M&S Christmas ad cleared of sexism

The Advertising Standards Authority has decided not to investigate the ad after about 100 people complained about a line spoken by Life on Mars actor Philip Glenister in the spot.

Glenister says: “Oh come on, it’s Christmas”, adding “that girl prancing around in her underwear” before the camera switches to model Noemie Lenoir who is seen in her underwear.

The ASA says it will not launch a formal investigation and has closed the case after concluding the line was not derogatory and is unlikely to be interpreted as a negative comment on women.

Marks & Spencer’s star-studded Christmas campaign was created by RKCR/Y&R and also stars Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders, James Nesbitt, Twiggy and Myleene Klass.

The retailer is running six different executions of the creative featuring a range of products from food, to clothing and gifts, including separate ads to promote M&S Online and the M&S gift card.

M&S recently announced the appointment of Morrisons chief executive Marc Bolland as its new chief.