‘Alternative John Lewis’ Christmas advert has people in tears

An advert that's been dubbed the 'alternative John Lewis ad' has gone viral online after reflecting the 'true reality' of the cost of living crisis this Christmas.

The video, which is titled The GoKart, has had millions of views and was created by filmmaker Sam Teale, aged 20. It was filmed in West Yorkshire and stars a widowed dad and his little boy, who has recently lost his mum.

Prepare to get emotional:

The emotional mini film was created in Teale's hometown and even features his former school, the local barber shop, the park and the graveyard where his grandfather is buried.

The advert begins with the dad taking his son to have his hair cut. But when the barber asks what Father Christmas is bringing him this year, he says: "Santa is poorly this year."

The barber doesn't charge the dad for the cut, and the pair head home, where the dad makes his son's tea, having just a glass of water for himself.

He then tucks him up in bed, turns the heating and electricity off and sits sobbing in his coat.

Sam Teale Productions

In another heartwrenching scene, the dad can be seen visiting his wife's grave while his son is at school. He then heads home to the garden shed, and begins making his son a Christmas present - a homemade go-kart.

"Christmas is made not bought. We are proud to present our 2022 Christmas advert," Teale wrote on Instagram.

And viewers have been left blown away by the advert, with thousands of likes and comments.

One person wrote: "What a fab production guys, really shows what’s important at Christmas. It’s not what’s under the tree, but who is round the table that matters. Hug all your loved ones close, friends, family and anyone who brings a smile to your face. The world needs a lot more love these days."

While another said: "If you aren’t moved by this, you must be made of stone. Too much emphasis is on the money, retail and greed side of Christmas. This is emotive and beautifully made."

And a third added: "This advert has touched my heart and I haven't stopped crying yet."

Sam Teale Productions

Teale thanked followers for all their support and suggested that if people would like do donate to charities helping single parents, they could donate to Gingerbread.

"Thank you so much for your support; we are honoured to receive this fantastic response. A few people have asked about charities that help people like the ones in the film, and we have found Gingerbread," he wrote.

"They support the families hardest hit by the rising costs we're all struggling with. Gingerbread helps single parents like the Dad in our film navigate the help available to get much-needed supplies and money and provides emotional support too.

"They answer 600 queries monthly through their helpline, support 2,000 families through their support groups, and over 1 million visit their website information pages each year."