The 90-second clip sees Paddington Bear take centre stage as he mistakes a burglar to be Santa Claus and helps him deliver the presents to his neighbours around London.
The advert finishes with a very touching scene as Paddington reaches into his red hat to give the crook a marmalade sandwich and wishes him a Merry Christmas.
But as the burglar embraces Paddington for making him see the error in his thieving ways, many viewers claim he declares “F**k you little bear”, instead of “Thank you little bear”.
One person wrote on Twitter: “Uhhh, does anyone else hear “f**k you, little bear” on the M&S Christmas ad? Leave Paddington alone!”
“In the M&S Christmas advert, it sounds like ‘santa’ says ‘oh f**k you little bear’,” wrote another.
A third said: “That Paddington Christmas adverts so cute!! But keep thinking he’s saying “Oh f**k you little bear” everytime he hugs him?!#lovethebear.”
“Just saw the M&S Christmas advert, when Santa hugs Paddington we thought he said “f**k you little bear” instead of thank you,” one viewer commented.
A spokeswoman denied the burglar swore as they told The Sun: “He’s saying, ‘Thank-you, little bear’. I think it’s really clear. We wouldn’t change the ad.”
The heart-warming advert has been quite divisive amongst critics so far as many took to social media to complain about one miniature detail.
Some viewers were outraged that Paddington calls the burglar Santa and not Father Christmas.
M&S have since responded to the controversy, explaining: “Santa Claus is a popular term used by millions of our customers.”
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
