Phil Beastal, 32, from Gloucestershire appeared on GMB after he made a poignant short film called Love is a Gift
BEN Shephard fought back tears after watching an amateur Christmas advert that fans are calling "better than the John Lewis ad".
The presenter got emotional when he watched the short film called Love is a Gift, which was made for under £50, as creator Phil Beastall revealed secrets behind the film on Good Morning Britain today.
After watching the film, Ben, 47, welled up and said: "I'm going again, I've just done it again! Phil what have you done to me" before Kate Garraway told the 32-year-old rising star from Gloucestershire: "We both started crying and we are hard as nails.
"Good luck to you, you really have a career in front of you."
Phil produced the poignant short film that has been viewed over 5million times, which shows a man opening up a cassette box — an annual tradition — to listens to a tape recorded by his mum before she died.
Speaking about his reasons for making it, he told the hosts: "It was a last minute decision really, I was a frustrated film maker and I really wanted to get a film out there.
"I really wanted to create something that resonated with people because especially in today's society we need a reminder that we are not just defined by our career, and family does come first."
He said: "I wanted to make something that makes them hug their dads, wives or their family.
"I remember when I had the first edit together and I played it for the first time. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I welled up myself.
"Since them it's always the film I speak most proudly of."
Thousands of commentators praised the video online and admitted that it had reduced them to tears, and Phil said the response he's had from the public has been absolutely incredible.
He said: "I've just been so distracted on my phone, getting all these notifications from people saying it's better than the John Lewis advert which is the ultimate compliment.
"From people who have lost loved ones recently, saying it's allowed them to cope better. Parents saying they've given their kids an extra squeeze, I've cried."
Kate asked if John Lewis had called to offer him a job yet but he admitted: "Not yet, where is my call!"
The John Lewis advert cost £7million to make, a fortune compared to the small budget production Love is a Gift, which cost less than £50.
But asked if it actually cost just £50, Phil revealed: "I must admit it cost a bit less.
"It was just the fuel to get to where Chris lived, we used Christmas decorations we already had, and maybe lunch was a tenner.
He added: "Chris had a Walkman, he went into the attic and a little spoiler, if you do watch closely the Walkman doesn't work!"
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