Jeff Stelling has cancelled his appearance in Middlesbrough for the town's Christmas lights switch on due to illness today (Thursday, November 28). 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) the former Soccer Saturday presenter for Sky Sports, said: "I am unwell at the moment so sadly will not be appearing in Middlesbrough tonight. Apologies to anyone this affects."

Middlesbrough Council's Christmas light switch on is tonight- but Jeff Stelling has cancelled his appearanceMiddlesbrough Council's Christmas light switch on is tonight- but Jeff Stelling has cancelled his appearance (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.) Jeff has also had to postpone his show 'An evening with Jeff Stelling, hosted by Bianca Westwood' with special guest, Paul Merson, tonight at the Middlesbrough Town Hall on what would have been the last show in his tour.

The show has now been rearranged for next month on Thursday December 12, and tickets will be automatically transferred to this date.

A spokesperson said: "Jeff and team apologise for the postponement and hope to see everyone next month in Middlesbrough for the last date of 2024."

The Christmas light switch on is free and will begin at 4pm and finish at 6pm at Centre Square in Middlesbrough. 

There will still be cast members of the Middlesbrough Theatre's panto production of Snow White who will be on the stage.

The fun will also include a mini funfair, a giant inflatable snow globe, meet-and-greet with characters, and a visit from Father Christmas. 

BBC Tees presenter Kelly Scott will host the stage program, featuring performances by local singer-songwriter Finn Forster and The Wildcats of Kilkenny, leading up to the lights switch-on.

Participating town centre restaurants, including Rio Steakhouse, Turtle Bay, Bazaar, Tiger Ivy, The Chairman, and Baker Street Kitchen, will offer discounts such as ‘kids eat free’ or meals for £1.

Free parking will be available in council-operated car parks after 3pm for the day as a special one-off.

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Coinciding with the event, the Walking with the Snowman trail will return today to the town centre, running until early January.

Trail maps are available at MIMA and Holiday Inn Express, highlighting the locations of 12 snowman sculptures.

Visitors who complete the trail can claim a 50 per cent discount on hot drinks at Holiday Inn Express.