Lenell John-Lewis features in new John Lewis advert including much loved chant sang by fans

Lenell John-Lewis features in this summer’s new John Lewis advert including the much loved chant which has been sang by fans for years.

Between 2006 and 2026, many a time he has heard the song “His name is a shop!” coming from the stands on matchdays, and finally after 20 years, the retailer John Lewis have decided to have some fun with it.

The Boston United striker has now joined their campaign as the nations gears up for the FIFA World Cup and a big summer of sport, the majority tuning into it from the TVs in our homes.

 

John Lewis said via their website:

After months of talks and transfer rumours John Lewis has announced the signing of the National League’s Boston FC Striker Lenell John-Lewis, ahead of a huge summer of sport.

Wherever he’s played, throughout his career, Lenell John-Lewis- aka “The Shop” – has been followed by the famous chant “his name is a shop!”, so fans will be thrilled to finally see the two namesakes come together in the signing of the century.

The move comes as research from John Lewis, the retailer, shows that the late start times for this summer’s games will prompt more fans to cheer on their team from the comfort of their sofas. In fact, more than half of people in the UK (58 per cent) say they will be watching the majority of the beautiful game at home.

And it’s easy to see why.. Home comforts have become central to matchday viewing, with over half of the nation (53%) preferring their own sofa, 42% valuing an uninterrupted view, and 40% saying their favourite snacks are part of the appeal.

But while more fans are choosing to watch from home, expectations around the set-up are rising too. 81% say a high-quality TV set-up is essential when hosting, yet one in six admit their current set-up feels more “subs bench” than premium viewing experience.

And it’s not just what’s happening at home that’s driving the shift. Nearly 80% say they’ve missed a key moment while watching football in a pub or bar. Top three reasons cited by spectators are long bar queues (32%), blocked screens (35%), and noise drowning out commentary (43%).

Whereas at home, the biggest matchday “red cards” include talking through key moments (28%), sitting directly in front of the TV (25%), and asking to pause the game to go to the loo (22%).

Matchday habits don’t stop there… British football fans are a superstitious bunch on match day, with one in five (21%) admitting to having a pre-match ritual. From wearing the same “lucky” shirt or scarf every game (32%), to sitting in the exact same spot on the sofa (31%), eating the same snacks or takeaway (30%), or even keeping the remote in a fixed place at kick-off (25%).

So to help households across the UK create the perfect set up for the beautiful game, John Lewis is stepping up, and bringing in Lenell John-Lewis for the ultimate footy expertise.

Mr John-Lewis will be available on his social channels to answer any of your match-day needs, helping the nation create the ultimate set-ups for those late-night kick offs. From choosing the right TV so you never miss a moment (even if the ref does) to how to get the ultimate surround sound – so no great chant goes unheard – John Lewis’s name doppelganger will be on hand to help fans get game-ready.

Lenell John-Lewis said: “It feels surreal to me to have heard this chant my whole career, and now to be signed by the actual John Lewis… it’s mad, and I love it.

“This summer is going to be packed full of amazing sporting events, and I’m buzzing that ‘The Shop’ and the shop are finally teaming up to help people create the perfect set up for hosting friends and family – as that’s what it’s all about.”

John Lewis Brand Director, Rosie Hanley said: “This year, more people are choosing to watch football from home, so expectations around the viewing experience are at all time high. We’re making it easier than ever to bring the football home, offering everything fans need to create the ultimate set up under one roof. With visuals sharp enough to rival a VAR check and sound so immersive you’ll feel like you’re right in the stadium, we want to bring fans closer to the action this summer.”

Shop the full TV and sound range***. Watch like a winner.

Here’s the social media reaction after Lenell John-Lewis features in the new John Lewis advert including a much loved chant sang by fans…

@PicardyBreezer: Got a lot of time for this 😂

@paulwradio: Finally. John Lewis’ world cup ad couldn’t have been anything else.

@gm_stone: Always in our hearts ♥️ #ycfc

@AKA_DanThompson: I’m surprised it took this long…

@MinsterMerch: King Lenny. 👑 #ycfc

@KatieEdwards_11:
Anyone seen this from
@JohnLewisRetail 🤣
Good owd Lenell John Lewis.

@Nathan294819: John Lewis with another class advert 👏

@ajp354: I hope he does their Christmas adver this year 😂

@thefinalwhiste: Games never been so back