TV star Roxanne Pallett switches on Metrocentre lights

Nov 17 2009 The Journal

SHOPPERS were illuminated with the magic of Christmas when festive lights were officially unveiled at the Metrocentre.

Families in their hundreds gathered in Exhibition Mall, with young and old alike excited to see the decorations which will hang over their heads as they shop in the run-up to December 25.

This year the honour of flicking the switch fell to soap star Roxanne Pallett.

The former Emmerdale favourite, who is due to appear at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal as Cinderella in this year’s pantomime, was joined on stage by the MetroGnomes, and the big man in red, Father Christmas.

Wide-eyed and wide-mouthed children looked on as light spread through the decorations’ centre-piece, an 80ft Christmas tree.

Roxanne, who frequently shopped at the centre as a youngster growing up in Carlisle, said: “In a lot of ways I consider Newcastle my home.

“It was a real honour being asked to switch the lights on this year. My mum shed a tear when I told her.

“It has actually started to make me feel really Christmassy.”