Exclusive: Katherine Jenkins on her new Christmas single, the party-season beauty treatments she swears by and the festive tipple she'll be drinking for the foreseeable

Welsh classical singer Katherine Jenkins has become the vocal centerpiece of this year's Marks & Spencer Christmas campaign, unveiling a fresh rendition of the 1987 hit "Heaven Is A Place On Earth." This reinterpretation, infused with festive orchestration and choral arrangements, showcases Jenkins's ability to blend timeless melodies with seasonal warmth.

The campaign's soundtrack was crafted with a rich layering of sound, including adult and children's choirs accompanied by a string orchestra and a variety of bells to evoke the holiday atmosphere. Jenkins's own children contributed to the recording, marking a personal touch that underscores the familial spirit of the season. Her involvement extended beyond vocals, reflecting an intimate engagement with the project that lasted several months.

Behind the scenes of the campaign shoot, which took place during an unseasonal August heatwave, Jenkins shared the spotlight with actors James Norton and Lucy Punch. Despite the challenging temperatures, the production maintained a festive and convivial mood. The advert itself builds on the cherished British tradition of elaborate Christmas commercials, a cultural phenomenon that Jenkins likened to the excitement surrounding major American sporting event adverts.

In parallel to her musical endeavors, Jenkins continues to nurture her entrepreneurial side through Cygnet Gin, a brand she co-founded to offer a voice-friendly spirit incorporating botanicals like manuka honey. The gin has achieved international distribution across markets including the United States, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Italy, and the UK, positioning Jenkins as an ambassador for Welsh craftsmanship beyond music.

December will see Jenkins celebrating Christmas with a blend of American and British traditions alongside her husband Andrew Levitas and their family. She emphasizes a collaborative approach to holiday cooking, particularly valuing the preparation of vegetarian dishes and classic trimmings that complement the festive meal.

Jenkins recently concluded her first tour in five years, a milestone that doubled as a celebration of her 25-year career. The experience proved emotionally resonant, reinforcing her connection to audiences and the enduring impact of her music catalogue.

Reflecting on her personal growth, Jenkins attributes her current confidence to a clear understanding of her identity and priorities, highlighting a mature perspective on career and life choices. She also shares insight into her beauty regimen, emphasizing hydration and skin care practices that support her vocal health and stage presence.

Looking ahead, Jenkins's schedule remains ambitious with international performances planned in Australia, Romania, and Brazil. Additionally, she is working on new music anticipated for release in the coming year, signaling a continued evolution in her artistic journey.

Complementing the festive campaign, Jenkins introduced a signature cocktail, the Claus-mopolitan, blending Cygnet Gin with clementine liqueur and cranberry juice, designed to capture the spirit of holiday celebrations. This addition exemplifies her multifaceted engagement with the festive season, intertwining music, family, and lifestyle elements into a cohesive narrative.

Katherine Jenkins’s role as the voice of M&S’s 2026 Christmas advertisement not only reinforces her status within the classical crossover genre but also highlights her versatility as an artist and entrepreneur. Through this project, she connects tradition with contemporary culture, offering a soundtrack that invites listeners to find joy and togetherness during the holidays.