The ads, shot by acclaimed fashion photographer David Bailey, feature the comedians in dark suits and coloured shirts designed by leading menswear designers Timothy Everest and Nigel Hall. The campaign has been created by Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R.
The suits form part of the retailer's Autograph collection, which, like womenswear label Per Una, offers designer clothes at high street prices. M&S also announced the collection is to be rolled out across 180 of its stores, instead of the usual flagship 30.
It remains to be seen whether the comedians will be able to reverse M&S's fortunes. Latest figures from the ailing retailer show clothing sales have plummeted 9.2% in the second quarter to July.
Carr, host of Channel 4 celebrity gameshow '8 Out of 10 Cats', joked: "Who doesn't wear M&S underwear? They've been 'supporting' me for years and now I'm glad I've got a suit to wear as well. Marks & Spencer is a great British institution and I am very happy to be associated with it."
Steve Sharp, M&S marketing director, said: "Who better to put some wit into our new Autograph campaign than the snappy-dressing British comedians Jimmy Carr, Martin Freeman and Bob Mortimer? They're all individuals with a great sense of style."
Freeman is best known for appearing in 'The Office' and the recent movie version of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', while Mortimer is best known for 'Shooting Stars'.
The trio join a long list of celebrities who have promoted the fashion retailer including England captain David Beckham, pop star Rachel Stevens, presenter Cat Deeley, actor Ruper Everett and actress Dame Helen Mirren.
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