Aldi’s 2018 Christmas advert has seen the return of kids’ favourite Kevin the Carrot.
But the lovable orange vegetable, who usually spreads cheer, has also spread a bit of panic this year after the ad ended with him in a precarious situation.
The budget supermarket took a leaf out of Coca-Cola’s book in their festive offering, which starts with a huge red truck adorned with lights making its way through a snowy landscape.
Kids wave out of their windows at the driver – who is, surprisingly, not Father Christmas but a very smiley carrot.
Tragedy strikes when snow falls down on to the road and makes Kevin’s truck swerve out of the way until it hangs precariously on a clifftop in a literal cliffhanger.
But worried parents haven’t enjoyed Kevin’s ordeal, which they claim has ‘traumatised’ their children, and have complained to the advertising watchdog, the Sun reports.
Suzanne Coulter, 55, told the paper she was looking after a friend’s children when she saw the ad.
"They saw it was Kevin driving, who they love, and were excited. But there is a major road accident and the truck is hanging over a cliff.
"They thought Kevin has died and were distraught. It’s upsetting for their little minds."
The Advertising Standards Authority said three people complained the advert was "too distressing" for kids.
A spokesperson said: “As with any complaint, we’ll assess them and decide whether we need to take any action.”
What do you think of the Aldi Christmas advert?
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A spokesperson for Aldi said: "We’ve been overwhelmed with the wonderful response to our Kevin the Carrot ad and we’re rooting for him too.
“We can assure fans that Kevin’s dicey adventures will continue to Christmas.”
On social media the biggest complaint is not actually to do with Kevin hanging off the cliff possibly about to die.
People are more annoyed about the fact they were "duped" into thinking the famous ‘Holidays Are Coming’ Coca Cola ad was back – then were sorely disappointed.
One wrote: "The Aldi Christmas advert can f*** off, second time I’ve got well excited because I thought it was the first time I was seeing the Coca Cola advert and it was officially Christmas, but NO. Stupid f***ing carrot."
Another said: "Right what’s this Aldi advert all about then, give Coca Cola their f***ing lorry back. Fuming."
Others slammed Aldi for ‘ripping off’ the advert and suggested they would be facing a huge copyright claim – but of course the supermarket had already had the full backing of the drinks giant.
Coca Cola shared a sweet photo of a tow bar on social media saying: " Need a tow?" and Aldi responded thanking them for their support.
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