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Dr Who to switch on Blackpool lights
TIME Lord David Tennant is preparing to swap the controls of his Tardis for another famous lever – to switch on this year's Blackpool Illuminations.
The Scot – who also famously played DI Carlisle in BBC1 drama Blackpool – has accepted an invitation to be the switch-on star – a full five months before the big launch.
It is a far cry from last year's 11th hour fiasco when comedian Peter Kay and Dale Winton were named just two days before the show.
But while Kay appeared on stage, it was left to flamboyant TV presenter Dale Winton to do the honours.
Today's announcement of Tennant for the 2007 Lights show is the earliest in the town's history.
This year's autumn spectacular, which will run from Friday August 31 to Sunday November 3, will also feature a Dr Who themed section.
This will run alongside the previously announced Decodance display being created by style guru Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Blackpool hoteliers have welcomed the timing of the announcement, which allows them to attract tourists to the event.
Colin Asplin, president of Blackpool Hotel and Guesthouse Association, said: "I think it is brilliant news – hopefully he might bring a few darleks along with him.
"He is a terrific actor and well liked by the public.
"It should make for a better switch-on than the debacle last year.
"We didn't know until the day before who it would be and then it changed.
"No offence to Dale Winton, he is a well-known personality but he is a television presenter, rather than an actor."
Tennant joins an illustrious list of stars to have launched the lights including the fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, who illuminated the town as Doctor Who back in 1975.
Tourism director Jane Seddon said: "It's fantastic for Blackpool to have someone as high profile as David switching on the lights.
"It's good to have signed up a celebrity so early in the season.
"We are also delighted Radio 2 and BBC TV are involved in organising an extra switch-on line-up for the event."
Jackie Potter, Blackpool Council's strategic director of tourism and regeneration, said the choice would be popular with the expected huge family audience.
She said: "The free concert during which he will throw the switch marks the start of Blackpool's Big Switch On Weekend.
"We hope that thousands of fans of David, and of Blackpool, will join us in the celebrations and then stay to enjoy all the free events Blackpool will be hosting throughout the Illuminations season."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 31 mph
Wind direction: West
