Set in Dickensian London in 1869, the year the first Sainsbury’s shop opened, the advert features John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury and a young chimney-sweep called Nick.

The advert forms a key part of Sainsbury’s birthday celebrations and carries the tagline “Helping make Christmas, Christmas since 1869”. Additional food and drink TV, radio, print, digital and social media advertising will be released closer to December 25 with the same message.

The full spot will run on YouTube and other digital channels. A 90-second version of the ad will debut this evening during Emmerdale.

The advert was directed by Ninian Doff and was filmed mostly in Romania. The commercial was made by creative agency Wieden+Kennedy.

Head of broadcast marketing at Sainsbury’s, Laura Boothby, said: “It’s been a special year for Sainsbury’s and we felt it was fitting for our Christmas advert to look back and celebrate the role we’ve played in making Christmas Christmas for the nation for the past 150 years.

“We’ve always helped to bring a bit of sparkle to everyone’s Christmas, be it through the delicious turkey, brussel sprouts or even exotic clementines.”