BOLTON’S Christmas countdown will begin next month when one of Britain’s best loved TV soap stars switches the town’s lights on.

Coronation Street star Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the long-running TV soap, will take centre stage at this year’s celebration, which is sponsored by Market Place Shopping Centre.

Alan, who was brought up in Walkden, and has played the Corrie favourite for 20 years, will turn on the lights in Victoria Square, on Thursday, November 22.

The Bolton News:

Alan, aged 36, said: “It’s a fantastic honour to be getting into the Christmas spirit by turning on Bolton’s lights and I’m really looking forward to it. It will be a great event and I am really chuffed to be involved.”

The show begins at 5pm with musicians and groups entertaining the crowds. The cast from The Albert Halls’ Christmas pantomime Snow White, which stars Brookside and Benidorm Michael Starke and former X Factor contestants David Heath and Sam Callahan, will also perform.

Alan will push the button at 7pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks finale over the town hall.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “Our annual Christmas lights switch-on is one of the highlights in Bolton’s calendar. We are delighted that Alan has agreed to do the honours this year. He is known to millions across the country for his brilliant work as Tyrone in Corrie and we know it will be a wonderful evening.

"It will be a great event for all the family, so make sure you get into the town centre in plenty of time to enjoy the festivities."

The switch-on will trigger families festivities in Bolton town centre which the council is due to announce very soon.

Market Place Shopping Centre manager, Nikki Wilson-Cook, added: “Market Place is proud to be sponsoring this year’s Bolton Christmas lights switch-on.

“The town centre looks amazing in the run up to Christmas and of course the Market Place will have everything you might need this festive season - great shopping, food and drink.”