Filmmaker Behind £50 Christmas Ad Is Back With Heartbreaking New Video About Loneliness

The filmmaker who gained national attention after creating a heartbreaking Christmas ad for just £50 is back with another tearjerker.

There were calls for Phil Beastall to direct John Lewis' next festive campaign after he left the nation in tears over his 'Love Is A Gift' video.

Now, the 32-year-old has teamed up with Good Morning Britain to promote their Christmas giving pledge.

Hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shepherd unveiled Phil's latest advert as part of the 1 Million Minutes initiative.

It starts with a woman who is stirred during her sleep, but when she turns around there's no one there. The advert then moves onto a dad and son playing the garden, before the son suddenly disappears.

An elderly man is then seen picking up two cups of tea before he remembers he's alone and only needs one.

ITV

The heartbreak then continues as a man turns to smile at his wife as they watch their excitable children under the Christmas tree but he only sees a picture of her.

The video then ends with strangers visiting the people featured in the ad and talking about their losses before adding: "You can help end loneliness."

ITV

Speaking of his role in the campaign, Phil said: "It's been incredible. I thought people would watch in the local community.

"To be asked to create this film for you guys is such an honour.

"With all of us we've grown this thick exterior where we go out to the world and battle it and under it all we have a soft core and we want to be loved."

Hundreds of moved Good Morning Britain viewers flocked to Twitter to praise the campaign, with one writing: "I couldn't watch this amazing film without crying.

"Grief is one of the hardest things we face in life. Hugs to anyone who's missing someone special this Christmas."

"Am in bits. My dad died 5 years ago and it doesn't get any easier. A wonderful film highlighting grief and Loneliness. Well done," another added.

A third wrote: "This film had me in tears this morning, very moving."

Topics: Christmas, Good Morning Britain, TV News, TV Entertainment

Emma Rosemurgey

Emma Rosemurgey is an NCTJ trained Junior Journalist at Tyla. She graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and started her career in regional newspapers before joining the team in 2017. Contact her on [email protected]

@emmarosemurgey