‘Britain’s strictest headteacher’ calls M&S Christmas advert starring Hannah Waddingham ‘abhorrent’

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I feel compelled to write to you to express my deep disappointment and outrage at your Christmas advert for 2023,” Birbalsingh wrote in the letter, which she shared on X/Twitter. “Please do not undermine us in this endeavour.” open image in gallery Birbalsingh has been widely mocked for her letter, including by former Top Gear presenter James May and LBC host James O’Brien. If you look at the M&S advert and don’t see why I think it is abhorrent, then you don’t understand our school.” open image in gallery Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor appears in Marks & Spencer’s Christmas ad campaign In one response to a parent who rejected the suggestion a child might be negatively influenced by the M&S advert, she wrote: “Kids are influenced by all sorts, including ads, in particular the M&S or John Lewis Christmas advert. You’re a ‘teacher’.” LBC radio host James O’Brien tweeted: “All the very best parody accounts might as well go home now.