Currys PC World wades into Christmas ad battle

Multi-million pound campaign features Hollywood heavyweight Jeff Goldblum

Despite Christmas being many weeks away, the fight for the best Christmas ad just got serious.

Currys PC World has waded into the annual bunfight, hoping to knock John Lewis and Marks & Spencer off the top spot with its £10m campaign featuring Jurassic Park and The Fly star Jeff Goldblum.

It is the first time the computer and electrical retail giant has released Christmas adverts, and the idea behind the campaign, dubbed "Spare the Act", is to teach people how to react when they don't get the present of their dreams.

The campaign is made up of five adverts, which each delve into a different Christmas scenario where characters receive rubbish presents, are served burnt turkey or are trying to watch festive films on an ancient TV set.

In each one, Goldblum appears with friendly advice to help people survive those awkward present moments, and how to act surprised and above all grateful, when that shiny gadget they expected turns out to be a baked bean jigsaw or peppermint talcum powder.

Of course the "hidden" message in the ad is that Currys PC World has everything people need to make a very happy Christmas.

Gary Booker, chief marketing officer at Dixons Carphone, said: "We love Christmas and know our customers do too, but we also know that in reality it comes with its fair share of family politics, awkward moments and disappointing gifts. This campaign is made with this in mind, reminding customers that we understand them."

Goldblum said in a statement: "I'm delighted to be involved in this timely campaign that will hopefully help people find the perfect holiday gifts for the people they care about most - without all the risky guesswork."