Not just any choir....an M&S choir!

Yes that is UK Soul Choirs in the M&S Christmas Ad!

Woohoo! It's finally out and we are awash with excitement as we see our little faces (albeit very briefly!) flash onto the TV screen as part of this year's M&S Christmas TV advert.

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As is always the case with these jobs, there is always a certain amount of challenge that goes along with the process so I just wanted to share a bit about a shoot like this one-if you’re interested, of course!

Firstly, the amount of people involved! There are loads of bodies running around, convinced that their job is the most important one of all. They are given a brief and will execute it within an inch of its life! Can you believe that the hair and makeup department insisted on painting our nails for that quick flash?! From the costume department to the lighting crew, everyone has a mission and will spend as much time as necessary to get it done!

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As you’d expect, there was a lot of waiting around, That, coupled with sporadic heavy rain downfalls, made it stressful at times but it didn’t seem to phase the Director (who directed ‘The Greatest Showman’, don’t ya know!) who just took it in his stride until he achieved his ‘vision’! I think West London probably experienced a power surge when all the hairdryers kicked in to dry us all off!

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They were long, wet days (in heels!) dancing around a pretty cul-de-sac in Ruislip which had been been turned into a Winter Wonderland; giant mirror balls, fairly lights and artificial snow engulfing us with Christmas cheer despite the early September filming. It never ceases to amaze me just how much time, money and effort goes into these shoots-just for that one minute of air time.

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It was a super experience. I mean, I had a legitimate excuse to stay in a hotel room for three nights without my little darlings-that alone was worth the sore feet! It was tiring and repetitive but, when it’s peppered with giggling so much you have to cross your legs and lovely chats with other members of your Choir Family, it’s all very much worth it. I feel so lucky to be part of this beautiful Community and the opportunities it brings.

Amy - Rochester Soul Choir

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Watch the Behind the Scenes footage of our two days of filming:

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