Heathrow's Christmas ad tells the charming love story of its teddy bears Doris and Edward
Heathrow Airport is looking to appeal to viewers' sentimental side this Christmas, using its festive spot to recount the 50-year-long love story of its much-loved teddy bears, Doris and Edward Bair.
Set to the sweet sound of Petula Clark's Couldn't Live Without Your Love, the ad opens in the 1960s
The bears were first introduced in 2016 as an elderly couple returning to London to meet their family for Christmas, but this year the airport has plumped for a more nostalgic spot.
Set to the sweet sound of Petula Clark's Couldn't Live Without Your Love, the ad opens in the 1960s when the couple first set eyes on one another. Viewers discover that the pair met when Edward left his overcoat on a plane after returning from a business trip. Doris, who was then air stewardess, chased after him to return his item, and the rest – as they say – was history.
At the centre of their romance, is Heathrow arrivals hall, which is used as a backdrop to showcase a series of charming moments across the Bair's 50-year relationship.
As with the 2016 effort, this year's creative was led by Havas London, with much of the ad being filmed in Heathrow's now-closed Terminal One. The film was directed by Dom & Nic through Outsider Productions, with animation from The Mill.
“After an overwhelming response across the globe to Doris and Edward last year, we had to bring these lovable bears back to our screens," said Ross Baker, Heathrow’s commercial director. "We hear from our passengers that there is no greater feeling than being wrapped in the arms of a loved one at Christmas. We wanted the advert to capture this unique feeling and make people feel even more excited to welcome friends and family this festive season.”
The ad is likely to appease viewers who didn't think that this year's John Lewis spot, which told the story of Moz the Monster, was sentimental enough.