It is officially that time of year again. The John Lewis advert was released this morning (November 13), meaning the countdown to Christmas has begun.

And this year, within the message of love, community, and giving, is a special reference to Tooting.

The annual tear-jerker from John Lewis and Waitrose celebrates small acts of kindness, inspired by the British public’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The two-minute film features animations by eight artists – in a mix of live-action, animation and puppetry.

But it is the ending scene, where a red double-decker bus pulls up to a snow-covered street, which has got residents in Tooting talking.

“How fabulous to show #Tooting on the @jlandpartners. Showing what a great place Tooting is and the fantastic community we are,” tweeted a resident.

While another added: “A Tooting mention in the John Lewis ad. we’re going up in the world! #johnlewischristmasadvert”

Brit-award winner Celeste provides the soundtrack to the advert, with an original song 'Give a Little Love'.

John Lewis has launched a campaign of the same name, which aims to raise £5 million to help 100,000 families in need, in partnership with UK charities Home-Start and FareShare.

Tooting MP, Rosena Allin-Khan, suggested her constituency was a great example of a community pulling together.

Some social media users questioned the authenticity of the advert, pointing out there is no 222 bus route in Tooting.

But for many, the spirit of Christmas remains unchanged.

“I think the implicit message is that, at Christmas, magical things can happen. Like the 222 terminating in Tooting,” said one user. 

“A world in which you have reason to say "Two Two Two Tooting" is too much magical to hope for,” added another