Marks & Spencer axes stars from Christmas ads

by Staff, Marketing 13-Sep-05, 12:00

LONDON - Marks & Spencer will not use celebrities in its Christmas advertising campaign this year.

Among the celebrities used by the company in last year's TV ads were Rupert Everett, Gordon Ramsay and Des Lynam. In 2003, Emma Bunton starred, while Denise Van Outen and Cat Deeley featured the previous year.

Insiders said M&S chief executive Stuart Rose wants a more straightforward approach to boost business.

M&S' advertising agency, Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R, claimed it has only just been briefed on the campaign and nothing had been decided.

M&S this week launches its first womenswear TV ads for almost five years. The campaign features four well-known models from different age groups, including Twiggy and Laura Bailey.

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