FORMER Big Brother star Jonny Regan was the star guest at the switch on of a shopping centre's Christmas lights today.

The Peterlee fireman, who made it down to the last two in the popular reality television show, flicked the switch at the MetroCentre watched by a crowd of shoppers.

He was joined by the centre's cuddly characters, the MetroGnomes, for the event in the Town Square near House of Fraser.

Public relations and promotions manager, Jane Holmes, said she was pleased to have secured the celebrity's services.

"We always look for someone interesting to switch on our Christmas decorations every year, and I think Jonny was particularly good because he's a local boy, and because Big Brother is so popular.

"Last year, it was Marlon Dingle from Emmerdale, and the year before, it was Tanni Grey-Thompson.

"We even had the Smash martian three years ago."

Following his appearance at the MetroCentre, Mr Regan will star as the genie in the Theatre Royal's production of Aladdin.