IT was lights, cameras and action for Bolton comedian Peter Kay as he made a guest appearance at this year's Blackpool Illuminations switch-on ceremony.

The Phoenix Nights Star was in fine form as he joked on stage with Radio Two presenter Mark Goodier in front of thousands who flocked to the Promenade for the free music and entertainment extravaganza.

It included performances from chart toppers The Zutons, Ronan Keating, former M People frontwoman Heather Small, and teen idol Duncan James, formerly of the boy band Blue.

And it was all broadcast live on Radio Two.

TV personality Dale Winton appeared on stage in front of the Tower just after 9.30pm to press the button that lit up more than one million bulbs in a six-mile display.

He said: "No word of a lie - this is the best illuminations in the world and I'm so privileged."

Peter Kay told the audience that it had always been a dream of his to switch on the Blackpool lights, so he was delighted when he got the call - until he discovered he had been double-booked with Dale Winton.

Peter joked: "If I'd known, I wouldn't have bothered coming! I'm missing a feature-length Taggart for this and a 40th birthday in Bolton."

It had been announced earlier this week that the two of them were switching on the lights together.

A spokesman for the organisers admitted there had been some "confusion".

"It was always Dale Winton doing the switch-on with a special appearance by Peter Kay," he said.

More than 25,000 people are estimated to have flocked to Blackpool for the first night of the illuminations.

A total of 65,000 staff, including artists, electricians, joiners, mechanics, painters and engineers, had worked since last year's illuminations to ensure the display, which took 22 weeks to install, was ready.

The ceremony marked the start of the illuminations' 66-night run.

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