British retailer John Lewis has unveiled its latest Christmas ad.

The company's lavish Christmas ads are seen by many as one of the early signs that the festive season is getting underway.

This year's ad shows an unlikely friendship between a 14-year-old boy and an alien who crash-landed on earth right before Christmas.

It's set to a cover version of 1984 hit Together in Electric Dreams, performed here by London singer-songwriter Lola Young.

What happens when an #UnexpectedGuest lands in your forest? 🌠 You show them how Christmas is done, of course 🎄

Find out more 💫 ✨ https://t.co/mSbISaLCtU pic.twitter.com/Rz6eb0dslA

— John Lewis & Partners (@JohnLewisRetail) November 4, 2021

Lola said: "Growing up I always watched the John Lewis Christmas adverts, they’re iconic and so it kinda feels surreal getting asked to be in one.

"It also means a lot as an up and coming artist to be a part of something this special.

"Together In Electric Dreams is a very beautiful song. I love that era of music and I think [original artists] Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder are incredible."

Previous festive ads for the UK department store have racked up millions of views online.

Particularly memorable ads include the Old Man Who Lived on the Moon in 2015 and Buster the Boxer Dog in 2016.