Schoolboy Becomes Child Star In New John Lewis Christmas Ad

This Christmas, one advert in particular has tugged on the heart strings of the Models Direct team, and not surprisingly it features a very talented child actor. John Lewis’ 2011 Christmas advert follows a touching story of a little boy, played by 7-year-old schoolboy Lewis McGowan, impatiently counting down to Christmas.

This Christmas, one advert in particular has tugged on the heart strings of the Models Direct team, and not surprisingly it features a very talented child actor.

John Lewis’ 2011 Christmas advert follows a touching story of a little boy, played by 7-year-old schoolboy Lewis McGowan, impatiently counting down to Christmas.

Scotland-born Lewis, who was picked from an incredible 250 auditionees, is captured in the ad tapping his fingers, gazing out of the window, even trying to cast a spell on a clock to make time go by faster – all to the sound of the Smiths’ track ‘Please, Please, Please let me get what I want’, covered by Slow Moving Millie.

But when Christmas morning finally comes around, he ignores his own presents, and instead dashes into his parents’ bedroom to give them their gift that’s been tucked away in his wardrobe.

The ad then ends with the strap line ‘For gifts you can’t wait to give’, showing us all that there’s something even better than receiving the perfect gift, and that is knowing you have found the perfect gift for someone else.

With such a realistic and heart felt performance, naturally Lewis has become a sensation ever since the ad was first aired last Friday.

Lewis’ dad, Stuart McGowan, told The Telegraph: “He is such a great wee boy. He is just like the boy in the advert- so kind and always thinking of others. He is just so natural in front of a camera.

“He and his big brother are always running about making films. I think that’s why Lewis is so relaxed [in the advert] as he has spent years acting the part of a zombie.”

According to newspaper reports, young Lewis has been keen to go into acting ever since he was little. As such, his parents decided to sign both Lewis and his 11 year old big brother up to a talent agency.

Stuart, who is an actor himself having had roles in BBC series Garrow’s Law and Lip Service, told the Sun: “When he got the ad we were all excited and he was over the moon. It’s his first acting role and he was so delighted.”

Julie, Lewis’ mum, added: “We thought it was a lovely idea for an advert and he was absolutely brilliant in it. All he’s ever wanted to be is an actor. I was always reluctant as I didn’t want his school work suffering.

“Finally I gave in because I thought nothing would come of it. Then the first thing he does goes massive!”

If you have a child that’s interested in acting or modelling and would enjoy starring in a TV commercial as much as Lewis has, then we recommend following in Lewis’ parents’ footsteps and start by signing up your child to a talent agency. You never know, your child could be in Lewis’ position before you know it!

In the meantime, check out the advert above and let us know what you think of Lewis’ performance!