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Dec 01, 2023

Iconic Trampolining Dog From John Lewis Christmas Advert Dies

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We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Do you remember Buster the Boxer?

The iconic trampolining dog from John Lewis' 'best ever' Christmas advert has sadly died aged 12.

Biff, who played Buster the Boxer, rose to fame after appearing in the heartwarming 2016 advert. It was voted the most popular John Lewis Christmas advert of all time by the Radio Times, with many fans deeming Biff's appearance among the best they have seen.

The ad told the story of a mother and father who built their daughter a trampoline for Christmas. As the snow began to fall, an acrobatic array of wildlife animals started bouncing on the trampoline. Buster watched with envy from the window, dreaming of getting involved in the fun.

The next morning, as the young girl wakes up to see her new trampoline, she is surprised to spot her cheeky dog already on it. Finally getting his turn, the camera shows Buster bouncing on the trampoline while his family watch in amazement.

Jan told the Mail Online: "Biff was a very much loved family member, and everyone that met him loved him too. His fame gave us the opportunity to raise funds for animal charities.

"Biffy and I had a really special bond, and no matter what I asked of him, whether it would be new tricks, displays, meet and greets, or photos with children, adults, and animals, he would happily oblige, with the patience of a saint.

"At home, he was pure joy, making us smile every day. I don't know if you are aware but boxers are known as the clowns of the canines, and even though Biff would be professional at the right time, he never ever lost the ability to make us laugh. We shall miss him so much."

As well as the advert, Biff later made appearances on the Big Fat Quiz of the Decade in 2020 and starred in Hollywood film Show Dogs.

This year, the John Lewis advert followed the heartwarming story of a middle-aged man who struggled to master the art of skateboarding. While it was unclear why he is learning to skate, we suddenly hear a knock at the door. As the man and his wife go to open it, we see a social worker standing there with Ellie, a young teenager who is waiting to enter her new foster home. Looking anxious, we now know why the man was learning to skate — Ellie is holding a skateboard.

WATCH THE JOHN LEWIS CHRISTMAS ADVERT 2022

£67

This kit contains everything you need to knit your own beautiful advent calendar so buy it early and leave enough time to make it. You can then fill the pockets with thoughtful daily treats and enjoy it every year.

Decorated with festive hand-painted images, this fabric calendar from Cath Kidston will brighten up any wall. It has 24 small pockets to fill and hangs from string.

Looking for something a little different? Onolla's January Winter Wellness Gift is an advent calendar designed to help you kick start 2023 with good intentions. It is filled with beautiful products to enhance your wellbeing, including deluxe products for winter bathing, nourishing and pampering. You'll also find a host of tips on how to restore and rejuvenate during the month of January.

Looking for something unique this year? Well, search no further, as this gingerbread advent calendar house ticks all the right boxes. The countdown to the big event is marked by 24 little drawers, a place to hide a festive treat, and a surprise each morning. Fill with mini toys and edible goodies.

£120

This fabric reusable advent calendar will become a much-loved family heirloom. Each pocket comes with a matching drawstring bag to pop the daily treats inside.

We're big fans of this beautiful wooden advent calendar from the House Beautiful Marketplace. With 24 miniature drawers, you can fill with your own treats and surprises.

Don't let the festivities commence without this beautiful fabric advent calendar from Fortnum & Mason. It's more expensive at just under £200, but can be kept in the family for years to come.

£52

This light-up wooden advent calendar can be personalised with a name of your choice. Fill each little drawer with a message. All you need is two AA batteries.

£10.99

With 24 stockings and pegs, this fill-your-own-stocking is the perfect DIY activity. It's easy to assemble and can be strung across walls or the fireplace.

This Scandi-style wooden advent calendar will complement any interior scheme. It features five 5cm wooden drawers with changeable gold numbers, so you can count down to the 25th with a surprise each day. It's sure to keep the festive excitement rolling.

£37

Instead of sweets or goodies, this advent calendar features slips of paper with fun activities on.

For something a little different, get your hands on this wooden townhouse advent calendar. Perfect to fill with mini treats and reuse every year.

£130

We love this personalised wooden advent calendar, which is sure to put everyone in the festive spirit. It comes with a set of 24 Christmas advent calendar hessian sacks with a choice of metallic numbers in copper, gold, silver, pink, green and red.

£19.95

Children will love this fabric advent calendar! As well as being personalised, it has a sweet snowy scene on the front and 24 deep pockets to fill with gifts.

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