Is Kevin the Carrot still top banana?

There was general unease last weekend when the Aldi ad teaser dropped on social media introducing new character Ebanana Scrooge, with nary a carrot in sight – where’s Kevin, we cried?

But the whole story breaks today with a magical, puntastic Dickensian tale – introduced as 'A Christmas Carrot, by Charles Chickens' – at which the orange mascot re-appears to show a forlorn fruit with a (banana) chip on its shoulder the true meaning of the season.

Once again created by McCann UK, and directed by Todd Mueller, Kylie Matulick and Kyle Cassidy through Psyop, the animated Yuletide story introduces viewers to a medley of fruit and veg characters, including Tiny Tom and Peas and Goodwill, but most importantly, Marcus Radishford, which is voiced by the England striker, Marcus Rashford MBE.

Rashford has waged a high-profile campaign over the past 18 months to increase the support available to vulnerable children. 

"As a family, we relied on the local food bank to get our Christmas dinner," the footballer revealed. "To this day, I remember queuing outside that building with mum; her feeling embarrassed that she might be recognised. It is with that in mind that I’m delighted to lend my support to the Aldi campaign." 

Marcus Radishford in action.

Aldi has pledged to donate 10 million meals to families in need in 2021, and currently works with Neighbourly – which helps businesses donate its surplus food to local causes.

The popular yellow fruit isn’t traditionally associated with the season, but never let reality get in the way of a good pun, we reckon the nation will go bananas for this new spot.