Colin Baker, the sixth incarnation of the Time Lord, told a crowd at resort Cromer that Blackpool's lights were "not a patch" on their churchyard's Christmas lights.

The ex-star's dismissal of Blackpool's iconic Illuminations was met with cheers in the small coastal town best known for its crabs.

Baker visited Blackpool in August when he made a personal appearance at the Who shop, on Victoria Street. He returned in November during the last weekend of the Illuminations to take part in the Monster Memorabilia Collectors show at Norbreck Castle.

Dave Simon, manager of the Who store, was quick to leap to the defence of his hero who defended the world from the Daleks and Cybermen between 1984 and 1986. He said: "I know Colin personally and he is a big fan of Blackpool just as the people of Blackpool are big fans of his.

"This comment would have been meant very tongue in cheek, I'm sure he was just playing to the crowd. When Colin visited in August, more than 4,000 people turned out to see him, it was just before the Lights were switched on so Who mania was running high here.

"After he was at the store he spent the day in the town with his family, they went up the Tower and did the Blackpool tourist thing. I know he is fond of the town and would not have meant any offence."

Tourism chief Coun Maxine Callow said, "I'm sure Cromer's lights are very nice but perhaps the previous Dr Who should have a chat with the current one – David Tennant – who switched on the Illuminations last year."