Aldi 2017 ad Kevin the Carrot 2

Loveable Aldi mascot Kevin the Carrot is returning to TV screens in the discounter's Christmas ad.

Picking up from where last year’s campaign ended, Aldi’s new advert opens with Kevin discovered as a snowman’s nose before being dislodged by the rumbling of an approaching train. Jumping aboard, he discovers this isn’t just any train, but a luxurious sleeper complete with a dining car featuring an Aldi Christmas feast.

In the distance Kevin spots Katie, and, for him at least, it’s love at first sight. But the heroic root vegetable must once again brave the dangers of flying Aldi Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut corks, precarious artisan cheese towers and a Specially Selected Exquisite Rumburgh Farm whole Turkey.

The ad - which the supermarket says combines 'suspense, murder, romance and the most sumptuous food and drink' - airs onTuesday 7 November at 7.15pm on ITV. Kevin also appeared last weeked looking for love on dating site Happn.

Golden Globe-winning actor Jim Broadbent narrates the ad, to the tune of the Edward Scissorhands soundtrack.

Kevin and Katie will also be the stars of 14 product-oriented sub-campaigns running as 20 and 30-second TV executions, as well as being delivered across digital, social, outdoor, press, cinema, radio, door drop and in-store.

A Plush Kevin The Carrot soft toy will also be returning, alongside a Plush Katie The Carrot. The toys launch in stores from 23 November for £2.99 in support of Aldi’s charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Adam Zavalis, marketing director at Aldi UK, said: “We launched Kevin last year with the line heroes are grown, not born. And Kevin really did grow into our hero. Our customers took him to their hearts and enjoyed watching his escapades in the run up to Christmas.

“We just had to bring him back again this year to help showcase our latest show-stopping festive range. Let’s hope Katie the Carrot loves Kevin as much as we all do.”