McDonald's fans have been left divided after finding out Stephen Graham replaced Dexter Fletcher as the voice of the fast food chain's UK adverts, with some calling for Fletcher's return07:13, 03 Aug 2026For years, one voice has been heard on the McDonald's adverts across the UK – and chances are, you'd know it anywhere. That voice belonged to Dexter Fletcher, the English actor and director behind Rocketman, Eddie the Eagle and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, who spent two decades as the familiar face – or rather voice – of the fast food giant's campaigns.‌However, many McDonald's fans may have noticed that Fletcher, 60, from London, has recently been replaced by fellow actor Stephen Graham. Graham, 52, celebrated for the likes of This Is England and Netflix's Adolescence, stepped into the role back in April.‌According to reports, McDonald's bosses made this significant casting change for a number of strategic reasons.‌Both QSR Media and Campaign Live suggest the key motivation behind the switch was to forge a stronger, more relatable connection with younger British consumers – despite the fact that Graham, from Kirkby, Merseyside, is only 8 years Fletcher's junior.While targeting a younger demographic, the brand also chose Graham because his instantly recognisable voice retains a wide, cross-generational appeal throughout the UK.‌Hannah Pain, the marketing and menu director at McDonald's UK and Ireland, revealed that the company is shifting towards a more contemporary, culture-led approach. Graham was selected due to his distinctive blend of "cultural credibility" and "everyday warmth" that resonates with genuine, insight-driven customer experiences.The actor's voice made its debut across a series of nationwide campaigns, featuring adverts for the McCrispy, the Big Arch, and "Breakfast Done Properly".It appears some fans are only now discovering the change, with one user asking on Reddit: "Is Stephen Graham doing the Maccy D's adverts now?"‌Not everybody was impressed, however, as one person commented: "Bring back Dexter Fletcher! McDonald's blurb says 'to connect with younger audience' but Graham is only 8 years younger than Fletcher."Another user concurred: "Yeah it was a bit weird, he's definitely 'the voice' of Maccys."‌A third added: "I have always heard his voice on the UK ads. I've got so used to it, the warm friendly voice. He captures the essence of McDonald's. He's Mr McDonald's! It made me uneasy when it was notably absent."Despite the mixed reception, many are likely to warm to Graham's presence on the adverts.The actor is a critically acclaimed household name in both British and international television and film, celebrated for his remarkable versatility and powerful, intense performances.Article continues belowHe has amassed over 100 acting credits — spanning legendary Hollywood productions such as Snatch, Gangs of New York, The Irishman, and Pirates of the Caribbean, to iconic television roles in Boardwalk Empire, Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders, and Boiling Point.Over the course of his career, he has collected a string of coveted top-tier honours, dominating the major international awards circuits for his outstanding performance in the Netflix miniseries Adolescence.