SAINSBURY'S has defended its Christmas advert after it was criticised online for featuring a black family. 

On Saturday, the supermarket released part one of a three-part Christmas ad with each focusing on how food brings people together over the festival period.

In the first ad, Gravy Song, a father and daughter speak over the phone and reminisce over mum's roasties and the dad's homemade gravy.

The father and daughter chat over a series of home movies from Christmas over the years, showing them cuddling on the sofa and bonding in the kitchen.

While for many the ad shows a typical, cringe-worthy occasion whereby the dad breaks into his 'gravy song', others have argued the advert does not 'represent them'.

One person questioned the ad's diversity and inclusion, claiming they "don't see any of that here" and that the minute-long advert is "virtue signalling". 

Another shopper wrote: "So the UK is 86 per cent white, yet 94 per cent of ads are aimed at BAME, showing either black or mixed face. May I ask what ads represent the majority or has the ad world crapped its Woke pants?"

Fans of the ad were quick to defend it on Twitter, with one writing: "The fact you see this as anything other than an advert about a family at Christmas exemplifies the exact issue in this country."

Writing on Twitter, Sainsbury's defended the ad. 

It said: "At Sainsbury's, we want to be the most inclusive retailer. That's why, throughout all our advertising we aim to represent a modern Britain, which has a diverse range of communities. 

"We have three stories of three different families in our advertising."

A second advert, depicting a white family, also starts with a phone call. This time a mum and son talk, reminiscing over the dad's need for a perfect portion of turkey. 

Mum is putting her own twist on his tradition to do his memory justice: bringing a secret weapon to recreate his perfect turkey slices.

Many have also been positive about the two ads, saying they spark discussions at home and a touch of nostalgia. 

The final ad, Big Sarnie, will air on Thursday, November 19.

It will show two cousins catching up and remembering Boxing Days of the past at Nan’s.

Her mega turkey sandwiches, filled with gravy and stuffing, are the crowning glory to their happy childhood memories and spur them to carry on the tradition this year.

Each story ends with the line ‘Food is Home. Home is Christmas’ – an ode to the power Christmas food has to transport us back to happy memories of moments shared with our families, whether apart or together. The films aim to unite feelings of loss, longing and love, and bring them together with a sense of hopefulness, sharing the message that, no matter what, Christmas will be special this year.