Shelter 2025 Christmas Appeal

What I was not expecting is to be stopped in my tracks by an advertisement selling a completely different message. For me, the advert of the season is the Shelter spot from Don’t Panic featuring Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart. This marks the fifth time Don’t Panic agency has collaborated with the charity. It's something very special.

For me, what's so arresting is the way it completely wrong foots you. For most of the runtime, you revel in the nostalgia of Bonnie Tyler's 80s classic married to some excellent acting from the young lead. You're completely expecting a predictable retail call to action to close the feel-good tale but that's where The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey really adds the twist. From festive feel-good to a sobering reminder of the UK's housing crisis in one final scene – completely out of the blue and a memorable reminder of what's really important at this time of year. Well done all.