A computer-generated penguin is the star of this year's John Lewis Christmas advert - which has launched today on social media.

The seabird, called Monty, is the best friend of a little boy - and the two-minute-and-10-second ad shows the pair of them playing hide-and-seek, watching TV (Pingu obvs) and bouncing on a trampoline together.

All this whileTom Odell's tender cover version of John Lennon song Real Love plays in the background.

But despite the lad sneaking fishfingers to his feathered friend, the bird seems unsatisfied - gazing longingly at couples in love.

All is resolved on Christmas morning - but we'll leave you to discover the tear-jerking twist for yourself.

Just pass us that box of tissues first please.

***UPDATE*** And the memes have already begun... here it is recut to the horror of The Babadook. Enjoy!