• Aldi launches new Christmas ad poking fun at John Lewis
  • The campaign features the return of “punchy pensioner” Jean Jones
  • The 30-second ad hit TV screens for the first time last night
  • John Lewis’ tear-jerking Man on the Moon ad cost £7m to make

Aldi has launched a new tongue-in-cheek Christmas advert featuring a playful take on John Lewis’ tear-jerking ‘Man on the Moon’ campaign.

The discounter, which has become renowned for its cheeky approach to marketing and advertising in the UK, has poked fun at John Lewis’ latest festive ad, which cost £7m to produce.

Aldi’s 30-second version features the return of “punchy pensioner” Jean Jones, who first starred in the German grocer’s TV adverts back in 2011 and became the focal point of the retailer’s alternative Christmas message, ‘Jean’s Speech,’ in 2013.

Aldi’s own man on the moon is seen comparing a £109.95 John Lewis telescope to the discounter’s £69.99 equivalent, which he uses to look out into space.

He spots Jean gliding across the night sky in her armchair that has taken flight thanks to a bunch of colourful balloons.

The playful ad debuted on ITV and Channel 4 last night.

Aldi joint managing director of corporate buying Jonathan Neale said: “Jean quickly became a national treasure for her love of our Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin when she first appeared on screens in 2011. We’re confident our customers will be excited by her return this Christmas.

“Our latest advert highlights Aldi’s ongoing commitment to offering high quality products at unbeatable prices that shoppers will be over the moon with.”

Earlier in the year Aldi filed a writ at the High Court demanding Bargain Booze cease an advertising campaign that lampooned the discount grocer.