The John Lewis Christmas advert for 2019 has been released, introducing the world to Excitable Edgar – who gets just a little too over-enthusiastic when it comes to Christmas celebrations.
And once again the advert is soundtracked by a cover version of a classic tune – in this case REO Speedwagon’s 80s power ballad Can’t Fight This Feeling – with the honour of singing it falling to Bastille frontman Dan Smith.
He certainly does the song justice – but just who is Dan, and what are Bastille up to these days?
Here’s what you need to know…
Who is Bastille frontman Dan Smith?
Dan, 33, was born in London on 14 July 1986.
He began writing songs when he was 15 and studied at Leeds University, initially wanting to be a film director or editor before reaching the final of a talent contest in Leeds in 2007.
He pursued a solo career as well as side projects before returning to London and forming Bastille in 2010 with fellow band members Chris ‘Woody’ Wood, Will Farquarson and Kyle Simmons.
The band named themselves after Bastille Day, which coincidentally happens to be Dan’s birthday.
They’re best known for the 2013 hit Pompeii, which went all the way to number two in the UK charts and also reached number five in the US, although they’ve also scored number two hits with Of The Night and Happier, featuring producer and DJ Marshmello.
The band’s other hits have included Good Grief, Flaws and Things We Lost In The Fire – and they’ve also released three albums, Bad Blood, Wild World and Doom Days.
Dan also took part in the 2014 reworking of Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? as well as featuring on the Grenfell charity song Bridge Over Troubled Water in 2017.
More recently he duetted with Pink at the 2019 Brit Awards, on her song Just Give Me A Reason.
Are Bastille still together?
The band are indeed still together, having released their most recent album Doom Days this year.
They’re also out on tour later this month and in December before heading off for a string of dates in Australia and New Zealand in early 2020.
You can find out more information about their tour dates at their official website.
Is Dan Smith married or does he have a girlfriend?
It’s not known whether Dan is dating anyone or is married – as he keeps that side of things pretty private.
When is the John Lewis advert on TV?
The advert will debut on TV on Saturday night on ITV during X Factor: Celebrity.
Alternatively you can see it for yourself now on John Lewis’ YouTube channel.
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