Blackpool is world-famous and I can't wait to switch the famous Illuminations on, says Paddy McGuinness

Paddy McGuinness has arrived in Blackpool ahead of the moment he will officially switch on this year’s Illuminations, saying he “can’t wait” to do the honours.

The comedian and presenter is in the resort for tonight’s spectacular switch-on event, with crowds gathering across Blackpool as excitement builds ahead of the big moment. McGuinness said he had already seen just how busy the event was becoming, telling reporters: “I just popped my had through there and it's absolutely rammers, so it should be a good do!”

He said being asked to switch on the Illuminations was an opportunity he had wanted to take for some time, explaining: “It's mad with the light switch-on, I've been asked to do it over the years but I've never been free, so when it came through this time, I said I was definitely going to do it.”

McGuinness also highlighted the importance of the Illuminations to Blackpool. "It's massive for the local economy,” he said. “Blackpool is world-famous regardless for the light and the name Blackpool and the people who've been here over the years. The lights are everything - it's costs the council a few quid to put it on, but they'll make it back tenfold and long may it continue."

For McGuinness, the event also has a personal significance, bringing back memories of visiting Blackpool as a child with his family.

"When I was a kid coming here in the back of my dad's little yellow Ford Fiesta looking at the lights... those memories stay with you forever. Families and kids out there tonight will be creating their own memories, so I've got a soft spot for Blackpool. I always come to the Winter Gardens on tour. It's always good round here!"

The presenter said his long association with Blackpool will make tonight’s switch-on particularly special. "Coming here all those years and a kid and a grown-up and having had so many great nights here and days on the beach, it's going to be surreal being on stage turning the lights on, but I can't wait!"

With crowds continuing to build and the resort preparing for the Illuminations to burst into life, McGuinness will take to the stage later tonight to perform the ceremonial switch-on.

For someone who has grown up visiting Blackpool and created his own memories of the famous lights, tonight promises to be a particularly memorable moment.