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20,000 enjoy switch-on
COMIC Alan Carr could not hide his joy as he sent 20,000 people wild with delight by switching on Blackpool's world famous Illuminations.
The TV star - a former resort resident - admitted: "I love you Blackpool!"
Egged on by screaming fans, the one-time resort resident and TV's new master of the double entendre told how he loved the town and jumped around like a naughty schoolboy as he pulled the famous lever.
>> Click here to watch highlights of the switch-on party.
The switch triggered a plume of confetti over an audience which cheered throughout the hour-long switch on show - broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.
The massive crowd did not seem to notice the biting winds as they were treated to performances from chart-toppers JLS, Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith, crooner Tony Christie and Madness.
But it was King of Camp Carr who stole the show with his cheeky innuendoes and infectious laugh.
The son of ex-Blackpool FC manager Graham Carr, flirted with the crowd and presenter Kate Thornton, although in scarf and duffel coat he was dressed more like he was ready to explore the Antarctic than take a stroll down the Golden Mile.
He told the crowd: "Listen all you young girls, stop screaming, you're barking up the wrong tree!
"I love coming back to Blackpool. The last time I was here me and Lionel Blair saved a man from jumping off North Pier.
"I can't wait to flick the switch - I've been practicing it all week."
* For full coverage and pictures, see today's Gazette.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
