The warmth of family and friends—that's what the festive season is all about as captured by Burberry. The British brand's festive campaign this year, ’Twas The Knight Before…, centres around actress Jennifer Saunders preparing for a get together with family and friends. It's chaotic—as most spirited affairs usually are—but the resulting conviviality of the evening makes it all worth it. Because what is the festive season without doing it for and spending it with the ones dear to you?
One of the many guests Saunders prepares for, is Ncuti Gatwa. The Scottish actor—known for his breakthrough role in Sex Education, and as the Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who—is seen wrapping up his gift (a Burberry scarf, of course) and partaking in a Christmas singalong, before dancing the night away with the hostess herself. If you've been a fan of the actor, perhaps it isn't too far from what you'd expect a Ncuti Gatwa holiday to be.
Away from the rest of the party's guests the likes of Son Heung-min, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Naomi Campbell, Gatwa tells us more about his own holiday memories and what it's like partying with the Burberry crew.
What is your earliest memory of the festive season?
My earliest memory is at Priestfield Parish Church in Edinburgh. Santa came to hand out presents to the kids at Sunday club and he looked surprisingly very similar to one of the congregation members.
What is your ultimate festive tradition?
My mum is adamant we watch the EastEnders Christmas Specials. An incredibly important time in the Gatwa household.
Do you have a go-to Christmas song that gets you in the mood?
A toss-up between iconic "All I Want for Christmas" by the Queen of Christmas, and "8 Days of Christmas" by Destiny's Child.
What is your ideal way to spend the festive season?
With family in Scotland, or friends if I can’t get up to Scotland. One friendmas, I hired a chef who introduced us to “Turducken”.
What is the most unexpected gift you have ever received?
One time a letter came through the post that told me a giraffe had been adopted in my honour. Wild. I don’t know why. But I guess I now have a pet giraffe somewhere. That or when I got a letter saying that someone has given me a small piece of land in Scotland which I’m now the lord of! Again. Wild.
What do you wear to a festive party when you want to feel special?
A Christmas jumper obviously.
Are you for or against Christmas jumpers?
Incredibly for!
What are your ingredients for hosting a magical party during the festive season?
Lots of music. Lots of food. Lots of alcohol. Lots of loved ones. You simply cannot go wrong.
How would you rate your dance moves?
Exceptional—when I’m practicing for my world tours in my bathroom. In reality: mediocre.
What is your earliest memory of seeing Burberry for the first time?
Most probably in high school when a girl called Sammy Elliot came in with a Burberry cap.
What is your favourite Burberry piece, and how does it make you feel when you wear it?
I have a Burberry jacket I bought a couple years ago and it was my big splurge for that year. I feel very distinguished in it as it’s a sort of semi-suit jacket-slash-jacket vibe. But also just inherently cool 'cause it’s Burberry.
What was it like being part of the Burberry Festive 2025 campaign shoot?
Fun. So much fucking fun. I waltzed with Jennifer Saunders for goodness sake. And got major house inspo from shooting there.
What was the most memorable moment from the campaign shoot?
I didn’t realise that when I was asked what I would like to eat, they would fill my dressing room with it. I thought they meant what I like to eat at Christmas. When I turned up to my dressing room and there was a MOUNTAIN of pigs in blankets. I knew it would be a good day.
How are you hoping to end this year?
With family. In Scotland.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions or intentions for 2026?
I started ballet lessons this year. I’m terrible but I love it and would like to try and keep it up.
