. They are set straight by a newcomer, the Pancake Day Pancake, who reminds them that being different is a positive, and Christmas doesn’t always have to be the same.
There are some other well-know “different” characters involved with the ad: a voiceover by Matt Lucas and a directorial turn by Droga5 London’s David Kolbusz, who worked with Biscuit’s Jeff Low and 4Creative to give the “Merry Different” ad some of his signature humour.
Channel 4’s chief marketing officer Zaid Al-Qassab said: “Channel 4 is here to ensure alternative voices are heard, which reflect an inclusive modern Britain. We think our family of holiday mascots is a fitting reflection of the diversity of many British families doing their best in difficult circumstances this Christmas season.”
4Creative’s executive creative director Lynsey Atkin said: “Whether a work crisis meeting or an at-home kitchen meltdown, we’ve all had a moment this year where things have felt almost impossible. Even the things we love the most, like Christmas. But in the hardest of times comes hope. Admittedly, it may not always be pancake shaped, but it’s often those with a different perspective from ourselves, who can help us find a way. Channel 4 wishes everyone a very merry different Christmas.”
MAA creative scale: 9
