Why the voice of McDonald's ads sounds so familiar
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: McDonald's
Did you know that the recently usurped voice of McDonald’s is a beloved British actor and director, known for working with Guy Richie, HBO, and on some of the world’s favourite music biopics?
McDonald’s isn’t shy about flexing star power, having recently recruited John Cena to promote the new value meal in America and lending Netflix’s animated Kpop Demon Hunters characters for its ‘adult’ Happy Meal.
In the UK, most adverts are voiced by a 60-year-old star who appeared in Band of Brothers, Layer Cake, and even in the music video for Kylie Minogue’s 1997 single, ‘Some Kind of Bliss’.
Having made his directorial debut with 2012’s Wild Bill, the Enfield-born icon went on to direct Eddie the Eagle, Rocketman, the film about the life and music of Elton John, and also replaced Bryan Singer to finish the four-time Oscar-winning flick, Bohemian Rhapsody.
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Now, if you’ve seen any of the above, or have watched Misfits, The Elephant Man, or Richie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, then you will already be well aware of who we’re talking about.
If not, then let us introduce you to the man who has provided voiceovers for various McDonald’s adverts for decades.
His name is Dexter Fletcher, a Hotel Babylon alumnus and director of Sunshine on Leith, based around the music of The Proclaimers.
While many people know Fletcher because of his extensive work in the entertainment industry, some people do genuinely know him as the voice of the fast-food chain.
“Me and the wife started watching a new series on Sky called I Hate Suzie and he is in the 2nd episiode. Wife was like he does the voiceover for McDonalds. Done a little Google search and low and behold found out!,” a Redditor previously confessed.
After years at the helm, Fletcher is officially handing the reins over to fellow industry titan Stephen Graham.
McDonald's UK has thanked the star for his work, crediting his voice as 'a defining part of the organisation’s advertising’.
However, it’s now This Is England and the Adolescence actor’s time to shine.
Hailing the 52-year-old as ‘one of the UK’s most recognisable and distinctive voices,' McDonald’s said they hope he would bring 'strong cultural resonance and everyday relatability'.
Excitingly, you will be able to hear Graham’s iconic northern lilt on TV adverts for the McCrispy, Big Arch, and Breakfast Done Properly.
Regarding Graham’s new position, Hannah Pain, Marketing & Menu Director for McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “Stephen brings a rare combination of cultural credibility and everyday warmth that feels perfectly aligned with where McDonald’s is today.
“As we continue to embrace a more culture‑first approach, his voice helps us connect with audiences in a way that feels honest, contemporary and familiar, building on the brilliant legacy Dexter created with us over many years.”
Graham’s appointment comes amid a major menu shake-up at McDonald’s, with two new McCrispy flavours being revealed alongside a new breakfast menu.
The Big Tasty and Double Big Tasty are also back, as is the Biscoff McFlurry and its Galaxy Chocolate counterpart.