It’s hard to believe that Love Actually first graced screens in 2003, yet the film remains a Christmas favourite for millions.
Now, Google Pixel is leaning into that holiday nostalgia with a cheeky advert that reunites Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Martine McCutcheon, sending fans straight back to the South Bank scenes that made the movie so iconic.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster Returns to the Spotlight
Thomas, now 35, originally played Sam—the step-son of Liam Neeson’s character—who famously learned the drums to impress his crush, Joanna.
Martine, meanwhile, captured hearts as Natalie, the Prime Minister’s love interest.
In the advert, Thomas humorously clings to his Love Actually legacy, lingering on the South Bank each Christmas hoping for recognition—only to be repeatedly overlooked.
With his drumsticks in hand, he strikes a pose for a “fan,” only for the camera to reveal they’re actually focused on Martine in the background.
She accidentally drops her popcorn and mutters a comedic “oh s**t!” reminiscent of her character’s lines from the film.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Tech
Speaking directly to the camera, Thomas kicks off the advert:
“This is it, this is where we filmed Love Actually.
I like to come back once or twice… or 20 odd times each Christmas to give something back to the fans. I do get recognised a lot.”
Even when a passerby appears to take a photo of him, it turns out they’re capturing a festive lobster decoration instead.
Thomas plays along with faux humility, remarking, “I really do this all for my fans,” before a Google Pixel 10 steals the spotlight while an actor channels Hugh Grant’s iconic Prime Minister dance to Jump by The Pointer Sisters.
The Drums Make a Comeback
True to form, Thomas picks up the drums once more, acknowledging his character’s signature scene: “Everyone loves a drumming scene.”
Chaos ensues when an excited couple mistake Martine for Thomas, highlighting the playful mix-up that drives the advert’s humour.
Thomas deadpans that the clip is sure to “go viral immediately.”
Thomas on Revisiting the Magic
Ahead of the release, Thomas reflected on the experience:
“I had great fun stepping back into the world of Love Actually.
It’s amazing how the film still resonates 20 years later.
The Google Pixel 10 brought a fresh, modern perspective to some of the film’s most iconic scenes, making it feel like you’re using a professional camera.
It’s perfect for capturing festive memories.”
Google’s Festive Tribute
Eileen Mannion, VP of Marketing at Google UK, added:
“Christmas films hold a special place in people’s hearts, and nostalgia is a big part of that.
‘It’s Pixel, actually’ is our festive love letter to those moments.
We’re bringing the magic back and showing how the Google Pixel 10 can create cinematic, emotionally rich content with incredible clarity—exactly why creative people love it.”
A Christmas Treat for Fans
Between the playful mix-ups, drumming nostalgia, and clever tech showcase, the advert perfectly blends humour, sentimentality, and modernity.
For Love Actually devotees, it’s a delightful reminder that even two decades later, the film continues to charm audiences—and now, Thomas and Martine are helping us celebrate the season with a fresh twist.
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