CROONER Michael Buble — known for his Christmas hits — will appear as a checkout worker in Asda’s festive ad campaign.
He is in a series of commercials directed by Rita Ora’s new husband Taika Waititi and is tipped to sing.
TV insiders said the news marks a high in the annual battle between major retailers.
A source added: “The Christmas telly ad market has ballooned. Everyone wants to have the best in the game.
“John Lewis, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and all the others pull out all the stops.
“But it’s hard to see anyone topping getting Buble singing in an Asda uniform. It’s a brilliant idea.”
Festive ads have featured songs which go on to top the charts — such as Lily Allen’s rendition of Somewhere Only We Know and Gary Jules’ Mad World.
The source went on: “Michael is the King of Christmas songs anyway.
“Every year his versions of the classics are in the charts, so don’t bet against another hit.”
Canadian-born Michael, 47, is worth £80million and has sold 80million records.
The dad of four, married to Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato, has had five UK number one albums and a string of hit singles including Everything, Home and Haven’t Met You Yet.
Michael Buble has cornered the market for Christmas songs in recent years[/caption]