M&S Christmas advert in the clear

A SOCIAL media furore around suggestions that the Marks & Spencer Christmas ad features a villain swearing at Paddington bear has been resolved.

The ad does not include any swear words, the UK’s advertising watchdog has determined.

The retailer’s festive campaign features Paddington unwittingly saving Christmas for his neighbours, mistaking a bearded burglar for Santa and helping him return all of the stolen presents.

But the ad caused an uproar after some thought they heard the burglar making the parting comment: “F*** you, little bear.” M&S said the words are “thank you, little bear”.

A spokesman for the Advertising Standards Authority said: “There were no grounds for an investigation.”