Croydon Christmas lights switched on by Larry Lamb Pic: Anurag Tagat

EastEnders villain Larry Lamb took on the merrier role of lighting up Croydon town centre on Thursday as the borough’s official Christmas festivities began.

Lamb appeared on stage with Croydon Mayor Graham Bass to switch on the Christmas lights that adorn the town centre.

The Gavin and Stacey actor was promoting family pantomime production ‘Aladdin’ alongside cast members Nathaniel Morrison and Rosa O’Reilly. The panto opens at Fairfield Halls on December 2.

The crowds at the Christmas switch-on were also entertained by Crystal Palace footballers, pop singers and Santa Claus himself. Around 200 people, including couples, families and fans, turned up outside the Whitgift and Centrale Shopping Centre.

James Street, a 21-year-old painter, said: “The show they put up was wicked good. And the kids love it.”

Caroline Sanders, a 30-year-old salesperson, said: “It’s not like Christmas lights on Oxford Street, but it’s okay and quite nice for Croydon.”

Sanders visited the event with her husband and new-born daughter. “We wanted to bring her out for her first Christmas celebration,” she said.