POP star and reality TV show winner Matt Willis will switch on the Christmas lights in Basildon this year.

Willis, a former member of Busted and winner of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, will be in the town centre on Thursday, November 19 for the big switch-on.

It will take place at 6.30pm, with a Christmas farmers’ market, street entertainers and fairground rides all lined up to accompany the event.

Basildon Council is organising other entertainment for the event, which starts at 3.30pm including an appearance by cast members from the Towngate Theatre’s Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Andrew Baggott, councillor responsible for community, said: “We’ve organised some great entertainment .

“I would especially like to thank Matt for agreeing to come and join our chairman Mo Larkin in switching on the Christmas lights.

“We set a good precedent with last year’s event, but I think this one will be even better.”

Last year, Britain’s Got Talent finalists, dance group Signature, performed to a huge crowd in St Martin’s Square.