John Lewis' Christmas ad: The hidden clues in Newcastle spaceship sculpture revealed

The unidentified flying object crashlanded in Northumberland Street on Tuesday - creating a social media frenzy.

On the journey down to Earth, the spaceship managed to take down a road sign as it smashed onto the pavement.

With a similar sculpture spotted in London, a small plaque found by each spaceship read: "Christmas is landing. 4/11/21. #UnexpectedGuest"

Twitter users shared their theories online about the "unexpected guests" - many of whom suggested it could be a publicity stunt by Fenwicks, just footsteps away.

Our suspicions grew when a spokesperson for John Lewis said: "Speculation about our Christmas adverts is always out of this world."

But the truth is finally out there as John Lewis revealed its emotional festive tale about the friendship between a young boy and an alien.

Titled 'Unexpected Guest', the two-minute ad stars space traveller Skye crash in the woods near the home of 14-year-old Nathan, just in time for Christmas.

The young boy introduces her to the traditions of eating mince pies, decorating the tree and, to her slight confusion, wearing novelty jumpers.

Watch the John Lewis advert here

You can read more about the advert and when it will air on TV here.

It finally sheds some light on the strange street sculpture which captured our imagination.

From the metallic, copper spaceship with round windows spotted in the woods to the date on the plaque matching the Christmas ad's premiere on our tellies, it is a clever publicity stunt by the department store.

Why did people think Fenwick's was behind the spaceship?

Many people assumed the spaceship was linked much anticipated Christmas window unveiling at Fenwick's each year.

Crowds gather in huge queues outside the department store every year as a Christmas tradition.

Fenwick's is found at 39 Northumberland Street - meaning shoppers wouldn't have to walk too far to piece each of the clues together.

The same sculpture was also spotted in London - close to Fenwick's Bond Street branch.

Photo taken by Fenwick's at Coppergate, York by James O'Reilly.

But there was something that affected the credibility of this theory. Fenwick's popular store in York - one of the UK's most popular tourist spots during the Christmas season - was not part of the stunt.

Claire Pointon, one of the directors at John Lewis, said: “There is nothing more magical than discovering the joy of Christmas for the first time and enjoying your favourite festive moments with loved ones. 

"After the last 18 months, we wanted our advert to really celebrate this as we look forward to a brighter future. We know our customers are excited for this festive season more than ever, as they reconnect with family and friends.

"Through the story of Skye and Nathan we celebrate friendship and  are reminded of the joy of experiencing Christmas for the first time.”